Seven supermarket trends for 2010

December 22, 2009

The high cost of groceries in 2009 had a large impact in the way America ate this year. More made their meals at home, took their lunches to work, and switched…

The 5 biggest retail customer experience stories of 2009

Faced with a tough economy and shaky consumer confidence, retailers innovated when it came to customer experience this year.

How consumers killed customer service

Demand for low prices has driven down the value of customer service. Here's how retailers can drive it back up.

Study: Promotional bundles devalue products, reduce long-term profit

December 16, 2009

The best things in life aren't free, especially for companies trying to lure customers by offering sweet deals on two complementary products.

NRF survey: Most consumers are less than halfway done with holiday shopping

December 16, 2009

Though the Christmas countdown is in its final stages, it seems shoppers still have plenty of shopping left to do. According to NRF's 2009 Holiday Consumer…

Kroger loyalty program offers free wireless minutes

December 16, 2009

Grocery chain Kroger has announced a clever new wrinkle to its loyalty program. It is now giving shoppers free minutes on its wireless phone service…

How mobile is set to impact the 2009 holiday retail season

In what is another challenging holiday season for retailers, mobile marketing and advertising provide a very welcome bright spot.

Whole Foods unveils mobile-optimized site

December 10, 2009

Whole Foods Market has announced the launch of a Web site optimized for Web-enabled mobile devices.

Cegid to unveil retail management tool at NRF Big Show

December 9, 2009

Software solutions company Cegid announced that it will unveil its latest retail planning, merchandising and store management application at the NRF EXPO…

Survey: Retail employees not giving good customer service, despite tough job market

December 7, 2009

Despite working in a sector that has suffered job losses averaging roughly 50,000 per month since the start of the recession, retail employees are not…

How discounting is hurting retailers

When retailers lower prices without asking customers to give up something in return, confusion results and sales are negatively impacted.

Canadian bill lets pharmacists dispense drugs via kiosk

December 2, 2009

Canda's CBC News reports the Ontario legislature has passed Bill 179, which will allow prescription drug sales through self-service kiosks. The Web site says…

RetailWire Discussion: Localization and limited buys

The pendulum has swung away from generalization and back toward localization, but retailers and brands are learning how to execute locally through their…

Meijer GiftCracker site lets users anonymously research holiday wants

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

December 2, 2009

Midwestern supercenter operator Meijer has done some innovative work online this year, such as its express grocery pickup program. For the holidays, Meijer…

Report: Consumer definition of value is changing

December 2, 2009

The shopper experience study underway by The Integer Group and M/A/R/C Research reveals that electronics and department stores continue to see the largest…

Smilebox adds direct-to-store printing at Walmart, Sam's Club

November 22, 2009

Smilebox, a Washington-based company that lets consumers create photos, DVDs and other products from their digital media, announced that its users can now…

Shifting retailers respond to new 'season of discontent'

Smart retailers are combating the tough times with an organizational shift to a customer-centric focus.

Report: Gift card spending to drop slightly

November 18, 2009

While they remain the most requested holiday item, shoppers are expected to pull back on buying gift cards again this year. According to NRF's 2009 Holiday…

Training for unit-level success for holiday 2009

Products may be set, but people can improve. Here are four practical ways retailers can leverage front-line employees this holiday season.

Report: Retailers benefiting from near-real-time BI

November 17, 2009

RSR's newest research study, "Using Business Intelligence to Help Control Outcomes in an Uncontrollable World," published in partnership with the National…