Apparel retailers facing challenges in new year

January 11, 2016

While the 2015 holiday season proved rewarding for most retailers there are more than a few, at least five, facing some hurdles and obstacles in 2016.

Understanding a consumer's personality is key to engagement, purchase activity

January 11, 2016

Providing the best retail customer experience is tied to many things and one is knowing exactly who the customer is, what they’re looking for and where they’re…

Kid Power demonstrates the power of technology for good

by Chris Petersen — Owner, IMS

Finally a gift that just keeps on giving to children around the world.

Kmart chief: We're focusing on the fun factor and meeting shopper needs

by Judy Mottl — Editor, RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com

Kmart's strategy is to provide every shopper, whether online or in a store, the best consumer experience and is relying on both old and new approaches to…

Apple aims to draw out the artist in iPhone, iPad user base

January 1, 2016

Apple will debut new creative and artistic workshops for device users.

Click and collect: A hat trick retailers can't pull off?

by Chris Petersen — Owner, IMS

'Sort of works' is not acceptable for today's omnichannel consumers.

Dear Santa: All I want for Christmas is equal product pricing across genders

by Judy Mottl — Editor, RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com

From razors and clothing to toys and adult diapers, women are likely always paying more for a product than men.

U.K. to Nestle: Stop marketing Nesquik as healthful breakfast option

December 24, 2015

Advertising regulator tells Nestle to stop marketing Nesquick as a healthful breakfast option in the U.K.

Zappos’ Santa Claus feat leaves big shoes to fill

by Bryan Pearson — President, LoyaltyOne

A recent act of kindness by Zappos has some wondering if it could spin its reputation for feel-good experiences into a marketing tool.

Year in Review: 5 insights on why data will remain critical in 2016

by Judy Mottl — Editor, RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com

Data, specifically given the looming Internet of Things technology ahead, will prove even more critical for retailers in 2016.

Retail hours for Christmas Eve aim to provide late shoppers a reprieve

December 21, 2015

The retail segment is hoping more than a few procrastinators will be out and about Christmas Eve and expanding hours to accommodate the last-minute consumer…

Retailers embracing Free Shipping Friday

December 18, 2015

Whether free shipping offers a competitive edge for retailers is a bit murky as the incentive is now pretty much an expected consumer benefit.

How To: Crafting a retail customer experience to lure millennial consumers

by Judy Mottl — Editor, RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com

Rodney Mason, Blackhawk group vice president of marketing, offers tips and insight on how retailers should approach developing and implementing a strategy…

Amazon expands booze service but challenges ahead in meeting consumer needs

December 11, 2015

Online leading retailer offers daily delivery service timeframe when most local liquor suppliers aren't yet open.

Chicago retailers hopping on Amazon Prime Now service

December 10, 2015

More local stores in Chicago are signing up for Amazon’s Prime Now one-hour delivery program.

Loyalty applications and payments: Are consumers ready?

Loyalty applications are more popular than ever and as we shift to mobile payments there is a new opportunity to integrate rewards and payments.

Investing in loyalty: How a family-run chain may just upstage big brands

by Bryan Pearson — President, LoyaltyOne

Supermarket chain H-E-B’s plan to give workers a stake in the company hints at technological capabilities that enable retailers to better compensate their…

Don't miss: Webinar focuses on how millennials are disrupting shopping

December 7, 2015

Grabbing the millennial shopper's attention requires a strategy, a commitment and the right technology.

Small Business Saturday no small revenue booster for local retailers

December 7, 2015

Small Business Saturday a lucrative success even without the usual consumer incentive.

Live webinar offers insight on how to master location-based marketing

December 2, 2015

As consumer usage continues to shift to mobile, location-based advertising is becoming one of the fastest growing strategies for retailers when it comes to…