ShopTogether unites distant shoppers online

New tool lets two or more people browse an online store in tandem.

Ten retail IT predictions for 2010

At the heart of the coming year is a focus on the "new shopper."

Vigix rolling out vending kiosks

by Christopher Hall — writer, self

The company is confident the system it is calling the "first true vending kiosk" will be a showstopper.

Changing consumer mindsets call for new approaches

New trends in technology and social media allow grocers to create a differentiated shopping experience.

Focus on Escalate Retail's new Pocket Kiosk

Escalate Retail is offering a novel approach to all-channel commerce, using shoppers' own smartphones as a "Pocket Kiosk."

What the iPad means for booksellers

Apple's new iPad device could shake up the book market. Here are five ways to sell more traditional books during the upcoming e-book wave.

Four ways to get online shoppers to contribute reviews

Most retail Web sites allow users to write product reviews, but building a vibrant community takes more than just the tools. A recent success story from Sears…

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 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.

Retailers tackle 2010 with technology

Retailers are seeking technologies that do for any product category what mannequins do for apparel—show the customer how to bring many items together into a…

The Digital Signage Show: Inside Target's digital signage network

Target's interactive media team reveals some success factors of the company's Channel Red in-store digital media network.

Barnes & Noble Nook raises questions about digital-only products

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

Technology has made it possible to deliver music, movies, books and more without a physical product. But is that good for shoppers or retailers?

ISME 09: Bringing life to the point of purchase

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

Making POP more interactive and engaging was a big focus in the event's exhibit hall.

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.

E-tail clinic: Amazon.com

It's the king of online retail and a serious competitor to many a brick-and-mortar. But just how good is the Amazon customer experience?

Making the case for custom point-of-purchase content

A core factor of the retail customer experience is advertising. But how we speak to a potential customer versus a customer at the point of purchase are not the…

Driver's license scanning reduces fraud, but may alienate shoppers

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

In an effort to fight return fraud and abuse, a growing number of retailers are using a service that keeps a database of return activity — and feels like an…

Three rules for digital signage audio in the retail environment

In a noisy environment, audio programming straddles a fine line between engaging the customer and being obtrusive. Three rules of thumb will ensure that the…

Hands-on review: Best Buy's Twelpforce

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

The electronics retailer is using Twitter to connect customers to an army of tech experts. How well does it work?

Thinking beyond traditional retail packaging

How retailers are mixing packaging with interactive technology to connect with consumers.