At the Microsoft store, staffers break into song and dance

November 17, 2009

Blogger Brad Slavin recently wrote about a visit to the Shops at Mission Viejo mall, which is notable as one of the locations for the new Microsoft retail…

First look: Inside the Microsoft retail store

A visit to the first Microsoft store reveals that comparisons to Apple are like apples and oranges.

Photo gallery: GreenbergFarrow redesigns the Manhattan Mall

November 12, 2009

GreenbergFarrow, a nationally recognized architectural, planning, development and consulting firm, served as architect for the renovation and repositioning of…

Five things any retailer can learn from Apple

While most retailers can't lean on Steve Jobs for help with reinvention, there are lessons that all can learn from the Apple/Disney partnership.

NRF releases crowd management guidelines for retailers

November 8, 2009

As one of the busiest shopping days of the year approaches, retailers are focusing on one key component of their holiday plans: crowd control. With the help…

American Eagle flagship store will put customer pics on giant screens

November 4, 2009

American Eagle Outfitters has announced plans to open its flagship store in Times Square. The 25,000 square foot store is located at 1551 Broadway, at 46th…

Customers are buying down, and opportunities are rising, part 3

by Mike Wittenstein — Customer Experience and Service Designer, Storyminers

Customer-centric experience design is explored in this final installment of "Where's the Opportunity?"

Four strategies for a better retail holiday season

Retailers need to prepare for the upcoming season with carefully planned merchandise assortments, inventory levels and cross-channel promotions that drive…

Are retailers under-valuing the importance of fitting rooms?

The most important conversion area — and at the same time the least serviced area — in apparel retail is the fitting room.

Considerations When Placing a POS System

The point of sale is the last interaction a customer will have in the store. Having a cluttered, crowded system can leave a lasting negative impression.

Smart retailers fight walk-aways at the checkout

An average of 1.6 percent of customers leaves the checkout queue — and the store — without completing a purchase.

First Microsoft retail store could open next week

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

October 14, 2009

Next week is shaping up to be a big one for Microsoft: Not only is the company preparing to launch its Windows 7 operating system, but according to the Wall…

Steve Jobs helping overhaul Disney Stores

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

October 12, 2009

It looks like some of the visionary thinking that went into the Apple Stores is being brought to the retail wing of the Magic Kingdom: The New York Times…

ISME: Design of the Times 2009 award winners announced

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

At this week's In-Store Marketing Expo, a panel of 100 experts picked the year's best retail marketing initiatives in 16 categories.

ISME 09: Upstart Play N Trade redesigns its experience, takes aim at GameStop

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

Executives from the fastest-growing video game retailer shared details on their store redesign and emphasis on in-store events.

ClearThread helps retailers manage rollouts, remodels

September 30, 2009

DAVACO, provider of retail services, announced the availability of ClearThread, its proprietary technology package designed to give clients greater visibility…

GNC opens new concept store

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

September 29, 2009

Health/nutrition retailer GNC has opened its new prototype store, which it says will serve as the template for future locations. The 3,000-square-foot store is…

Cirque du Soleil reinvents its retail shop

The entertainment company recognized an opportunity to expand its performance experience into the concession and retail shop, creating a marketplace truly in…

A&P to split its brand into four store types

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

September 10, 2009

In an interview with New Jersey Business News, A&P chief executive Eric Claus outlined his company's plan to launch four distinct store types, each aimed…

Walmart's 'Project Impact' shoots for cleaner stores, better customer service

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

September 8, 2009

Time is reporting on the real-world impact of Walmart's "Project Impact," a makeover initiative that sees the retailer focusing on cleaner store environments…