More than one in five Americans uncomfortable using coupons at the grocery

February 16, 2009

TORONTO — More than one in five U.S. consumers, 22 percent to be precise, admit they are self-conscious about redeeming coupons at the grocery store…

Independent booksellers hold tight to their niche

February 15, 2009

The Daily Herald (Chicago): They've battled the big guys, the Internet, the downward spiral of the economy. Now, in the tradition of all great drama…

Ten new shopping habits of the formerly upper-middle class

Tough times are changing the relationship consumers have with the foods they buy for themselves and their families.

Retail architect: Meet the new consumer

February 10, 2009

Jeffrey Hutchison, The Huffington Post: The current financial crisis has ushered in a new retail era which spells the end of shopping as we have known it…

Reward program members are best at word-of-mouth

February 10, 2009

Progressive Grocer: Consumers who are loyalty reward program members are far more likely to be word-of-mouth (WOM) champions for their favorite brands than…

Paco Underhill: Retail therapy still alive and well

February 4, 2009

The Boston Globe: They may not be thousands of dollars in debt like the protagonist of "Confessions of a Shopaholic," which hits theaters next week, but…

Localization, not standardization, the new winning retail strategy

January 21, 2009

Wall Street Journal: With consumer confidence eroding and retailers seeing sharp declines in sales, Edeka is one of several Western European grocers taking…

Shopper marketing finally getting respect it deserves

January 18, 2009

Adweek: While 21 million people waltzed over to their sets to watch an average episode of Dancing With the Stars last year, and American Idol cast its spell on…

NRF: Outgoing Wal-Mart CEO stresses opportunity

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

H. Lee Scott, Jr. emphasizes an upcoming period of opportunity for both the nation and the retail industry.

Shoppers willing to pay more for products they can touch

A new study suggests that consumer desire for a product is intensified at the moment of first contact.

Expert: One big checkout line better than multiple small ones

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

December 23, 2008

As shoppers rush to stores like Best Buy in the waning hours of the 2008 holiday shopping season, lines get longer and longer at the checkout lanes. Some…

How retail can benefit from social media

December 17, 2008

The Gourmet Retailer: For some retailers, social media is proving to be a valuable tool for engaging consumers, driving sales and building customer loyalty…

Retailers alter holiday music mix in-store to play on emotions

December 11, 2008

Forbes: With holiday shopping more stressful than ever this year, some retailers are eschewing traditional holiday music in their stores. Songs like Harry…

Paco Underhill to speak at Digital Signage Expo

December 8, 2008

ATLANTA — Digital Signage Expo, Interactive Technology Expo and Out-of-Home Network Show have announced that Paco Underhill, founder and managing director of…

Gift registry options put off some shoppers

December 4, 2008

CNN: Once, registering for gifts was the exclusive privilege of brides — but not any more. Today, people register for birthdays, holidays, expensive vacations…

Consumer desire driving green retail IT

Shoppers increasingly value transparency, sustainability when making buying decisions.

Convenience still the top reason people shop online

November 20, 2008

Adweek: American consumers will continue to shift their gift buying online this holiday season, citing convenience, time saving and price, according to…

Marketing show heavy on innovation

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

Fresh ideas from the In-Store Marketing Expo in Las Vegas.

More shoppers choosing private-label products

November 18, 2008

Progressive Grocer: Private-label products are increasingly encroaching on name brands' turf, as a majority of U.S. consumers are viewing store-brand items…

Five things shoppers will do this holiday

A tough economy is impacting shopper plans and behaviors.