Bill Hanifin

Something all of need reminding about from time to time is that the groups of people we are often discussing in these posts are a small percentage of the population.

In this case, the actual group of frequent flyers is probably 7% or less of total population. In fact, I...

The research is useful mostly through its illustration of the complexity of understanding the digital path to purchase.

I found it most interesting that neither demographics nor price were decisive factors in arriving at a purchase. We have seen the influence of Millennials on their neighboring generations, so the demographic...

The court of public opinion will always rule the day for business.

If the world was enthusiastic towards smokers, smoking bans would not be increasingly in place. Since the world has realized the health dangers of smoking and many consumers actively voice their distaste for smoking in and around a...

I am always interested to see that the answers to the poll normally cluster around one winner. I hope that is testament to the collective wisdom of the group and also an indicator that the answers are proxy for best practice in one form or another.

The answer to the...

Contactless card technology in the form of "chip and PIN" is a proven and safe technology for consumers. To sow the seeds of fear and doubt based on "bad reads" is nearly irresponsible with all the research previously completed.

The problem with contactless acceptance and roll out is more the...

Smartphones will not directly replace store associates, but will have an even wider ranging impact on store dimensions, inventory selection, pricing, and staffing.

The Google survey is directional in nature and to that extent gives accurate readings of how consumers are increasingly depending on mobile devices to navigate brick and...

I would take Linda Berman's suggestion one step further and say that "Event Director" might be a fitting new title for Mall Marketing Directors as well.

The mall has always been a social gathering spot for teen crowds and, while there is empty space to leverage, should mix in experimental...

Groupon's offering does seem to be competitive, but they and others in the competitive set should keep attention to the added value they bring to merchants, not just a low price.

At any moment when the threat of competition becomes too great, Visa and MasterCard can make fee adjustments that...

For the very few retailers that have the scale to support this service, it will increasingly be adopted as a differentiating factor for consumers. I don't think this will become a "necessity" however.

Amazon has a distinct advantage by nature of its business structure, and brick and mortar retailers must...

I am saddened that the way supposed industry experts and credible academics choose to embrace a discussion is by calling someone with an opposing viewpoint a moron. When did we throw tolerance out the window and subscribe to talk show sensationalism, putting a good headline ahead of substantive conversation?

Putting...