Basket-at-once scanning technology exists, but retailers aren't biting

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

RFID-based scanners can massively speed up checkout and cut wait times, but supply chain challenges have prevented adoption.

Opinion: 12 ways to maximize the customer during a recession

The author of Retail Business Kit for Dummies weighs in with tips on how to get more out of each customer interaction and drive repeat business.

Lawmakers consider automatic recall warnings at the checkout

March 15, 2009

Los Angeles Times: With more food recalls happening weekly, consumer advocates, supermarket chains and legislators are exploring better ways to stop the sale…

Queue management targets the last stage of the purchasing process

Discipline blends design, engineering and technology to maximize efficiency and reduce walk-aways.

Lunds, Byerly's supermarkets deploy two-sided receipt printing

March 10, 2009

DAYTON, Ohio — Lund Food Holdings Inc., parent company of Lunds and Byerly's supermarkets, is deploying a new point-of-sale solution featuring two-sided…

iCongo version 8 adds dynamic catalog creation, enhanced merchandising

March 4, 2009

MONTREAL — iCongo, provider of e-commerce and cross-channel systems, today announced a set of new features to its retail e-commerce and cross-channel system.

Order online, pickup in-store boosts sales

March 1, 2009

Internet Retailer: As competition for retail sales increases, in-store pickup of online orders is emerging as a more important opportunity for multi-channel…

Discounters snag upscale customers, but do they build loyalty?

Newly frugal shoppers may love the savings at discount stores, but they're not loving the experience.

Tesco: We goofed in the U.S.

February 23, 2009

Progressive Grocer: Tesco's early market research was mistaken and the retailer may make big changes to its U.S. Fresh & Easy stores. "We may have…

Research: Mobile retail apps have massive growth potential

A new survey reveals that while most online shoppers have mobile phones, only a fraction have used them while shopping.

Putting your best customers to work for you

The best retailers don't just serve their customers — they put them to work, on behalf of the organization.

Giant Foods debuts new store design

February 19, 2009

Progressive Grocer: Giant Eagle Inc. introduced its newest store design with the opening of an 87,500-square-foot unit that features an open market-style…

NCR, Unified offer tech for small grocers

February 18, 2009

DAYTON, Ohio — Unified Grocers, a leading U.S. cooperative grocery wholesaler, and NCR Corporation have expanded their POS technology relationship to provide…

More than one in five Americans uncomfortable using coupons at the grocery

February 16, 2009

TORONTO — More than one in five U.S. consumers, 22 percent to be precise, admit they are self-conscious about redeeming coupons at the grocery store…

New tool helps small grocers manage inventory, store systems

February 16, 2009

SYDNEY, Australia — A comprehensive new information system offering real time multi-store management is providing independent and small operators with the…

WITRON unveils automatic shelf replenishment system

February 15, 2009

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. — WITRON announced its new SRS Shelf Replenishment System, which provides automatic shelf replenishment in retail stores.

Five ways retailers can use Microsoft Tag today

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

Redmond's new mobile barcode app offers some incredible flexibility for creative marketing — and it is available and ready to use right now.

Ten new shopping habits of the formerly upper-middle class

Tough times are changing the relationship consumers have with the foods they buy for themselves and their families.

Retail architect: Meet the new consumer

February 10, 2009

Jeffrey Hutchison, The Huffington Post: The current financial crisis has ushered in a new retail era which spells the end of shopping as we have known it…

Wal-Mart redesign praised

February 8, 2009

The Daily Times (Maryland): Wal-Mart is getting a new look, and county planners couldn't be happier. The new design was created to be on more of a human scale…