Gap on new logo: Never mind

The retailer quickly backpedaled on its new logo design after customer furor. Was it all just a PR stunt?

This Year, Let the Grown-Ups Have a Holiday

by Lisa Biank Fasig — Director, JZMcBride and Associates

Good news for retailers: Children may find actual brand-name toys – not recession-age oranges, IOUs or dollar-store coloring books – in their stockings this…

Yes Virginia, Retail Holiday Sales Will Suck... Again!

by Bob Phibbs — CEO, The Retail Doctor

Wherever you look from now until the first week of January, there will be one consistent message: retail holiday sales will suck. That's because the evidence…

Shoe-shopping with Friends in 10 Steps or Less

by Lisa Biank Fasig — Director, JZMcBride and Associates

Think of it as a virtual shopping trip where all your friends can offer their opinions and advice, even though they are not there.

A Test Material Girls Should Love: Macy’s Pilot

by Lisa Biank Fasig — Director, JZMcBride and Associates

A new loyalty program may soon be rewarding shoppers who purchase brands by Madonna, Martha Stewart and Donald Trump – and they do not have to charge it.

Nordstrom Integrates Social Media on New Web Site

by Mike Wittenstein — Customer Experience and Service Designer, Storyminers

Nordstrom's new website is killer. It blends the best of efficiency and design in one site that's easy to use, feels great, and keeps the customer focused on…

Choo-Choo! Shoppers May be Trading Up

by Lisa Biank Fasig — Director, JZMcBride and Associates

Chin-up, glossy-floored department stores. U.S. retailers may be experiencing a reversal of fortune, if a couple of recent earnings reports are an indication.

Retail Summit Review

by Mike Wittenstein — Customer Experience and Service Designer, Storyminers

Reflections and Takeaways

Casual Male taps Headway for national recruitment

August 4, 2010

Headway Corporate Resources, a North American workforce solutions provider, has announced its recruitment solution partnership with Casual Male Retail Group…

Rebuttal to Mary Hunt in Woman's Day Magazine: Retailers Don't Trick Customers

by Bob Phibbs — CEO, The Retail Doctor

Mary Hunt takes aim at retailers by telling Amiable personalities they are all wrong and should become like her, an Analytical. I hate this type of X-files…

NRF unveils STORES' 2010 Hot 100 Retailers list

August 2, 2010

SYMS, Fresh & Easy, rue21 have been ranked among the nation's hottest retailers.

If the Culture Fits

by Sharon Goldman — Senior Director, COLLOQUY

In the humorous commercials from California’s Milk Advisory Board, viewers are told that "great cheese comes from happy cows." Whether or not cheerful bovines…

The Aspirational Tourist

by Annamaria Turano — Executive Director, MCAworks

Remember your last out-of-town getaway?  You probably wandered into a few shops at your destination to browse, buy a few mementos, or just pass the time before…

JCPenney to launch ALDO shop-within-a-shop

June 30, 2010

JCPenney Company Inc. and ALDO USA, Inc. have announced plans for JCPenney to become The ALDO Group's exclusive department store retailer in the United States…

Abercrombie & Fitch: Sex Obviously Doesn't Sell

by Bob Phibbs — CEO, The Retail Doctor

If “sex sells” then why have they lost so many of their customers? Sure their Manhattan store sells $100 million a year to gawker tourists, but how about the…

Sourcing Retail Store Fixtures from China

Sourcing fixtures from China can increase ROI, but a careful eye must be kept on hidden expenses and quality.

Curves: Lessons in Creating a Community

by Annamaria Turano — Executive Director, MCAworks

One summer, not too long ago, I joined a 2nd gym as I was out of town most weekends.  A charming low-frills outpost of Curves. 

Branding transforms Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH

The luxury discount destination prepares to open four more stores in 2010.

JCPenney, People magazine announce cross-promotional partnership

April 18, 2010

J.C. Penney Company Inc. and People StyleWatch have teamed up to make it easier than ever to find the latest celebrity-inspired fashion looks and trends…

Making Retail Work: What To Say Before They Go Out The Door

by Bob Phibbs — CEO, The Retail Doctor

Giving thought to what employees should say as customers leave is something most of us never consider when trying to build sales. I'm reminded of my first…