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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Report: More holiday shoppers will pay with debit, cash

November 16, 2009

It's the year for a little more green and a little less plastic. According to NRF's 2009 Holiday Consumer Intentions and Actions survey, conducted by…

Report: Four ways Millennials will impact retail in coming years

November 16, 2009

Millennials — Americans born between 1979 and 1989 — are one of the largest demographics in the country and will soon be entering a strong growth period in…

Kroger kiosk lets shoppers try wines before they buy

November 16, 2009

Progressive Grocer reports that an innovative new program being tested at a Kroger in Columbus, Ohio. The WineStation kiosk is a temperature-controlled system…

After last year's tragedy, Walmart prepares for traffic on Black Friday

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

November 10, 2009

With Black Friday on the horizon, Walmart is taking steps to make sure last year's tragic trampling death doesn't happen again.

Altierre introduces out-of-stock sensor tool

November 9, 2009

Altierre Corp. today expanded its line of wireless products with the introduction of the Out-of-Stock Sensor Solution, which alerts retailers when it's time…

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…

ResponseTek CEM upgrade adds SMS surveys, new reports

November 5, 2009

ResponseTek, a provider of on-demand customer experience management (CEM) software, has announced the Fall 2009 release of its ResponseTek:CEM solution.

Study: Brands more influential than price

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

November 4, 2009

Times may be tough, but that isn't stopping shoppers from buying the brands they prefer. That's the finding of a new study by the Grocery Manufacturers…