Opinions vary on IKEA store 'maze' layout

by Kim Williams — Reporter, NetWorld Alliance

Some think the layout is meant to be intentionally confusing.

Herbal Essences launches Microsoft Tag displays

March 3, 2011

Herbal Essences recently launched a new retail campaign using the Microsoft Tag on in-store shelf talkers. The Tag help shoppers determine which collection of…

Have you outgrown your market?

by Dale Furtwengler — President, Furtwengler & Associates, P.C.

When you've become the best of the best, what do you do next?I've recently begun working with a gentleman who has reached the pinnacle of his profession and…

IBM is testing biometrics technology for retail marketing

February 28, 2011

International Business Machines Corp. (IBM) is testing technology that would use biometrics — automated ways of recognizing humans based on physical or…

Is augmented reality the future of retail?

February 28, 2011

 Global revenues from augmented reality (AR) applications and services are projected to reach $1.5 billion by 2015, according According to Pocket-lint.com.

Video: The Best Experiences in the World and What Makes Them Work

Why looking at a business from the customer's point of view leads to raving fans and a better bottom line.

Simplicity as a competitive advantage

by Doug Fleener — President and Managing Partner, Dynamic Experiences Group, LLC

Simplicity is a competitive advantage. Most people overcomplicate things, and when they do they lose their effectiveness. Here are some examples I've seen and…

Proposed legislation would eliminate price stickers in Michigan

February 27, 2011

According to The Detroit Free Press, shoppers in Michigan may no longer see price stickers on merchandise because of pending legislation supported by Gov. Rick…

Microsoft introduces Microsoft Dynamics AX for Retail R2 at EuroShop 2011

February 27, 2011

Microsoft Corp. launched Microsoft Dynamics AX for Retail R2 in Germany at the global retail industry trade fair, EuroShop 2011.

Will new J.C. Penney logo succeed where Gap failed?

by Kim Williams — Reporter, NetWorld Alliance

The retailer's new logo uses the Helvetica font - as did the ill-fated Gap redesign.

Harvard Book Store simulates window-shopping online – and does it well

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

Two years ago, Amazon tried something called Windowshop, an interactive Web app that aimed to make the online book-browsing experience more like the in-store…

Retail installation designed for Puma on display at London’s Selfridges stores

February 24, 2011

According to WIDN.com, London’s Selfridges, a high-end department store chain, is presenting a retail installation for Puma, designed to showcase an…

Digby brings In-Store Mobile Module to retailers

February 23, 2011

Digby, provider of mobile commerce for top retail brands, announced today the launch of the Digby In-store Mobile Module, a new feature that enables retailers…

Panphonics Directional Audio Speakers installed in 7-Eleven in-store digital networks

February 23, 2011

Panphonics, a provider of directional audio speakers, announced Wednesday that its patented Sound Shower loudspeakers have been installed in the industry’s…

What you can't teach buyers

by Dale Furtwengler — President, Furtwengler & Associates, P.C.

There are some things you just can't teach buyers. Nor should you try.As sellers, we can educate buyers on:

Retailers review the role of stores as multi-channel booms

February 22, 2011

An increasing number of consumers are researching products in bricks-and-mortar retail stores before purchasing online, according to new research by Deloitte…

Amazon offering unlimited instant streaming to Prime members

February 22, 2011

According to WSJ.com Market Watch, Amazon announced yesterday that it is now offering unlimited instant video-streaming of movies and TV shows at no additional…

MICROS-Retail announces XBR and Balance Sales Audit versions 7.0

February 21, 2011

MICROS-Retail, a division of MICROS Systems, Inc. and provider of retail technology, announced the release of XBR Loss Prevention and Store Analytics version…

Survey shows majority of shoppers motivated by brand loyalty

February 21, 2011

CrossView, a provider of cross-channel commerce solutions, recently released a survey showing that more than half of 177 shoppers surveyed are motivated by…

Five barriers to building retail customer loyalty

Loyalty programs should be about companies demonstrating their loyalty to customers, not the other way around.