Debbie Hauss

I am always glad to see charitable efforts on the part of for-profit companies. Collaboration around causes is different because it's more emotional. But working together on these types of issues also strenthens operational functions.

RetailROI is another great example of the retail industry coming together to for a charitable...

Some of these tips must be taken on a case by case basis. It's important to have an overall brand pricing strategy in place and, while retailers should be watching the competition, it shouldn't necessary be a knee-jerk reaction to change prices.

Also, instead of changing the price, it might...

With more emphasis on social recommendations, it's obvious that retailers need to pick up the pace with their involvement in social channels in order to collect more loyal followers, encourage more recommendations, and motivate consumers to share positive reviews. This will translate to more highlights on the new Google...

Staples, Nordstrom and Walmart also have introduced innovation labs. For Staples, the innovation lab "provides a space that allows our teams to think creatively and rapidly bring to market enhancements to our mobile commerce, online and in-store digital offerings," according to Prat Vemana, Director, Velocity Lab & Mobile.

Other retailers,...

This is a growing concern, especially as more retailers implement a variety of purchase and shipping options such as buy online, pickup in store. Retailers are struggling with how to assign credit for sales that are finalized in-store but are not initiated there.

I expect to see more new solutions...

Yes, I think the employees will appreciate it to some degree, but if their pay structure is broken, then that is an entirely different subject. They will cash the checks, but at the same time some will be aware that they have received a 2% pay increase vs. the...

For apparel retailers, this could work. Most apparel shoppers probably still want to try on some items before purchase. For other types of products, this could be an annoyance for shoppers looking to get in and out quickly.

It's also interesting that Gap is viewing the program differently depending upon...

Retailers need to ask a lot more questions about this before they decide to change current strategies. It's possible that kids are influencing more shopping choices, but where are they getting their information? And are their parameters presented by the parents around those choices? Which age groups of kids...

I think grocers could do a better job motivating consumers to complete feedback surveys. Many shoppers simply discard their receipts without even looking at them. They could take a lesson from OpenTable, which asks users, via email, to fill out a survey immediately following a dining experience. Grocers could...

All the stated benefits are important, but which is most important depends upon the individual retailer's issues and priorities. If markdowns are a huge problem, then advanced inventory visibility has the potential to deliver impressive results that will make shareholders very happy.

If customer loyalty is the issue, then the...