How mobile is set to impact the 2009 holiday retail season

In what is another challenging holiday season for retailers, mobile marketing and advertising provide a very welcome bright spot.

Blog: In praise of pop-up stores

December 10, 2009

A new blog at the Huffington Post sings the praises of the pop-up store phenomenon.

Metropark launches in-store interactive Twitter interface

December 8, 2009

Metropark, a Los Angeles based specialty store that combines the core lifestyle elements of fashion, music and art has launched a custom interactive Twitter…

Target opening pop-up shops for the holidays

December 7, 2009

Target announced that it is opening three "Target To-Go" stores, limited-time stores that each will contain 50 gift items from toy, gadget, home décor, beauty…

How discounting is hurting retailers

When retailers lower prices without asking customers to give up something in return, confusion results and sales are negatively impacted.

Number of Americans to shop on Cyber Monday nears 100 million

November 29, 2009

As online retailers put the finishing touches on Cyber Monday promotions, the number of people who plan to shop on the Monday after Thanksgiving may surpass…

The changing face of Black Friday

The weekend after Thanksgiving remains the biggest shopping event of the year, but the reasons customers pack the stores are changing.

Mall Networks partners with SoundBite Communications to deliver mobile marketing for CyberMonday.com

November 24, 2009

Mall Networks has announced a partnership whereby SoundBite Communications Inc. will power the mobile marketing offers for CyberMonday.com. CyberMonday.com is…

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?"