The rise of ecommerce sales is just one of the many changes that were brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Consumers preferred to stay safe in their homes and shop online. As convenient as this is, customers can no longer touch or try on a product before making a purchase, which means they do not […]
Marketing & Management
Customer Experience in the Age of Big Data
by Kevin Grauman We live in an era of unprecedented data, where a consumer’s every action sets off a ripple of digital data. Strings of algorithms interpret this data to create consumer profiles, and companies use these robust data representations to target products and content with great effect. According to a McKinsey study, around 35 […]
Strategically Grow Your Private Label with Science-Based Pricing and Promotions
by Cheryl Sullivan Independent retailers have struggled against proliferating online and brick-and-mortar competition for years. The pandemic only heightened the unpredictability of the fast-changing customer, competitor and shopper behaviors, as well as supply chain disruptions. The Imperative for Science-Driven Pricing and Promotions Fortunately, indie retailers continue to adopt science-based lifecycle pricing (which includes prices, promotions […]
3 Shipping Mistakes Costing Independent Retailers Money
by Luke Kupersmith Modern consumers are savvy. They are better informed than ever before, and they know more about what they want to purchase prior to setting foot in a store or visiting a retailer’s website. Social media causes the demand for some products to feel sudden. The need to create a memorable customer experience […]
3 Retail Strategies That Won the Holiday Season
by Derek O’Carroll Although the 2020 holiday season was one of the most turbulent in recent memory, the U.S. retail industry saw a record $188 billion in online purchases, reflecting a year-over-year growth of an astonishing 32 percent. With an estimated $766 billion in sales up for grabs and one of the rockiest years on […]
The Benefits of Touch-Free Payment Systems
The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed the way consumers shop and pay for goods. Between buy-online-pickup-in-store, mobile, and tap-to-pay payment options, the checkout experience has become so frictionless that many experts believe this will be the way of the future post-COVID. The majority of retailers have adopted a checkout-free payment system or are currently in […]
Top Hiring Strategies Ahead of the COVID-19 Holiday Season
Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Christmas are coming up fast, and major retailers such as Best Buy, Kohl’s, Target, and Walmart are already changing their holiday store operations this year due to COVID-19. To accommodate these new operations, like increased pick-up and delivery options for customers, store managers will need extra hands on deck. Preparing for […]
Influencers Driving Consumers In-Store This Holiday Season
From the beginning when Yelp allowed people to express their opinions online, to now Instagram users influencing consumers all over the world, influencers are literally driving our economy and even encouraging customers to shop safely. The best part is — they’re totally affordable! More and more retailers are starting to hop on this bandwagon as […]
Remain Mindful of ADA Mask Policies
by Nicole Smith Protecting customers and employees during the COVID-19 pandemic is now, more than ever, a top concern for retail businesses. Many retailers have instituted mandatory face mask policies pursuant to federal and state guidelines. In doing so, retailers should also consider reasonable accommodations for those who cannot wear a mask due to a […]
Five Must-Have Strategies for Your Digital Marketing Budget
by Meghan Martinsen With 2020 winding down, it’s time for marketers to start planning their budget for 2021. Digital marketing is an essential element for marketers because it helps them get their products before prospects. If shoppers search the internet for products that digital marketers provide but can’t find their site, they will lose sales […]
