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…

Study: Newspaper circulars still preferred resource for back-to-school shopping

August 24, 2011

While smartphone usage continues to increase, only 2 percent of shoppers listed mobile as a resource when planning for back-to-school shopping, showing no…

Stop it. Stop it. Stop it.

by Lisa Biank Fasig — Director, JZMcBride and Associates

Sixteen months ago, a British retailer was forced to clear its shelves of teeny-weeny bikinis that came with padded bras. Why? Because the suits, sold at…

NRF: Department, clothing stores are expected winners in final back-to-school rush

August 22, 2011

As the final days of summer tick away for kids around the country, more families plan to visit department stores, clothing stores and websites for last-minute…

Citi offers easy-peasy redemption option

by Sharon Goldman — Senior Director, COLLOQUY

As we mentioned in our most recent COLLOQUY cover story on today's "squeezed" middle class, offering flexible and simple redemption options is essential for…

Stipple aims to turn Web images into embedded storefronts

New service enables embedding of brand and pricing information, as well as links to purchase, within editorial images.

Survey: Consumers four times more likely to shop a retailer when they feel an 'emotional connection'

August 21, 2011

With holiday planning already underway, retailers are looking for different ways to reach consumers and drive sales during the 2011 holiday season. Typically…

NRF: Shoppers using smartphones and tablets for back-to-school

August 17, 2011

With a little help from their smartphones and tablets, families with school-aged children are hitting stores and websites ready to tackle their back-to-school…

Opinion: The retail 'moment of truth' has run amok

Why trying to pull apart the Gordian knot of consumer motivation and label each piece is an exercise in futility.

Perception is reality: Why Wal-Mart needs to show shoppers the money

by Annamaria Turano — Executive Director, MCAworks

Yesterday's Wall Street Journal highlights that Wal-Mart's "aura of price leadership" has experienced a downturn since the recession, according to surveys by…

Summit: Doug Stephens, Retail Prophet

A review of his panel discussion on marketing through location-based promotions.

Disney's price increases: Yoda or Goofy?

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

In a June 20, 2011 Orlando Sentinal article, "Disney pricing strategy: Seeking more profits out of long-term visitors," Jason Garcia cites hefty price…

NRF: July sees retail sales increase

August 14, 2011

Amid concerns that consumers would begin pulling back on their spending, the back-to-school season started with a bang as consumers hit the stores in July to…

Summit: Location-based marketing

Best Buy's Mark Mosoniak led a panel on location-based marketing at the 2011 Retail Customer Experience Executive Summit. This is his recap of highlights.

Retail Customer Experience Executive Summit: 'We know where you are'

Panelists chat about how to get consumers on board with location-based marketing.