Why Your Incentive Plan Might Be Killing Sales

by Doug Stephens — President, Retail Prophet Consulting

New research into human motivation may hold some surprises for companies who have long held to the "carrot and stick" approach to incentives.  The truth is…

Five things customers hate about holiday retail

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

Repetitive music, crowded aisles are on the list of things that can send shoppers screaming from your store.

Post Holiday Success: Maximizing the Season of Me

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

Starting December 26th retailers move into what I call the Season of Me. Customers will descend on your store for the next two weeks armed with gift cards…

Here's one way to fight the browse in-store, buy online trend

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

… just not a very good way. Downright terrible, in fact.Consumerist got a tip on a specialty dancewear and shoe store that is sick and tired of people coming…

The Best Price

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

Do you have the best price?Are you sure?I recently saw an ad that said "We offer the best...at the best price." What does that mean?  What is the best price?

Holiday Shopping Dilemma

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

 ...when to buy.

The holiday retail frenzy begins, but what about long-term loyalty?

by Sharon Goldman — Senior Director, COLLOQUY

Every year, the holiday retail frenzy seems to start earlier and earlier. This time around, it seemed like the Halloween decorations weren't even put up before…

Express Scripts' Prescription...

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

 ...for using technology to irritate it’s customers.

Empathica launches mobile reporting solution for multi-unit retailers

November 18, 2010

Empathica Inc., a provider of customer experience management (CEM) solutions to more than 200 of the world’s most respected brands, has announced the launch of…

Study: Retailers' return policies often unclear, inconsistent

More than half do not include their return policy on their home page; one-quarter do not allow cross-channel returns.

An independent retailer's viral plea for business

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

Here in my hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, one of the most iconic fixtures of the local retail scene for the past 25 years has been the music store Ear…

Rumors of the Death of Aspirational Shopping Are Greatly Exaggerated

by Bob Phibbs — CEO, The Retail Doctor

The goal of aspirational brands is to allow us to feel better about ourselves. That’s what we have always done. And always will do.

Pricing for Social Entrepreneurs

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

In order to do good...

Execs from Macy's, Brooks Brothers, Disney, HSN headline NRF's 100th Annual Convention

November 1, 2010

When the National Retail Federation's 100th Annual Convention arrives in New York in January, 100 years of history will come along with it, as well as some of…

Why Apple Will Dominate Location Based Marketing

by Doug Stephens — President, Retail Prophet Consulting

Location based services are quickly becoming the marketers most powerful tool to reach consumers in a contextual and relevant way.  But could an unlikely…

Educating Consumers

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

 Are you stimulating consumption...

Opinion: Customers want relationships, not low prices

Retailers need to solve the customer's problem, but also deliver satisfaction on an emotional level.

As consumers spend less, they expect more from retailers

A focus on long-term relationships, customer advocacy can protect against price erosion.

I'm Worth It!

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

 Why do buyers pay premium prices...

Price Chopper learns a social media lesson

Social media offers great potential for making connections, and that comes with its own unique set of risks.