The retail generation gap is killing premium brands

by Bob Phibbs — CEO, The Retail Doctor

As the keynote speaker last month at the Retail Customer Executive Summit, I focused on the humanity needed in retail. That's because, just like at the NRF…

As Seen on TV is now seen on mobile devices

September 1, 2011

"As Seen on TV" may no longer be an accurate moniker.

Best Buy becomes first branded store inside Facebook game CityVille

August 31, 2011

Best Buy and Zynga have announced a partnership that integrates the first retail branded store into Zynga's CityVille, the largest game on Facebook according…

What retailers can learn from Hurricane Irene

by Laurel Tielis — Author and Professional Speaker, Laurel Tielis & Associates

Flashlights, first aid supplies, and batteries were must-haves for people in Hurricane Irene's path. But Pop-Tarts were high on the list of items people were…

Jewel-Osco’s new strategy: Good business or sheer folly?

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

In a May 3, 2011 Chicago Tribune article Wallin Wong reported that Jewel-Osco "...is continuing to cut prices while tailoring its stores for individual…

WorkflowOne unveils marketing suite for retail

August 30, 2011

WorkflowOne, a provider of print management, marketing and distribution services, has announced "Venue," a software solution that allows retail chains to…

Shopko e-commerce now more interactive

August 30, 2011

Shopko has announced an upgrade to its online shopping system; consumers visiting Shopko's website can now browse an engaging digital version of the current…

CVS taking heat for length of store receipts

Coupons and special offers are stretching the length of the average receipt - and customers don't like it.

Sears crafts social media for social good

by Lisa Biank Fasig — Director, JZMcBride and Associates

A lot of companies jump on the social media train because it's there, it's new and everybody's talking about it. In other words, they're afraid they might miss…

Whole Foods Wellness Club focuses on consumer education

What does $739 get you at Whole Foods? A one-year membership in its new Wellness Club.

When is a reward NOT a reward? A lesson from Panera Bread.

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

In my previous post, "Buying customer loyalty," I railed against reward programs. One restaurant chain, Panera Bread, has proven my point via the type of…

Study: Newspaper circulars still preferred resource for back-to-school shopping

August 24, 2011

While smartphone usage continues to increase, only 2 percent of shoppers listed mobile as a resource when planning for back-to-school shopping, showing no…

Stop it. Stop it. Stop it.

by Lisa Biank Fasig — Director, JZMcBride and Associates

Sixteen months ago, a British retailer was forced to clear its shelves of teeny-weeny bikinis that came with padded bras. Why? Because the suits, sold at…

NRF: Department, clothing stores are expected winners in final back-to-school rush

August 22, 2011

As the final days of summer tick away for kids around the country, more families plan to visit department stores, clothing stores and websites for last-minute…

Citi offers easy-peasy redemption option

by Sharon Goldman — Senior Director, COLLOQUY

As we mentioned in our most recent COLLOQUY cover story on today's "squeezed" middle class, offering flexible and simple redemption options is essential for…

Stipple aims to turn Web images into embedded storefronts

New service enables embedding of brand and pricing information, as well as links to purchase, within editorial images.

Survey: Consumers four times more likely to shop a retailer when they feel an 'emotional connection'

August 21, 2011

With holiday planning already underway, retailers are looking for different ways to reach consumers and drive sales during the 2011 holiday season. Typically…

NRF: Shoppers using smartphones and tablets for back-to-school

August 17, 2011

With a little help from their smartphones and tablets, families with school-aged children are hitting stores and websites ready to tackle their back-to-school…

Opinion: The retail 'moment of truth' has run amok

Why trying to pull apart the Gordian knot of consumer motivation and label each piece is an exercise in futility.

Perception is reality: Why Wal-Mart needs to show shoppers the money

by Annamaria Turano — Executive Director, MCAworks

Yesterday's Wall Street Journal highlights that Wal-Mart's "aura of price leadership" has experienced a downturn since the recession, according to surveys by…