Talking With: Gladson CEO Sue Sentell on data management strategy

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

A big focus in 2016 will be leveraging data to improve and enhance customer experience. An expert offers up tips and insight on making it happen.

January's top 5 stories: Tech, trends and strategies for 2016

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

It's time for a look back at the most-read articles at Retail Customer Experience in January just in case you didn't keep up and were focused on keeping those…

Amazon plans to open hundreds of bookstores, claims mall operator

February 3, 2016

The top U.S. e-commerce player is supposedly looking to take a deep dive in the brick-and-mortar environment.

Talking With: Zebra Technologies on why Wi-Fi is a must-have retail technology

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

Implementing a free guest Wi-Fi can pay off in more ways than one and by 2017 an estimated 56 percent of retailers will be on board. But every retailer needs…

The expanding digital divide between consumers and retailers

by Chris Petersen — Owner, IMS

Consumers want it all … but just how much can retailers deliver?

'Evolved' retailers more likely to succeed compared to pure-play business strategy

January 26, 2016

Retailers going only online, or only in physical store locations, are likely not going to achieve sustainable, long-term operational success.

Panera leader: Payment, mobile innovations boosting customer experience

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

Panera Bread is still going full throttle in expanding payment strategies to reduce consumer friction points and enhancing the customer experience.

Report: Retailers aren't evolving fast enough

January 21, 2016

The increasing use of mobile shopping threatens retailers that fail to meet mobile users' expectations for more sophisticated shopping services.

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…

Digital investments key factor in sales growth at J.C. Penney

January 7, 2016

Unlike its competitor Macy's, J.C. Penney is celebrating a sales spike despite warm weather that hindered apparel sales this holiday season and credits its…

Macy's revamp brings layoffs, store closings and deeper ecommerce investment

January 7, 2016

While it's eliminating thousands of job positions the legacy retailer aims to expand ecommerce investment given robust growth in online sales.

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…

Manhattan Toys 'R' Us closes doors as new year arrives

December 31, 2015

One of New York City’s Times Square retail icons closed its doors this week, with children and adults alike not feeling very jolly about the prospect of never…

Why 2016 may be the year of the mobile website shopper

Next year may be the year of the mobile website consumer, and retailers need to be ready.

Retailers, online and off, enjoy robust holiday shopping experiences

December 29, 2015

The retail holiday sweet spot was furniture purchases as consumers were in a jolly mood to shop, with overall spending jumping 7.9 percent over last year and…

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.

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.

Study: Gift card popularity remains high, consumers eager for mobile storage

December 23, 2015

Gift cards are a popular retail consumer focus this holiday season but they’re also a last-minute gift purchase before the big day.

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.

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.