The changing face of Black Friday

The weekend after Thanksgiving remains the biggest shopping event of the year, but the reasons customers pack the stores are changing.

Report: Consumers in a frugal holiday mood

November 22, 2009

U.S. households are expected to spend an average of $390 on Christmas gifts this holiday season, down from last year's estimate of $418, The Conference Board…

Smilebox adds direct-to-store printing at Walmart, Sam's Club

November 22, 2009

Smilebox, a Washington-based company that lets consumers create photos, DVDs and other products from their digital media, announced that its users can now…

Shifting retailers respond to new 'season of discontent'

Smart retailers are combating the tough times with an organizational shift to a customer-centric focus.

JCPenney bringing back Doghouse campaign

November 18, 2009

One of last year's most successful viral retail campaigns is ready for its comeback: JCPenney announced that it is bringing back its "Beware of the Doghouse…

Report: Gift card spending to drop slightly

November 18, 2009

While they remain the most requested holiday item, shoppers are expected to pull back on buying gift cards again this year. According to NRF's 2009 Holiday…

Training for unit-level success for holiday 2009

Products may be set, but people can improve. Here are four practical ways retailers can leverage front-line employees this holiday season.

Report: Retailers benefiting from near-real-time BI

November 17, 2009

RSR's newest research study, "Using Business Intelligence to Help Control Outcomes in an Uncontrollable World," published in partnership with the National…

Report: More holiday shoppers will pay with debit, cash

November 16, 2009

It's the year for a little more green and a little less plastic. According to NRF's 2009 Holiday Consumer Intentions and Actions survey, conducted by…

Report: Four ways Millennials will impact retail in coming years

November 16, 2009

Millennials — Americans born between 1979 and 1989 — are one of the largest demographics in the country and will soon be entering a strong growth period in…

NRF announces top ten retailers for customer service

November 15, 2009

The NRF Foundation, the research and education arm of the National Retail Federation, has announced the top 10 finalists selected by shoppers in the annual…

Photo gallery: GreenbergFarrow redesigns the Manhattan Mall

November 12, 2009

GreenbergFarrow, a nationally recognized architectural, planning, development and consulting firm, served as architect for the renovation and repositioning of…

Five things any retailer can learn from Apple

While most retailers can't lean on Steve Jobs for help with reinvention, there are lessons that all can learn from the Apple/Disney partnership.

The Digital Signage Show: Inside Target's digital signage network

Target's interactive media team reveals some success factors of the company's Channel Red in-store digital media network.

Forecast: Smaller inventories, more price cutting for the 2009 holidays

November 10, 2009

The line between outlet stores and mainstream retail is blurring this holiday season as even upscale and luxury chains ratchet back their inventories and slash…

Report: Social media, mobile phones are key retail influencers this year

November 10, 2009

Digital advancements continue to drive a new approach to shopping, with social media and mobile phones emerging as key influencers this holiday season…

After last year's tragedy, Walmart prepares for traffic on Black Friday

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

November 10, 2009

With Black Friday on the horizon, Walmart is taking steps to make sure last year's tragic trampling death doesn't happen again.

Altierre introduces out-of-stock sensor tool

November 9, 2009

Altierre Corp. today expanded its line of wireless products with the introduction of the Out-of-Stock Sensor Solution, which alerts retailers when it's time…

Research: Holiday retail outlook is positive

November 9, 2009

This holiday season could be a make or break year for many retailers as most cannot survive another year of suppressed sales. However, on the bright side, the…

NRF releases crowd management guidelines for retailers

November 8, 2009

As one of the busiest shopping days of the year approaches, retailers are focusing on one key component of their holiday plans: crowd control. With the help…