Culturing a customer-friendly environment

August 17, 2008

How sensitive are you to differences in ethnicity?

Smart shopping carts gain momentum

August 13, 2008

The Canadian Press: Smart-cart technology — shopping carts with attached interactive video consoles — is gaining momentum in the United States and Europe.

Home and garden center adds interactive digital signage

August 13, 2008

MINNEAPOLIS — Wireless Ronin Technologies Inc., a Minneapolis-based digital signage provider, announced that Bachman's Inc., a Minneapolis-based floral, home…

Madden 09 draws midnight crowd

Food, games and a live band used to get gamers to stay up late and shop.

Nine West pilots item-level RFID

August 11, 2008

NEW YORK — Jones Apparel Group Inc. announced that it has initiated a program to evaluate RFID technology in select Nine West retail locations. The goal of…

Circuit City expands social commerce platform

August 11, 2008

RICHMOND, Va. — Circuit City announced renewed and expanded alliances with ConsumerReports.org, Popular Photography and Sound & Vision magazines and the…

China shop boosts customer service with real-time location system

August 10, 2008

RFID Journal: When a customer is ready to make a purchase at high-end china retailer William Ashley, a salesperson runs an inventory check for the items via…

Future Shop unveils quadrant-based layout, central hub

August 10, 2008

The Vancouver Sun: Future Shop has unveiled its first new store format in eight years with a feature that has taken a firm grip on the interior design world …

Retailing to the digital native

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

A new type of shopper requires a new level of engagement.

VendorNet launches cross-channel inventory tool

August 5, 2008

DELRAY BEACH, Fla. — VendorNet, a supply chain collaboration solutions provider, has announced the availability of its StoreNet Manager, an e-commerce and…

Despite customer qualms, retailers ready for contactless

August 4, 2008

RFID Journal: Just as one study found British consumers to be uncomfortable with the idea of contactless payment cards, other unrelated research determined…

More stores broadening selection in lieu of new-store construction

August 3, 2008

Chicago Tribune: Guitars at Best Buy. Frozen pizzas at Menards. Yoga pants at Walgreens. As the economy slows and the retail industry cuts back on investment…

Thirty-six million Americans now print online coupons

August 3, 2008

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — The number of people turning to the Web for coupons has soared to 36 million in 2008. That's an increase of 10 million people from…

The changing face of the department store

The venerable retail institution rolls with the times.

Oft-quoted retail statistic doesn't give the full picture

July 30, 2008

NEW YORK — A new global shopper study, "Shopper Decisions Made In-Store" (SDMIS), reveals what's truly happening in the world's retail shopping aisles.

Report sheds light on value of loyalty programs

July 29, 2008

ATLANTA — Vesdia Corp., provider of loyalty marketing and merchant network services, announced it has underwritten the research report, "Responsive Customer…

Flagship stores vital for brand relationships

July 27, 2008

Business Day: Many run at a loss, but flagship retail stores play a big role in building a richer customer relationship with a brand, says global branding…

Online stores lean toward tailor-made services

July 27, 2008

San Jose Mercury News: An increasing number of online retailers have distinguished themselves from the pack by giving users a little something extra beyond…

Creating a brand with a life of its own

Cultivating the customer passion that top brands enjoy.

Study: Retailers willing to sacrifice efficiency to improve service

July 23, 2008

DENVER — According to a new RSR Research report, "The New Customer-Centric Retail Supply Chain: Benchmark 2008," better performing retailers (what RSR calls…