Is price the only 'P' that matters?

Convenience-based value propositions are losing their appeal as people are repricing their free time.

Finding the financial value of the customer

When making customer service decisions, consider the lifetime revenue each customer provides — and their potential for sending referrals.

Live chat drives sales, satisfaction — but only when executed honestly

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

Web retailers that offer live text-chat assistance can increase conversion and generate word-of-mouth, but poor or dishonest execution can spell disaster.

Opinion: Loyalty is more than points programs

Building a perfect loyalty program requires a delicate balance between reward and customer effort — and online retailers are leading the way.

Loyalty programs and brand loyalty

Branded goods, and stores themselves, need to find new ways to engage and connect with shoppers.

The psychology of color at retail

Cultural, demographic differences play crucial roles in color design for the retail environment.

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.

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.

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.

Move over TJX: Heartland data breach may be biggest yet

With literally tens of millions of card transactions at risk, malware found on the server of Heartland Payment Systems may make history.

Retailers open shop in Second Life

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

Just in time for last-minute shopping, Canada Post sets up virtual stores where shoppers can buy real products.

Online retailer profits from personalizing its outbound marketing

A specialty e-tailer moves 100 units in five off-peak hours with a single email. Personalizing the online experience has never been more powerful.

Five things shoppers will do this holiday

A tough economy is impacting shopper plans and behaviors.

Connecting with conversational marketing

From "friending" to "tweeting" — social networking at retail.

Targeting attractive segments in tough times

Many shoppers are going "full spend ahead" despite the economy.

Retailers eyeing Woot business model

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

The e-commerce site is influencing traditional retailers.

Do customers want to haggle?

Is the "garage sale interaction" appealing to today's shopper?

PCI standard v1.2 clarifies rules

Latest version is tougher on malware, easier on firewalls.

Hackers 'are picking on the small guys'

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

New research into recent card breach incidents may surprise merchants.