Empathica's GoRecommend celebrates two years, 65 million shares

September 14, 2011

Empathica Inc., a provider of Customer Experience Management solutions to more than 200 of the world's most respected brands, has announced that its…

New Stein Mart campaign features heavy social focus

September 14, 2011

National discount department store Stein Mart, in partnership with its new ad agency, ArnoldNYC, this week announced the launch of "Love at First Find," a…

Consumer grocery store survey reveals satisfaction and brand preferences by geography

September 14, 2011

Empathica Inc., a provider of Customer Experience Management (CEM) solutions to some of the world's most respected brands, announced that its Consumer Insights…

My first book report: Restoration Hardware Fall 2011 Source Book

by Mark Murray — Director, The Store Channel

Weighing in at 3 lbs. with 616 colorful pages, the Restoration Hardware, Fall 2011 Source Book is the topic of my first posting for Retail Customer Experience.

Beyond a loyalty program: Using loyalty data to create a unified strategy

Retailers launch loyalty programs with the best of intentions, but why do so many fail to deliver on expectations?

Socially responsible retailing from Walmart and Patagonia

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

Patagonia has long had the reputation of being a socially responsible company. Walmart not so much. But this week, I think they're telling a similar story.

Pricing news vs. media theater

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

It seems that news media feel that they have a God-given right, if not a responsibility, to add even more anxiety to our already fragile psyches. The media…

The future of product innovation for retailers

Data assets that didn't exist ten years ago are changing the innovation game.

Why adding on may be costing you sales

by Doug Fleener — President and Managing Partner, Dynamic Experiences Group, LLC

Most specialty retailers whose staff is sales-focused emphasize add-ons. When done well, this approach can slightly increase a store's average sale, but I…

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…