Socially responsible retailing from Walmart and Patagonia

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

Patagonia has long had the reputation of being a socially responsible company. Walmart not so much. But this week, I think they're telling a similar story.

Pricing news vs. media theater

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

It seems that news media feel that they have a God-given right, if not a responsibility, to add even more anxiety to our already fragile psyches. The media…

The future of product innovation for retailers

Data assets that didn't exist ten years ago are changing the innovation game.

Why adding on may be costing you sales

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

Most specialty retailers whose staff is sales-focused emphasize add-ons. When done well, this approach can slightly increase a store's average sale, but I…

The retail generation gap is killing premium brands

by Bob Phibbs — CEO, The Retail Doctor

As the keynote speaker last month at the Retail Customer Executive Summit, I focused on the humanity needed in retail. That's because, just like at the NRF…

As Seen on TV is now seen on mobile devices

September 1, 2011

"As Seen on TV" may no longer be an accurate moniker.

Best Buy becomes first branded store inside Facebook game CityVille

August 31, 2011

Best Buy and Zynga have announced a partnership that integrates the first retail branded store into Zynga's CityVille, the largest game on Facebook according…

What retailers can learn from Hurricane Irene

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

Flashlights, first aid supplies, and batteries were must-haves for people in Hurricane Irene's path. But Pop-Tarts were high on the list of items people were…

Jewel-Osco’s new strategy: Good business or sheer folly?

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

In a May 3, 2011 Chicago Tribune article Wallin Wong reported that Jewel-Osco "...is continuing to cut prices while tailoring its stores for individual…

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.