Brick-and-mortar stores aren't dead: They just need a digital makeover

Gil Larsen, VP Americas at Blis explains why retail success is all about inviting consumers in for a visit and ensuring you engage them once they come in.

6 best practices for thriving in the 'post-human' customer service age

Anand Subramaniam, SVP worldwide marketing for eGain, offers up insight on how retailers can avoid frustrating potential customers and only only survive but…

6 ways to deliver stressless service in the holiday season

by Chip Bell — Customer Loyalty Consultant/Author, Chip Bell Group

Chip Bell explains how retailers can achieve stress-less success during the hectic season by acting as a host, not as a slave.

The new face of disruption: Retail in the digital age

David Rosen, digital transformation technologist and strategist,TIBCO Software, shares how industry leaders, like Amazon, are laser focused on innovating the…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Creating touchpoints to connect with consumers

Alexander Shporer, project manager at starrdesign, explains why retailers need to create a distinct shopping experience where guests can see, touch and connect…

Great expectations: Recalibrating retail as we know it

Evan Magliocca, brand marketing manager at Baesman Insights & Marketing, explains why the in-store experience must be new, exciting and something nothing ever…

'New wave' retail is starting to crest

by Christopher Hall — w, t

For many analysts, observers and pundits, the Sears story serves as a kind of moral or object lesson to Amazon. But ICXA Managing Director Christopher Hall…

Alibaba one-ups Amazon by building a mall for retailers

by Chris Petersen — Owner, IMS

Chris Petersen writes on how Amazon and Alibaba, two great disruptors of traditional bricks and mortar retail, are focused on creating new models that will…

Kagan: Is your company a leader or follower?

by Jeff KAGAN — Wireless Analyst, Telecom Industry Analyst

Jeff Kagan shares why retailers need to understand where their company fits into the changing marketplace as it's key to success or failure. There are only…

Has automated retailing's time finally arrived In the US?

Paul Schlossberg, president DFW Consulting, talks automated retailing and why, despite challenges and failures, the concept just won't die.

Avoid these 8 mistakes and be a winner in personalization

Kibo CMO Tushar Patel outlines eight very avoidable, mistakes retailers make with regards to personalization.

‘Bodega Mania’ fails to make the case for technology

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Hopefully, Bodega's social media firestorm will help educate the automated retailing industry and the technology community about the need to be direct with the…

2022: The death of the CXO

BookingBug CEO Glenn Shoosmith explains why retailers must have a 360-degree view of their customers and unify their communications. Customers are increasingly…