Why is everyone so freaked out about automated customer service?

Nick Francis, CEO of Help Scout, shares how automation, if done well, can lead to higher customer satisfaction and a better experience. Instant gratification…

Don't be overwhelmed by omnichannel: A practical guide to implementation

Michael Ringman, CIO, Telus International, explains why omnichannel customer service isn't just about who has the longest list of 'contact us' options…

Target has big plans for the big holiday season

October 31, 2017

Target is boosting the number of exclusive brands available for the holiday season and expanding ways consumers can shop while at the same time increasing…

Outdoors retailer shuttering doors on Black Friday

October 31, 2017

For the third year in a row, outdoors retailer REI won't be open on Black Friday.

First Data expands availability of Clover via Apple retail stores

October 30, 2017

First Data has announced new initiatives with Apple designed to broaden the distribution of First Data's Clover devices and accelerate the expansion and…

Top 5 skills every frontline associate must have

Kevin Nix, CEO and co-founder, Stellar Loyalty, explains why tech-savvy frontline employees must have five specific skills and why retailers must invest in…

Lowe’s Orchard Supply Hardware refreshes brand to drive better customer engagement

by Judy Mottl — Editor: RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com, Connect Media

The retailer is tapping a new creative platform developed by consultancy Persuasion Arts & Sciences to refresh the brand, build deeper engagement with…

Reward or no reward? That is the retailer's question

Narina Sippy, CMO of Stellar Loyalty, offers up insight on how to design a loyalty program that actually makes customers more loyal, spend more per visit, and…

Live Webinar: Why AI is crucial to the customer care strategy

by Judy Mottl — Editor: RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com, Connect Media

Tractica Principal Analyst Mark Beccue and Interactions VP of Marketing Jane Price explain in a live one-hour free webinar why retailers should be embracing…

Price not the only focus for consumers these days

October 25, 2017

While the price point will always be a top consideration for the consumer, other factors, from in-store events to great service, are also top of mind…

Understanding the why and how of the analytics plan

Tom Schoen, president and CEO, BTM Global, explains how there is often a gap between what a retailer wants to know and what's truly important to operations and…

Venmo acceptance comes to 2M online merchants mobile digital wallet pos

October 25, 2017

Venmo users can now shop on their mobile phone and make purchases at more than two million U.S. retailers via the mobile web, according to a press release.

Alipay puts emphasis on partnerships as merchant acceptance grows in North America

by Will Hernandez — Editor, NetWorld Media Group

Souheil Badran, president of Alipay North America, spoke Sunday at the annual Money20/20 conference in Las Vegas to give attendees the current bird's-eye view…

United Airlines secures EZ Access certification for self-serve kiosks

October 24, 2017

United Airlines has incorporated EZ Access technologies into its self-service kiosks to better ensure that the kiosks are accessible to all travelers.

Delivering great customer service with a minimal customer support team

Scott Voigt, co-founder and CEO, FullStory, offers up best practices to keep customer support quality high and costs low while delivering a great customer…

Ikea vending machine offers kitchen tools

October 23, 2017

Ikea has installed a vending machine at a Stockholm subway station to sell small kitchen items such as a garlic press, an egg slicer and other tools, according…

Study: Retailers lack tools to tap customer data

October 20, 2017

More than half, 58 percent, of retailers don't have in-store tools to view and analyze customer data across touch points, and of those who do, just 64 percent…

Rent-A-Center's 'Inner Circle' is about meeting customer needs and much more

by Judy Mottl — Editor: RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com, Connect Media

A mobile-first community and customer insight platform is not only booting customer engagement and interaction for the home furnishings retailer, but spurring…

Why personalization is key for retail customer experiences

Jim Dicso, CEO of SundaySky, explores how retailers can personalize engagement in an entertaining, valuable and non-creepy way and create superior customer…

Kagan: Will Walmart win with Jet.com private label?

by Jeff KAGAN — Wireless Analyst, Telecom Industry Analyst

Jeff Kagan wants Walmart and Walmart.com to be successful, but he believes the level of success will come from respect for the customer. The big question is…