Capitalizing on the Social Media Revolution

With the social media revolution in full swing in the retail industry, it would appear that Facebook is emerging as one of the most effective ways for companies to reach potential customers. Recent studies have indicated that Facebook is ahead of the pack amongst social networking sites being used by some of the biggest retail chains. The Limited Brands’ Victoria’s Secret is in the lead currently in this department, with 2.8 million fans on its Facebook company page. “Many customers say they really wanted to hear about sales and products,”... 

How Are Web Consumers Making Their Decisions?

Common wisdom in recent years has proven that social networking is an essential element of a company or brand’s online presence and marketing mix. However, as the scope of social networking broadens and becomes more commonplace, the danger exists that consumers can become jaded and less open to its influence. Now more than before, it appears that a strong social networking approach must be just one part of a larger strategy. “The events of the last 18 months have scarred people,” said Richard Edelman, CEO and President of Edelman Public Relations,... 

Study Discovers Holiday Web Shopping Negatively Impacted by Poor Site Performance

Is it possible that heavy traffic to your website could have a negative impact on your business? It may seem counterintuitive, but that’s exactly the scenario posited by a new study released today by Gomez, the web performance division of Compuware Corporation. Specifically, the study—entitled “When More Website Visitors Hurt Your Business: Are You Ready for Peak Traffic?”—found that unsatisfactory web performance is a major issue in the retail business, and most decidedly has an effect on how and where consumers make their online purchases. “Peak... 

Location a Factor in Consumer Response to Video Content

When it comes to video content, it’s long been conventional wisdom that mindset can be a determining factor in the consumer’s interaction. For example, if a commercial for a product airs during his favorite TV show, he might be annoyed by it; yet if he is in the market for said product, he might view the same commercial as highly informative. But there are also indications that physical location could be just as much of a determining factor in consumer response. For example, a consumer in a brick-and-mortar store is not likely to view a video... 

Saks 5th Ave. Execs Expound on Importance of Social Media

For online retailers, it’s no longer enough to simply offer desired products at attractive prices. In this day and age of social media, it’s of paramount importance that businesses communicate and interact with their customers online. Its all about communication and innovation–such was the takeaway from a presentation by Tory Burch and Steve Sadove, Saks Fifth Avenue Chairman and CEO, at Retail’s BIG Show this week. “The reality is, when there is innovation, consumers still want it,” said Sadove with regard to the struggle of apparel... 

Web Sellers Use Social Media

The economy is not only impacting shoppers, it’s affecting online retailers, too. According to results of Shop.org’s eHoliday Study, conducted by BIGresearch, shoppers will see changes in retail marketing and promotions this holiday season, in response to economic uncertainty. With an understanding that many of today’s shoppers use Facebook and Twitter regularly, and because these tools are more cost effective than traditional advertising, 47.1 percent of retailers surveyed will be increasing their use of social media this holiday...