Barnes & Noble College launches social commerce platform

May 5, 2011

Barnes & Noble College, an operator of campus bookstores and a wholly owned subsidiary of the bookseller Barnes & Noble, Inc., has announced the launch…

Phone app guides consumers to DVD kiosks

May 4, 2011

Integrating technologies to better serve consumers is all the rage in the retail world, and Gulf Coast Multi Media is jumping on the band wagon with DVDFind, a…

Three ways packaging can impact, improve the retail experience

Brands are increasing their focus on more distinctive packaging that attracts a loyal customer base.

NRF: Retailers increasing mobile, search efforts

May 2, 2011

In an effort to better serve multi-touchpoint, always-on, and empowered consumers, a growing number of retailers are experimenting with mobile and social…

Supermarket chain Big Y offers rewards card - with a fee

While some consumers expressed interest in the new plan, others were unenthusiastic.

CETW: Kiosk as social-media marketer

A new iSnap kiosk brings the photo booth into the social media era by allowing posers to take pics and upload them onto Facebook and Twitter on the spot.

Pricing patterns are predictable. Use them to your advantage.

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

It's fascinating how predictable pricing is, especially during changing economic times. During economic downturns the vast majority of companies discount…

Change your store hours to increase sales

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

No matter what state the economy is in, no matter how frugal consumers are, customer-centric retailers are building business. Here's one way for you to be one…

EyeTrackShop uses webcams for online eye tracking

by Kim Williams — Reporter, NetWorld Alliance

The online eye tracking tool delivers results at one-tenth of traditional costs.

NRF: Mother's Day spending to return to 2008 spending levels, reach $16 billion

April 27, 2011

Often known as the voice of reason, and even frugality, mom doesn't expect much for Mother's Day. But this year, her loved ones are fully intent on pampering…

CETW: RMG announces deals for NFC mobile and Groupon networks

by Christopher Hall — w, t

RMG's CEO says DOOH is more than screens, but a media ecosystem; also announced deals with Groupon and NFC firm Blue Bite.

CETW: Retailers can locate their shoppers via smartphone

Location-based marketing is the latest way to touch customers, according to Philip Stanger, CEO of Wifarer, the company behind a software-only indoor…

Failing forward

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

A while ago a colleague and I worked together on what we both believed was a great opportunity. After a lot of hard work, especially on my colleague's part…

Are your stores connecting with today's connected Moms?

by Lynn Switanowski — President, Creative Business Consulting Group

With Mother's Day just around the corner, we can't help but think about all the wonderful moms out there who are customers in our favorite retail stores. For…

Does love scale?

by Doug Stephens — President, Retail Prophet Consulting

Wal-Mart recently announced its purchase of social media firm Kosmix to help it better manage and capitalize on its social and mobile marketing efforts. What…

GM's subprime auto loans: Great sales tool, or history repeating itself?

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

General Motors, recognizing that many potential buyers' credit is less than stellar these days and that funding sources aren't readily available, has entered…

Retail industry continues to lead in online ad spending

Consumer packaged goods industry increases its share of online spending.

A Non-Crude Method for Lowering Grocery Prices

by Lisa Biank Fasig — Director, JZMcBride and Associates

Procter & Gamble has figured out one sweet way to bottle up its leading line of shampoos – and it might just help keep prices down.

Getting customers in your store ... by putting them in the window

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

If you've been looking for an easy and inexpensive way to bring in more business, check this out. Taking advantage of people's propensity to sit — at their…

Mobile Monday: Ralph Lauren

This retail app has no instructions ... because it doesn't need any.