Lessons from the 'Shark Tank'

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

I was channel surfing when I stumbled across the program 'Shark Tank.' For those of you who may not have seen it, entrepreneurs present their business ideas to…

Wowing Customers Doesn’t Come With A Groupon

by Bob Phibbs — CEO, The Retail Doctor

I was reading a blog about using Groupon for a restaurant and a posted comment stood out, "... the key is adding value, so that when they use their Groupon at…

American Express Social Currency

by Jim Joseph — President, Lippe Taylor

I've been speaking a lot lately about how social media can transform a brand. Either give it a voice for the first time, give it thought leadership status…

Mobile Retail Monday: The Tour Wrist app

Our expert says the new panoramic image tool is a killer app for retailers.

Media Logic helps Cabela's celebrate its anniversary

May 22, 2011

Cabela’s, the world's largest direct marketer of hunting, fishing, camping and related outdoor merchandise, is having a birthday party and has retained Media…

Heritage vs. innovations vs. relevance

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

In an interview published a few years ago in Fortune magazine, Disney CEO Bob Iger was asked if Disney's lessening emphasis on animation was diminishing the…

The rebate debate

by Sharon Goldman — Senior Director, COLLOQUY

According to research released by the Aberdeen Group last week, half of retailers use rebate programs as part of their mix of customer loyalty. In addition…

At Kroger, Shoppers are Bananas for Loyalty

by Lisa Biank Fasig — Director, JZMcBride and Associates

Fun fact: Americans are just as likely to have bananas in their kitchen as a Kroger loyalty card in their wallets.

Is 'America-washing' the next big thing?

by Doug Stephens — President, Retail Prophet Consulting

Walmart CEO Mike Duke surprised analysts last week by announcing that the majority of the products the retailer sells are made in the United States. The…

Macy's loyalty pilot still circling the runway

by Lisa Biank Fasig — Director, JZMcBride and Associates

Fans of I.N.C, Martha Stewart and other Macy's exclusive brands will have to wait a while before earning new reward points for their purchases.

How social media is changing conferences

by Jim Joseph — President, Lippe Taylor

Last week I went to two industry conferences (OTC Perspectives and PRSA Counselors Academy) and an awards show (Sabre Awards) — it was a big networking week.…

How 'karma credit' can build a business

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

While charity may begin at home, you build business by bringing it into your store. What goes around truly does come around. Take care of other people, and…

Politics, religion and sex

by Harry Friedman

I admit it right here in the first paragraph. I am not really going to talk about sex. Too easy, a lob shot. So in this year of presidential hopefuls popping…

Social media for retail made simple

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

If you're still wondering about how important social media can be to your business, think about this. Getting involved in social media is the same as…

Where does the time go?

by Lynn Switanowski — President, Creative Business Consulting Group

Yesterday, I had a meeting with a client where we were supposed to spend 3 hours brainstorming a marketing strategy for a new store grand opening. Instead…

Shout Color Catcher: A lesson in brand extension

by Jim Joseph — President, Lippe Taylor

File this under "how do they do that?"

NRF: Retailers lead economic charge with 10 straight months of sales gains

May 11, 2011

Retail sales increased for the tenth straight month in April, further evidence that the retail sector and consumer spending continue to lead the economic…

What recent events in Japan will mean for luxury brands

by Bob Phibbs — CEO, The Retail Doctor

Before the news about Bin Laden, people were talking a lot about the effects from the tragic events in Japan. Of course there is a human side which we are all…

Forrester's Julie Ask on using mobile marketing strategically

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

Just how important is mobile? According to Julie Ask, a vice president and principal analyst at Forrester Research, mobile will be transformational.

Walmart To Go – Will it Stay?

by Lisa Biank Fasig — Director, JZMcBride and Associates

For all of those consumers who would never go to Walmart, the hyperchain has found a way to come to you.The world's largest retailer is testing a home-delivery…