Basket-at-once scanning technology exists, but retailers aren't biting

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

RFID-based scanners can massively speed up checkout and cut wait times, but supply chain challenges have prevented adoption.

Opinion: 12 ways to maximize the customer during a recession

The author of Retail Business Kit for Dummies weighs in with tips on how to get more out of each customer interaction and drive repeat business.

Tough times drive retailers back to basics

The economy is prompting a number of retailers to drop their experimentation with millennial marketing.

ShopYourWay merges Sears, Kmart multichannel experiences

March 15, 2009

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Sears Holdings Corp. announced the unification of its multichannel services under an initiative dubbed ShopYourWay. Both Sears and…

Sears aims to be more interactive

March 12, 2009

Chicago Sun-Times: Sears' new president of home electronics, Karen Austin, wants to take advantage of Circuit City's demise by giving Sears shoppers more…

Queue management targets the last stage of the purchasing process

Discipline blends design, engineering and technology to maximize efficiency and reduce walk-aways.

iCongo version 8 adds dynamic catalog creation, enhanced merchandising

March 4, 2009

MONTREAL — iCongo, provider of e-commerce and cross-channel systems, today announced a set of new features to its retail e-commerce and cross-channel system.

Store closings spell big opportunities for the survivors

March 4, 2009

The Associated Press: Retailers left standing amid the carcasses of their competitors are going after orphaned customers. They're using aggressive mailers…

Order online, pickup in-store boosts sales

March 1, 2009

Internet Retailer: As competition for retail sales increases, in-store pickup of online orders is emerging as a more important opportunity for multi-channel…

Discounters snag upscale customers, but do they build loyalty?

Newly frugal shoppers may love the savings at discount stores, but they're not loving the experience.

Research: Mobile retail apps have massive growth potential

A new survey reveals that while most online shoppers have mobile phones, only a fraction have used them while shopping.

Putting your best customers to work for you

The best retailers don't just serve their customers — they put them to work, on behalf of the organization.

P&G halts tagging of promotional displays

February 15, 2009

RFID Journal: The Procter & Gamble Co. (P&G), a pioneer in the use of Electronic Product Code (EPC) technologies in the supply chain, has ceased…

Five ways retailers can use Microsoft Tag today

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

Redmond's new mobile barcode app offers some incredible flexibility for creative marketing — and it is available and ready to use right now.

Retail architect: Meet the new consumer

February 10, 2009

Jeffrey Hutchison, The Huffington Post: The current financial crisis has ushered in a new retail era which spells the end of shopping as we have known it…

Wal-Mart redesign praised

February 8, 2009

The Daily Times (Maryland): Wal-Mart is getting a new look, and county planners couldn't be happier. The new design was created to be on more of a human scale…

Globalshop 2009: The changing face of in-store marketing

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

Next month's event will focus heavily on new trends in fixtures, screens and the store as media marketplace.

Six commandments for retailers to survive

The former executive vice president of Men's Wearhouse shares wisdom needed to make it through the coming months.

Paco Underhill: Retail therapy still alive and well

February 4, 2009

The Boston Globe: They may not be thousands of dollars in debt like the protagonist of "Confessions of a Shopaholic," which hits theaters next week, but…

Wincor World focuses on service, automated checkout

by Tracy Kitten — Editor, AMC

Wincor Nixdorf says its latest innovations are enhancing the shopping experience for both retailers and consumers.