Retailers can weather economy by focusing on basics

Trusted brands and an enlarged pool of skilled workers provide leverage.

Whole Foods named 'most humane grocer'

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

July 9, 2009

For many consumers, the recession has changed the criteria they use to select products: Fair-trade coffee and free-range chicken can quickly move from the…

New research dissects what makes a 'wow experience'

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

July 8, 2009

A new survey from The Verde Group and the Retail Council of Canada says that most shoppers — just slightly more than 50 percent — have had a great retail…

Customers abandon food, household brands, but stay loyal to child and pet care products

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

July 8, 2009

Marketing company Epsilon just released the results of its recent survey of 1,500 shoppers, exploring which types of products the newly frugal are abandoning…

Nielsen survey: Most people trust online product reviews

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

July 8, 2009

Notable exceptions notwithstanding — Tuscan Whole Milk, anyone? — it appears that most shoppers trust online product reviews.

Consumers want more convenience, more American-made food products

July 1, 2009

Progressive Grocer: Consumers are more frequently choosing American-made products over less expensive foreign goods, according to a recent report by The…

Economy presents a new reality for luxury brands

The downturn has forced a paradigm shift on luxury brand marketers, who are for the first time being forced to re-think their traditional approach.

Fighting online shopping cart abandonment

While most e-commerce sites measure conversion, many do not take a structured and proactive approach to abandonment.

Blog: Apple's magical retail experience in its global stores

June 22, 2009

Information Week: A professional investor who's used PCs for 20 years relates the superb retail experience he had at the Apple Store in Tokyo, and emphasizes…

RetailWire Discussion: Most loyal customers aren't profitable

A recent Harvard Business Journal article suggests that few customers are profitable — and of the ones that are, most are not loyal.

Study: Shoppers value eco-friendliness over price

June 4, 2009

Progressive Grocer: Although some recent consumer research indicates that you'll still need a crowbar to pry open the majority of shopper's wallets, the ORC…

Commentary: Online retail over-analyzed, 'stripped of all brand soul'

A brand consultant argues that too much emphasis on search engine optimization has diminished the online shopping experience.

Eye-tracking service helps retailers strengthen shelf presence

May 25, 2009

CHICAGO — User Centric Inc., a user research firm based in Chicago, has announced a new service, Eye Tracking for Package Design, which analyzes consumers…

New report reveals consumer attitudes toward self-service technology

May 21, 2009

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Self-Service and Kiosk Association has published its 2009 Self-Service Consumer Survey, a comprehensive report that reveals what…

Five viral marketing mistakes to avoid

There's a lot of buzz surrounding viral marketing — but retailers need to make sure to avoid these common missteps.

NRF: April retail sales show continued focus on necessities

May 12, 2009

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Consumers need more proof that the economy is slowly turning around as April retail sales show people continuing to cut back on their…

Secrets of high-concept retailers

Retailers such as American Girl that forge their own path thrive, despite tough times.

Bloomingdale's veteran: We need to react to changing shopper attitudes

May 6, 2009

Retail Week: Retailers need to work harder to persuade shoppers to start spending again in what is the most difficult time in the sector's history. That was…

Opinion: Retailers giving lip service to customer service

Noted retail trainer and author discusses how the concept of customer service has been watered down by many retailers.

Satisfying the customer whose credit has been denied

The retail credit scene is tough, but retailers don't have to bear the brunt of rejection.