Chip Bell: You can't automate theatre

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

Is your customer experience plain vanilla, leaving absolutely no imprint at all on your customer's memory? How would your customers' stories about your…

Back-to-school spend will hit $83.6B, claims report

July 21, 2017

A confident consumer base and increasing school enrollment will likely drive back-to-school spending to the second top spending level in history, according to…

Walmart aims to monitor shoppers' facial expressions

July 21, 2017

Walmart is reportedly building new technology that will help it identify unhappy consumers standing in check-out lines.

A few changes coming in back-to-school shopping season

July 19, 2017

Mass merchants will benefit most during this year's back-to-school shopping season, and department stores will likely see a decline in consumer traffic…

JCPenney launching new toy shops in stores and online

July 17, 2017

New toy shops are coming to JCPenney shoppers whether they're browsing brick-and-mortar locations or jumping online to shop.

True Fit boosts personalization with new shopping capability

July 10, 2017

The data-driven personalization platform True Fit has boosted its capabilities with a "Shop for Others" function that lets users build additional profiles for…

Planning an in-store technology? 4 steps to prototype it like a pro

Shopping is interactive, with 53 percent of consumers saying they'd pay more for valuable experiences. Half of in-store shoppers today say they're more likely…

Target goes to the mat with mattress startup

July 6, 2017

Shoppers browsing Target's aisles can now check out Casper Mattress mattresses and bedding as the retailer is teaming up with the start-up to sell its wares.

Talking With: The White Company and its retail customer experience strategy

by Judy Mottl — Editor, RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com

The well-known British-based lifestyle/fashion/homeware retailer opened its first New York City store this month, bringing its successful customer experience…

Ikea building AR app with Apple's help

June 23, 2017

When it comes to augmented reality, Apple CEO Tim Cook is a huge fan.

L.L. Bean opening first store on Long Island

June 16, 2017

While headlines are declaring retailers are shuttering doors, there's at least one bright spot in retail on Long Island, New York.

Neiman Marcus embracing innovative tech from the front door to the dressing room

by Judy Mottl — Editor, RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com

From the minute a shopper walks into the new Fort Worth, Dallas-based Neiman Marcus, digital technology is nearby. Here’s the scoop on how the retailer's iLab…

'Interesting times' highlight ICX Summit 2017

by Christopher Hall — w, t

Brands really can't treat any of their customers like they're all alike anymore, not just the millennials, especially now that the technology is available to…

Interactive Customer Experience: The start of a daunting, yet exciting journey

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

The ICX Summit, held by the ICX Association last week in Dallas, gave retailers and interactive technology players a chance to learn why companies have to…

Macy's taking new approach to promotions, media, loyalty

June 14, 2017

Macy's aims to reconnect with loyal shoppers, lure in new shoppers and deploy a new mix of marketing media.

J.C. Penney targeting college living furnishings to drive sales

June 13, 2017

J.C. Penney is hoping a full-throttle focus on college kids' desire for furnishings will help spur sales though it's going to be a challenge given hefty…

Gymboree files Chapter 11, hundreds of stores will close

June 13, 2017

Gymboree, a children's clothing retailer, will remain in business but has filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy and will close at least one third to half of its 1,28…

Walmart pilots self-service kiosk for fast online order delivery

June 12, 2017

A few lucky Walmart shoppers in Oklahoma City are the first to test an automated kiosk being used to distribute online grocery orders in under a minute.

Handbags ruled in Mom's day shopping this year

June 7, 2017

When it comes to buying something for mom on her special day, a good number of consumers hit the handbag and purse aisles, according to a new research from…

CVS revamps to lure in health and trend-focused shoppers

June 2, 2017

CVS is revamping beauty and skin care areas in stores in a quest to grab the attention of the health-focused and trend-focused consumer and the strategy…