Retailers brace for fiercely competitive 2008

December 26, 2007

The Kansas City Star: The new year is still days away but retailers have already decided how to rock your world in 2008. Expect a fiercely competitive year as…

The Tesco-Kroger connection

December 25, 2007

Wall Street Journal: Britain's largest retailer, Tesco PLC, opened its first stores in the U.S. last month, but Americans have already gotten a taste of the…

Independent merchants fight big retailers with selection, service

December 25, 2007

The Columbus Dispatch: This season finds independent retailers across the country dealing with a new set of economic challenges even as they still contend…

Home Depot launches project-oriented store

December 19, 2007

RICHMOND HILL, ON. — The Home Depot Canada is changing the way customers shop for home improvement projects with the opening of its first project-orientated…

Best Buy, Circuit City compete for NY holiday shoppers

December 19, 2007

USA Today: Consumer electronic rivals Best Buy and Circuit City are battling head-to-head in Midtown Manhattan this holiday season. The duel was set up when…

POPAI research: digital window signage increases footfall

December 18, 2007

Research commissioned by 3M and POPAI demonstrates the effectiveness of back-projecting dynamic promotional messages onto shop windows.

More gift cards going unredeemed

December 17, 2007

A Consumer Reports survey conducted in October found that among people who received a gift card during the 2006 holiday season, 27 percent of them left one or…

Let your customers break (fresh) bread

December 13, 2007

If Ron Wilkinson has his way, consumers are about to acquire a taste for very, very fresh bread. His Bread Bakery, a 7-foot-tall, 4-foot-wide machine, churns…

JCPenney launches 'Know Before You Go' campaign

December 13, 2007

If you can't beat 'em, integrate 'em: JCPenney recently unveiled a new initiative on its Web site, "Know Before You Go," aimed at bringing the online and…

The planning puzzle

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

For technology, intelligent planning makes all the difference.

Snag shoppers with self-service

Self-service is a key part of any smart multi-channel strategy.

Nike opens first NikeID Studio

December 10, 2007

Nike recently opened its first "NikeID Studio" in London, following similar installations in New York City, Paris and Osaka. The concept connects the in-store…

GameStop opens 'tournament center'

December 10, 2007

The Escapist: GameStop has announced the opening of its first combined store and "tournament center" in San Jose, Calif. The location is 4,000 square feet in…

The psychology of digital signage

by David Drain

A neuroscientist analyzes the effects digital signage has on the brain.

Tapping the POS to test content

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

POS data can provide insight into how well in-store media is working.

Brand appeal in the auto showroom

Digital signage is a powerful tool for car dealers.

November chain store sales rise 3.5 percent

December 5, 2007

International Council of Shopping Centers: U.S. chain store sales for November grew 3.5 percent year on year, according to ICSC's index. The gain was the…

Optical boutique turns heads — literally

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

Eyewear provider uses creative digital signage to catch the customer's eye.

Survey: Luxury shoppers prefer Amazon.com

December 3, 2007

Display & Design Ideas: Unity Marketing found that the Internet ranked as one of the top three shopping venues in 12 out of 14 luxury goods categories.

Magic Johnson: Urban a 'major opportunity' for retailers

December 2, 2007

International Council of Shopping Centers: Ethnic consumers in inner cities and other urban areas may not have the fat wallets of their suburban counterparts…