Retail e-mails: Treading the fine line between marketing and spam

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

A retailer's opt-in list is one of its most valuable assets, but reaching out to it too often can result in brand backlash.

Fatto a mano: The seductiveness of luxury

A stroll through the streets of Florence highlights the true meaning of luxury in the post-recession world.

March retail sales stronger than anticipated, according to NRF

April 13, 2010

Surging past expectations, retail sales continued to show signs of improvement as consumers hit the stores for seasonal home goods, furniture and apparel.

Building a Better Bank

by Annamaria Turano — Executive Director, MCAworks

In the realm of retail shopping, Reluctant Shoppers* are defined by their ability to “put off” shopping as long as possible.  The actual problem might never…

Two-thirds of Facebook users say it influences purchase decisions

A new report details how users of the social networking site use it to interact with brands and retailers.

What's Really Good About HomeGoods

by Annamaria Turano — Executive Director, MCAworks

Do you find yourself regularly going to HomeGoods?  Just to see what’s there?  You’re not alone; the fans of HomeGoods are numerous and extremely enthusiastic…

Loyalty programs: what works, what doesn't

Perhaps not surprisingly, the least costly methods of building and maintaining loyalty are often the least effective.

Just for you... here's the one word that matters

by Susie Pecuch — Client Contact, The Customer Experience Architects

Amidst the many fancy and impressive business theories, advice and strategies for retail success, there is actually only one word that really matters.

The Market Share Myth

by Dale Furtwengler — President, Furtwengler & Associates, P.C.

Study: Women buying more online in response to poor customer service

April 4, 2010

A recent survey by VibrantNation.com, an online community for women over 50, reveals that Baby Boomer women are shifting their clothing purchases online…

Survey: Low prices replace customer service as primary loyalty driver

Walmart dominated the 2010 COLLOQUY Retail Loyalty Index, in results that reflect a reality of the Great Recession.

Informal poll bodes well for kiosks in retail

Better economy and improved public opinion are pushing more retailers to self-service.

Malls filling empty space with entertainment options

March 30, 2010

A report from Oregon Live suggests that malls can make excellent use of their vacant space by putting in entertainment destinations, the kind of attractions…

New study reveals impact of Facebook on retail

March 30, 2010

Retailers who are actively involved in marketing their products and services using Facebook may have a distinct advantage over their competitors, according to…

Report: 'We are seeing a multichannel revolution'

Nearly one-third of consumers use three or more channels to browse, research and purchase products.

Overcoming the sameness of retail

These four practical tips can help retailers rediscover their brands, and stand out from the competition.

GlobalShop 2010 roundup

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

This year's GlobalShop event in Las Vegas was well-attended, well-staffed and full of great insights. Here's a quick recap of some of the stories we brought…

Executive roundtable: HP on retail in 2010

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

Two top-level executives with HP discuss what retailers need to focus on in the coming years.

Seven principles for marketing to women

A cognitive anthropologist explains how men and women form emotional relationships with brands and retailers differently.

Survey: Tech-savvy shoppers setting the pace in Canada

March 15, 2010

A new IBM global survey, including 4,000 Canadians, reveals we are more loyal than most to our primary retailers. The study also revealed technology is giving…