NRF survey: Most consumers are less than halfway done with holiday shopping

December 16, 2009

Though the Christmas countdown is in its final stages, it seems shoppers still have plenty of shopping left to do. According to NRF's 2009 Holiday Consumer…

Report: How consumers will choose brands after the recession

December 10, 2009

Historically, consumers that give up expensive products during a recession go back to buying them once better days return. But according to a new report from…

Study: Stigma of gift receipts is diminishing

December 9, 2009

To ensure that recipients are happy with holiday gifts, millions of Americans will rely on gift receipts to enable loved ones to return or exchange a gift…

How shopping cart abandonment affected Cyber Monday and Black Friday

December 9, 2009

The abandonment rate has steadily dropped since the end of October — but when you look beneath the monthly average, a strong weekly cycle becomes apparent.

How discounting is hurting retailers

When retailers lower prices without asking customers to give up something in return, confusion results and sales are negatively impacted.

Report: Consumer definition of value is changing

December 2, 2009

The shopper experience study underway by The Integer Group and M/A/R/C Research reveals that electronics and department stores continue to see the largest…

Number of Americans to shop on Cyber Monday nears 100 million

November 29, 2009

As online retailers put the finishing touches on Cyber Monday promotions, the number of people who plan to shop on the Monday after Thanksgiving may surpass…

The changing face of Black Friday

The weekend after Thanksgiving remains the biggest shopping event of the year, but the reasons customers pack the stores are changing.

Report: Consumers in a frugal holiday mood

November 22, 2009

U.S. households are expected to spend an average of $390 on Christmas gifts this holiday season, down from last year's estimate of $418, The Conference Board…

Economic, H1N1 worries will impact holiday shopping behavior

The H1N1 flu virus is expected to impact retail sales on Black Friday and throughout Thanksgiving weekend, but perhaps the bigger concern for retailers is…

Report: Gift card spending to drop slightly

November 18, 2009

While they remain the most requested holiday item, shoppers are expected to pull back on buying gift cards again this year. According to NRF's 2009 Holiday…

Report: More holiday shoppers will pay with debit, cash

November 16, 2009

It's the year for a little more green and a little less plastic. According to NRF's 2009 Holiday Consumer Intentions and Actions survey, conducted by…

Report: Four ways Millennials will impact retail in coming years

November 16, 2009

Millennials — Americans born between 1979 and 1989 — are one of the largest demographics in the country and will soon be entering a strong growth period in…

Five things any retailer can learn from Apple

While most retailers can't lean on Steve Jobs for help with reinvention, there are lessons that all can learn from the Apple/Disney partnership.

Barnes & Noble Nook raises questions about digital-only products

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

Technology has made it possible to deliver music, movies, books and more without a physical product. But is that good for shoppers or retailers?

Customers are buying down, and opportunities are rising, part 3

by Mike Wittenstein — Customer Experience and Service Designer, Storyminers

Customer-centric experience design is explored in this final installment of "Where's the Opportunity?"

Four strategies for a better retail holiday season

Retailers need to prepare for the upcoming season with carefully planned merchandise assortments, inventory levels and cross-channel promotions that drive…

Considerations When Placing a POS System

The point of sale is the last interaction a customer will have in the store. Having a cluttered, crowded system can leave a lasting negative impression.

Study: H1N1 flu could have a big impact on holiday retail

Nearly one in five consumers say their concern over the flu will cause them to avoid holiday shopping on traditionally busy days.

Best Buy CEO: Low prices are 'table stakes' for retailers

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

October 25, 2009

Customers care about low prices, but they want a lot more from their retailers than just the best deal.