Should You Recruit Gay Men To Sell Your Merch? Maybe

by Bob Phibbs — CEO, The Retail Doctor

The Expressive is the spark-plug to your crew. They are the one that adds color, excitement and fun. Is that a gay thing? No, Bob Phibbs says it is an…

Five trends to help retailers compete on convenience

A time-starved populace demands immediate gratification, but it won't compromise on selection.

NRF: Gift spending is up for graduation season

Fewer people will buy graduation gifts, but they will spend slightly more than last year.

NRF: April retail sales show continued momentum

May 16, 2010

Retail sales continued their upward climb in April, showing evidence of a much more confident consumer compared to this time last year.  According to the…

Can companies really predict what customers like online?

Internet marketers may not know as much about shoppers as they think do, according to a new study.

Ten ways retailers can build their opt-in email lists

If no one is reading your marketing emails, it doesn't matter how creative or passionate those messages are.

How retailers can market their way out of tough times

In today's economic climate, cutting back on marketing is flirting with business suicide.

Managing brand bashing on social media

For retailers, the best defense against online negativity may be your best customers.

Study: Satisfaction with online retailers reaches all-time high

May 4, 2010

Satisfaction with Top 100 e-retailers rebounded from a dive this time last year, to an all-time high score of 78 points out of 100, a five-point increase.

Four lessons to learn from the success of Miracle Mile Shops

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

The Vegas shopping destination has posted double-digit growth for four consecutive months. Here's how.

Report: Moms win out over the economy

Good news for Mom. Jewelry gifts for Mom showed the most improvement as More than nine of 10 consumers (93 percent) plan to celebrate Mother's Day, with total…

How Facebook pages can impact customer experience

Customers are using Facebook to research companies more than many retail executives and industry experts may have anticipated.

Build-A-Bear founder on the importance of listening

Maxine Clark demonstrates how to build brand loyalty by seeking feedback from customers.

Selling the seductiveness of luxury in-store

Why the in-store experience is crucial for creating loyalty to artisanal products.

Retailers: Ask your customers for permission to market to them

You can legally add a customer's email to your mailing list without asking. Here's why you shouldn't.

Report: Moms win out over the economy

Mother's Day spending poised for a five-percent increase, according to new research.

Men shop too: The four key factors for marketing to men

Reaching the male shopper takes more than merely transforming colors, fonts and packaging.

The return of the Target-only credit card

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

It's a move that is understandable from a financial standpoint but questionable from a customer satisfaction one: As we reported Tuesday, Target is…

Going "Beyond" Customer's Expectations

by Annamaria Turano — Executive Director, MCAworks

On New York's east side, there’s a store with exceptional customer service.  It's not on Madison Avenue. It's not on 5th Avenue. It starts with a “B” but it’s…

Survey: Mother's Day spending set to increase this year

April 19, 2010

Having spent slightly more on Valentine’s Day, Easter and even St. Patrick’s Day, consumers this year are continuing the trend and will spend a little bit more…