It's 10:00 o’clock. Do you know where your profits are?

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

When I began my consulting practice 24 years ago I’d go into companies and ask “What’s making money?” Most of the owners/CEOs would shrug, indicating that they…

What can merchants do to become better retail therapists?

More than half of all Americans go shopping to improve their moods.

'Father of customer experience' to speak at August retail event

Lou Carbone will deliver a keynote address at this year's Retail Customer Experience Executive Summit.

Why the Four P's of marketing no longer matter in retail

It's mobile influence, not mobile commerce, that retailers should be focused on.

Avon's makeover: A world affair brought home

by Lisa Biank Fasig — Director, JZMcBride and Associates

When I was a teenager my sister sold Avon products. She was actually pretty good. Our house was filled with Skin So Soft lotion, Sweet Honesty perfume and…

Commentary: On Martha Stewart's latest courtroom battle

Macy's has accused JC Penney of entering into an illegal licensing agreement with Stewart's company.

Macy's, JC Penney head back to court

April 8, 2013

The case between retailers Macy's and JC Penney is heading to court after the failure of mediation attempts. The companies are scheduled to appear in New York…

Positioning and pricing

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

Pricing goes well beyond merely establishing a price. Indeed, there are some industries in which there’s little, if any, ability to adjust price. The health…

Lululemon can avoid sheer 'Luonacy'

by Lisa Biank Fasig — Director, JZMcBride and Associates

You'd think a yoga outfitter would afford its customers a little more flexibility.

Americans won't pay for same-day delivery ... or will they?

New research reinforces the premise that online shoppers expect free shipping.

Millennials the target of Aeropostale's new store prototype

March 14, 2013

Teen retailer Aeropostale is shedding its formerly logo-heavy brand and working to boost sales through increased engagement with millennials. An article on…

Learning from Oprah's roller coaster ride

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

Tanya Young Williams offers great insights into Oprah Winfrey’s recovery after a near disastrous start of OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network). Whether they’re accurate…

Control Group creates 'immersive' experience for Kate Spade flagship

March 12, 2013

The NYC-based technology and design firm Control Group today unveiled its work with the newly launched Kate Spade Saturday brand. The concept highlights the…

ShopCube gamifies the online retail experience

by Natalie Gagliordi — Editor of KioskMarketplace.com, Networld Media Group

The e-commerce platform attempts to create a new category of online retail that caters to the casual gamer.

Target drops Shops, focuses on design partnerships

March 11, 2013

Target has decided to close the door on Shops. According to an article on startribune.com, the Minneapolis-based retailer said it has no plans to bring back…

How Walmart gets marketing right

by Jeff Fromm — Executive Vice President, Barkley

I believe that one of the reasons that Walmart has been so successful is its ability to think creatively about marketing. A case in point: Walmart recently…

Make love not war: Tips on how to embrace showrooming

by Christopher Hall — writer, self

A customer experience expert discussed his showrooming strategy at DSE13. 

Making a 'value play'

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

My wife and I were in an electronics store. Neither of us are big on electronics. Our TV is 17 years old which gives you an idea of our interest in the latest…

Five fundamentals required for 'ME-tailing' success

by Chris Petersen — Owner, IMS

It's the "Age of the Consumer." That's not news. The lead articles on retail are chocked full of stories about how consumers are now empowered through their…

As Amazon battles to dethrone Walmart, Google plans own attack

February 26, 2013

The evolution of retail has seen the rise and fall of companies clamoring for the top spot. According to a recent article on Wired, it was only a little more…