UK consumers less tolerant to poor service than US counterparts

February 26, 2014

New research from NewVoiceMedia reveals that U.K. consumers are less tolerant to poor customer service than those in the U.S.. Coupled with findings that they…

Five ways to rev up your retail staff

by Barbara Crowhurst — Retail Business Coach, Retail Makeover

Perhaps the biggest challenge retailers face is finding good people to staff their stores. In today's environment, it's hard to find skilled people who are…

The myth of motivation in retail and the customer experience

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

Years ago I had an incredibly talented retail associate working for me. He was smart, charming, a fast learner, and one of the best salespeople I ever met.

Lowe's to hire 25K seasonal employees

February 19, 2014

Lowe's announced today it plans to hire approximately 25,000 seasonal employees at its stores in the United States during spring, the busiest time of year in…

Why retailers need to keep a laser focus on the customer

by Jeff Weidauer — Vice President, Marketing & Strategy, Vestcom International, Inc.

I spent the first 15 years of my retail career in operations, i.e. working in and ultimately managing stores. Those years gave me invaluable first-hand…

Your price is too high!

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

These words strike fear into the hearts of CEOs and salespeople like no others. The reality is that this is the one statement we should long to hear. Why?

Five tips to make the most of your Valentine's Day retail experience

Only 54 percent of Americans are planning to celebrate Valentine's Day this year, compared to 60 percent last year.

Customer loyalty test: Will your customer evangelize your business?

by Shep Hyken — CAO, Shepard Presentations

The term "loyalty" usually brings to mind a long period of time … in other words, a lifetime customer. However, when I teach the concept of loyalty, I like to…

Webinar to explore hiring, employee theft

February 11, 2014

On Thursday, Feb. 20 at 2 p.m. ET, Retail Customer Experience will host a live webinar, "Worth the Risk? How Hiring Assessments Can Catch Rising Employee Theft…

Five requirements for improving employee performance for store growth

by Chris Petersen — Owner, IMS

From the headlines coming out of last month's NRF Big Show, it was difficult to tell if retail stores were "running scared" of e-commerce, or very optimistic…

Victoria's Secret, Nike top retail brand engagement index

Brand Keys has published the results of its 2014 study of emotional loyalty and engagement in retail.

Five ways to improve customer service with video

Video can help reduce customer service costs, and is more likely to get your customers engaged.

The future of retail: Death of a salesman

by Doug Stephens — President, Retail Prophet Consulting

Like most people, at least a half-dozen times a day I consult Google for answers. Some of what I search for is trivial, "bet-settling" sort of stuff but there…

Using customer feedback as an advantage

by Shep Hyken — CAO, Shepard Presentations

Customers have always had a voice, but today it is louder than ever. Great companies want to hear from their customers. They want their feedback, opinions and…

More than a lost sale

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

During a store visit I got a chance to talk with a young woman I consider an excellent sales person. She delivered very engaging experiences and seemed focused…

Five customer service tactics to increase sales

by Shep Hyken — CAO, Shepard Presentations

As you read this, you may think this article could fall under the heading of sales tactics. I respectfully disagree. This is all about customer service, as it…

2014 is 'The Year of Empathy,' according to Temkin Group research

January 15, 2014

Bruce Temkin, widely recognized as a customer experience visionary, has released his annual listing of customer experience trends to watch. Headlining the…

NRF 2014 opener: Retail stores 'meet a human need, not just a commercial one'

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

An innovative mall operator opened this year's Big Show with a fresh breath of optimism and positivity.

How real-life customer needs drive innovation

Customer experience innovation is all about looking for examples of what's working and what your customer really wants next.

Your staff inventory and 2014 development goals

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

Hello again and Happy New Year!