Target launches QR codes for holiday toy shopping

October 4, 2012

In line with the holiday shopping fervor among retailers, Target announced it is adding QR codes in stores for the season's 20 most popular toys. The Target…

These Target training videos are a joke. I think.

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

We've all got that one family member who thinks he's hilarious, but he is not. Let's call him Uncle Kevin. At any family gathering, Uncle Kevin can be counted…

A customer service solution (soul-ution, actually)

by Micah Solomon — president, four aces inc

When I boarded the commuter ferry on Saturday, it seemed unusually crowded. A crew member explained: "We have a capacity crowd — about 2,500 souls — aboard…

Three examples of radical differentiation at Lululemon

The popular yoga retailer 'zigs when everybody else zags.'

RCE Podcast episode 11: Is retail any fun anymore?

A study this week suggesting that "retail therapy" isn't a real phenomenon leads to a fascinating discussion about how we feel and how we want to be spoken to…

The Peak-End Rule: A way to improve every customer experience

by William Cusick — President, Customerspectives

The only way you keep a customer, and get her to buy more, is to create a positive perception. And the only way a perception is created is through the customer…

Retail customers enjoy telling a good lie, study shows

September 17, 2012

Customers get a high amount of satisfaction when able to lie to retailers to obtain refunds, discounts or concessions, according to an article on NBCnews.com.

No fee layaway plan at Tennessee discount store

September 17, 2012

Memphis-based Fred's Super Dollar announced plans to launch a holiday layaway plan that boasts no fees, a down payment of just $1, and a $5 gift card for…

Retail Doctor Bob Phibbs talks customer service training

The Retail Doctor Bob Phibbs recaps some highlights from his customer service training session at the 2012 Retail Customer Experience Executive Summit.

The ten commandments of networking

by Harvey Mackay — Author, Mackay Mitchell

1. I will not assume that the person with the credentials is the person with the power.

RCE Podcast episode 10: A #Likeable social media chat with @DaveKerpen

We're taking a break from our usual format this week and next, so that we can bring you a few brief highlights from the third annual Retail Customer Experience…

Best Buy looks to improve employees as a way to boost sales

September 7, 2012

After a decline in sales and uneven store performances, Best Buy CEO Hubert Joly plans to put more focus on employee training, according to an article on…

Mystery shopping professional conference coming this fall

by Kimberly Nasief — President, Measure Consumer Perspectives

Mystery shopping agencies, companies and mystery shoppers from around the country will be in San Diego, California this October in order to attend one of the…

You don't need to be a jerk to give bad customer service

by Micah Solomon — president, four aces inc

Great customer service — what I call anticipatory customer service — requires more these days than simply not being a jerk and not hiring jerks. It means…

Walmart revamps layaway to please customers

September 5, 2012

Walmart announced yesterday a consumer-driven change to its holiday layaway policy, extending the program and cutting fees.

Carmine Gallo on the five secrets revealed in the Apple Genius manual

The leaked training manual gives exclusive insight into how Apple succeeds at employee training and customer service.

New AT&T flagship takes retail experience to the future

August 30, 2012

A new AT&T flagship store is set to open tomorrow on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile and aims to give customers a one-of-a-kind retail experience.

Apple Genius training manual reveals sales secrets

August 29, 2012

A leaked copy of Apple's Genius Training student workbook was examined in an article on gizmodo.com this week, and the contents were extensively revealing of…

Target to get geeky with new partnership pilot

August 27, 2012

Shoppers at Denver-area Target stores will have extra help in solving electronics problems. Starting in late October, the Geek Squad will be available 80-hours…

5 reasons why plugging Best Buy into Target might work

by Chris Petersen — Owner, IMS

As I departed on my around the world journey to teach IMS Retail University, I had ample time to watch people using technology during my lengthy airport…