Report: Consumers in a frugal holiday mood

November 22, 2009

U.S. households are expected to spend an average of $390 on Christmas gifts this holiday season, down from last year's estimate of $418, The Conference Board…

Retailers ramping up Cyber Monday promotions

November 22, 2009

Holiday shoppers looking for bargains aren't likely to be disappointed when they learn what retailers have planned for Cyber Monday. According to Shop.org's…

Sports Authority chain launches 'Wii Fit Experience'

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

November 22, 2009

For the first time, video game giant Nintendo has partnered with a major sports retailer. Last week, Sports Authority began launch of its "Wii Fit Experience,…

Shifting retailers respond to new 'season of discontent'

Smart retailers are combating the tough times with an organizational shift to a customer-centric focus.

JCPenney bringing back Doghouse campaign

November 18, 2009

One of last year's most successful viral retail campaigns is ready for its comeback: JCPenney announced that it is bringing back its "Beware of the Doghouse…

Report: Four ways Millennials will impact retail in coming years

November 16, 2009

Millennials — Americans born between 1979 and 1989 — are one of the largest demographics in the country and will soon be entering a strong growth period in…

The Digital Signage Show: Inside Target's digital signage network

Target's interactive media team reveals some success factors of the company's Channel Red in-store digital media network.

Forecast: Smaller inventories, more price cutting for the 2009 holidays

November 10, 2009

The line between outlet stores and mainstream retail is blurring this holiday season as even upscale and luxury chains ratchet back their inventories and slash…

ResponseTek CEM upgrade adds SMS surveys, new reports

November 5, 2009

ResponseTek, a provider of on-demand customer experience management (CEM) software, has announced the Fall 2009 release of its ResponseTek:CEM solution.

Barnes & Noble Nook raises questions about digital-only products

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

Technology has made it possible to deliver music, movies, books and more without a physical product. But is that good for shoppers or retailers?

Study: Brands more influential than price

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

November 4, 2009

Times may be tough, but that isn't stopping shoppers from buying the brands they prefer. That's the finding of a new study by the Grocery Manufacturers…

Customers are buying down, and opportunities are rising, part 3

by Mike Wittenstein — Customer Experience and Service Designer, Storyminers

Customer-centric experience design is explored in this final installment of "Where's the Opportunity?"

Borders announces in-stock guarantee for the holidays

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

November 2, 2009

Borders today announced its new "In-Stock Guarantee," which promises that if a customer's desired item cannot be found in-store, the company will ship it from…

Online retailers emphasize free shipping, social media for the holidays

October 29, 2009

The economy is not only impacting shoppers, it`s affecting online retailers, too. According to results of Shop.org`s eHoliday Study, conducted by BIGresearch…

Four strategies for a better retail holiday season

Retailers need to prepare for the upcoming season with carefully planned merchandise assortments, inventory levels and cross-channel promotions that drive…

Report: Discounting sets 'grim tone' for holiday retail

October 28, 2009

American retail chains panicked last holiday season as they stared at overstocked shelves and wondered, "How will we sell all this stuff?" Their response to…

Best Buy CEO: Low prices are 'table stakes' for retailers

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

October 25, 2009

Customers care about low prices, but they want a lot more from their retailers than just the best deal.

Local is good, but fresh is better

An industry expert examines which buzzwords resonate best with customers.  

Smart retailers fight walk-aways at the checkout

An average of 1.6 percent of customers leaves the checkout queue — and the store — without completing a purchase.

Freakonomics co-author to speak at NRF 2010

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

Journalist Stephen Dubner has been added to the roster of "retail's big show," taking place this January in New York.