ISME 09: Upstart Play N Trade redesigns its experience, takes aim at GameStop

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

Executives from the fastest-growing video game retailer shared details on their store redesign and emphasis on in-store events.

Price Checkers and Digital Signage Can Provide Data to Customers

Price checking scanners and digital signage can be integrated to allow retailers to enhance marketing and offer convenience for customers, leading to increased…

Top 10 brand and marketing trends for 2010

A new definition of value, growing consumer expectations among the things brands and retailers will need to watch for.

Report: Store-based retailers see the most potential in mobile

September 30, 2009

RSR Research's latest report, "Online Commerce in 2009: The Model Has Changed — Have Retailers?" finds that store-based retailers see the greatest…

Cirque du Soleil reinvents its retail shop

The entertainment company recognized an opportunity to expand its performance experience into the concession and retail shop, creating a marketplace truly in…

Pharmacy chain installs in-store music and messaging system

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

September 24, 2009

Bartell Drugs, a 57-store pharmacy chain headquartered in Seattle, has added music and messaging capabilities from PlayNetwork in its stores. Bartell is the…

Opinion: The difference between clerking and selling

The Retail Doc explains why in-store staff should be moved beyond low-hanging fruit and into real selling.

Self-Checkout

Self-checkout has revolutionized retail by putting the “last mile” of the transaction in the hands of the shopper. In this exclusive guide, you will learn how…

How mobile will reshape the customer experience

Mobile applications for smart phones are poised to be the future of retailer communications with shoppers.

E-tail clinic: Amazon.com

It's the king of online retail and a serious competitor to many a brick-and-mortar. But just how good is the Amazon customer experience?

Great customer service: Remembering the little things

Tough times mean retailers need to squeeze all the value they can out of their assets, and that includes the small touches that can make a big difference.

The theater of the brand: Building entertainment experiences at retail

Retailers are using three pivotal tools to engage and stay top-of-mind with consumers.

Walmart's 'Project Impact' shoots for cleaner stores, better customer service

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

September 8, 2009

Time is reporting on the real-world impact of Walmart's "Project Impact," a makeover initiative that sees the retailer focusing on cleaner store environments…

How to make men feel at home while shopping

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

September 7, 2009

San Francisco Chronicle fashion correspondent Aaron Britt recently went on a walking tour of S.F. men's retail with Bertrand Pellegrin, author of "Branding the…

Making the case for custom point-of-purchase content

A core factor of the retail customer experience is advertising. But how we speak to a potential customer versus a customer at the point of purchase are not the…

Designing a new experience — and putting fun back into retail

Now is a great time to design and launch a new customer experience — especially for brands feeling the pinch of commoditization.

Driver's license scanning reduces fraud, but may alienate shoppers

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

In an effort to fight return fraud and abuse, a growing number of retailers are using a service that keeps a database of return activity — and feels like an…

Research: E-commerce hindered by lack of human assistance

A large number of respondents to a new survey indicate a lack of assistance affected their online purchasing decisions.

Jeweler draws in shoppers — with a fully stocked bar

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

August 25, 2009

Jeff Weiss and his partners have launched an unusual jewelry store in Albany, N.Y., where the emphasis is on more than just buying gems. The 7,000-square-foot…

Reader Q&A: How do I drive more traffic into the store?

A legendary retailer asks for advice on getting shoppers into the store, and Kate Newlin responds with some practical tips.