Panera leader: Payment, mobile innovations boosting customer experience

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

Panera Bread is still going full throttle in expanding payment strategies to reduce consumer friction points and enhancing the customer experience.

Amazon flying fast forward with drone service strategy

January 20, 2016

Regulatory challenges, safety hurdles and increasing competition aren't stalling Amazon's plans to be one of the first, if not the first, drone service…

9 things to know about retail loyalty programs

by Bryan Pearson — President, LoyaltyOne

From the tangible value of data assets to stealth pricing, loyalty programs can offer retailers many advantages that are little understood. Here are nine…

Yahoo offers researchers treasure trove of user data

January 18, 2016

Yahoo is sharing news-reading habits of its 20 million users and the data will likely improve recommendation technology down the road.

Talking with HP retail product chief Cory McElroy

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

Mobile security is a challenge for any retailer hoping to lure in the mobile device shopper. HP's Cory McElroy says the key is to not become complacent with a…

NRF Preview: Retailers shine a light on beacons to drive mobile engagement

by Will Hernandez — Editor, NetWorld Media Group

Multiple mainstream publications near the end of 2015 rushed to declare beacon technology a dud even though Apple first introduced the technology less than…

Florida retail mall experience offers up a unique artistic collaboration

January 15, 2016

When is a luxury retail mall environment also an artistic gallery setting? When a collaborative effort makes it happen.

Lululemon eschews traditional holiday discounts and gets big reward

January 15, 2016

Lululemon didn’t mark down much during this past holiday sales season and the strategy paid off.

Amazon drops Prime price, offers LTO free program access

January 15, 2016

Amazon is celebrating its Golden Globe wins and wants to share the good feeling with the world.

How retailers are avoiding “Uberization”

In today's increasingly interconnected world, disruptive business models like those of AirBnB and Uber are thriving.

First rule in empathetic marketing: Know thy customer

One way brands are effectively engaging with customers is through empathy. A buzzword in the marketing world, empathy is the act of putting yourself in your…

Apparel retailers facing challenges in new year

January 11, 2016

While the 2015 holiday season proved rewarding for most retailers there are more than a few, at least five, facing some hurdles and obstacles in 2016.

Understanding a consumer's personality is key to engagement, purchase activity

January 11, 2016

Providing the best retail customer experience is tied to many things and one is knowing exactly who the customer is, what they’re looking for and where they’re…

Ford aims to make auto ownership a more fulfilling customer experience

Car maker aims to boost customer driving experience for both Ford and non-Ford customers.

Digital investments key factor in sales growth at J.C. Penney

January 7, 2016

Unlike its competitor Macy's, J.C. Penney is celebrating a sales spike despite warm weather that hindered apparel sales this holiday season and credits its…

Kmart chief: We're focusing on the fun factor and meeting shopper needs

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

Kmart's strategy is to provide every shopper, whether online or in a store, the best consumer experience and is relying on both old and new approaches to…

The great Occam’s Razor paradox for retailing in 2016

by Chris Petersen — Owner, IMS

The law of parsimony is great for consumers, but a burden for retailers.

Apple aims to draw out the artist in iPhone, iPad user base

January 1, 2016

Apple will debut new creative and artistic workshops for device users.

Manhattan Toys 'R' Us closes doors as new year arrives

December 31, 2015

One of New York City’s Times Square retail icons closed its doors this week, with children and adults alike not feeling very jolly about the prospect of never…

5 New Year resolutions to drive smarter retail customer experiences

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

This past year has clearly been a year of advancement and enlightenment by retailers, and 2016 is likely not going to be much different. Here's a few…