Archive for April, 2012
RetailWire: BrainTrust Query: Five Steps to Effective Social Retailing
FROM RETAILWIRE: With retailers still exploring the use of social media — or social retailing, for short — there are very few established best practices around this new type of marketing and engagement. Here are five things retailers should consider. What do think of the suggestions offered in the article for developing a social presence? [...]
View PostRetailWire: BrainTrust Query: Self-Checkout – What Should Drive the Retailer Decision?
FROM RETAILWIRE: The self-checkout continues to be the subject of fierce debate within the retail community. The controversy is propelled by the multiple dimensions of the issue to retailers, manufacturers and shoppers. Do you believe self-checkouts undermine or support exceptional customer service? [more...] MY COMMENTARY: Self-checkout has a valuable role to play in many retail [...]
View PostStick a Pin in it?
The most recent “overnight success” in social sites is Pinterest, launched as a “closed beta” in March, 2010, and still an invitation-only “open beta” today. Should you be paying attention? You bet. Pinterest Basics With Pinterest, users can share pictures found on the web by “pinning” them to virtual pinboards that can be viewed by [...]
RetailWire: BrainTrust Query: Is Retail Quietly Trending Away From Bricks and Mortar?
FROM RETAILWIRE: Back in the late ’90s, a fear pervaded among many retailers that they might be torpedoed by the new phenomenon of online shopping. Over time, retailers relaxed and joined the fray, but traditional retail shopping has been permanently affected. Do you agree that retail is quietly trending away from bricks & mortar? [more...] [...]
CrossView Successfully Completes a SSAE 16 (SOC 1) Type II Report
CrossView has completed a Statement on Standards for Attestation Engagement No. 16 (“SSAE 16” or “SOC 1”) Type II audit for Cross-Channel Commerce Platform Services. This is our second successful completion of a SSAE 16 report. So what does this mean to CrossView customers? Successful completion offers assurance that we have implemented stringent controls and [...]
RetailWire: Macy’s Goes Online In Stores
FROM RETAILWIRE: Macy’s is on a hot streak online. According to a Reuters interview with CEO Terry Lundgren, Macy’s saw its e-commerce business grow 40 percent in 2011 and it expects to reach $2 billion this year. What do you think are the most productive uses of online technologies in stores? [more...] MY COMMENTARY: They [...]
RetailWire: BrainTrust Query: Changing Times in Loyalty
FROM RETAILWIRE: As great as Loyalty Expo was this year, too much of the dialogue continued to focus on points, rewards, discounts and deals. There were relatively few exceptions to this theme, with the notable exception, Amazon. What lessons does Amazon offer around customer loyalty? [more...] MY COMMENTARY: In many self-service shopping environments (online and [...]
RetailWire: Google Looks to Revitalize Market Research
FROM RETAILWIRE: Believing quick, micro-surveys are less annoying than online ads, Google has quietly launched a new Google Consumer Surveys tool that it believes both monetizes online content and creates a “fast, accurate, and affordable” tool for gaining market research. What do you see as the merits and potential drawbacks to Google Consumers Surveys? [more...] [...]
RetailWire: Sephora Gives Itself a Makeover
FROM RETAILWIRE: Sephora is making changes and, according to reports, they are more than cosmetic, adding iPads to the counters in its stores, equipping sales associates with iPod Touch devices, and adding Instagram and Pinterest functionality to its mobile and web sites. What elements of Sephora’s digital makeover do you see having the most potential [...]
RetailWire: Best Buy’s CEO Resigns. Who Next?
FROM RETAILWIRE: Best Buy Co.’s Chief Executive Officer Brian Dunn resigned on Tuesday, leading market observers to speculate on what type of executive would best lead the consumer electronics giant. What type of skills are required to lead Best Buy at this point? [more...] MY COMMENTARY: I don’t agree that Best Buy’s fundamental problem is [...]
