Social Media

J.Crew customers on Saturday received a surprise in their email accounts — a letter from the CEO and chairman of the company, Mickey Drexler.

In the note, Drexler recounted how he was recently told by a shopper that the J.Crew she loves "is back.” He then asked customers to come into stores or check out the J. Crew e-commerce site to see what she was talking about, and also requested they email him directly with their thoughts. ([email protected].)

The J.C. Penney Co. Inc. is teaming up with a well-known social network to help draw traffic and sales at select mall-based locations.

According to Advertising Age, Penney will display digital Pinterest boards in 10 malls around the country as part of a Mothers’ Day promotion. The boards will display apparel, hair and beauty products that are available in nearby Penney stores at the mall. The promotion will also include featured in-person appearances by well-known fashion bloggers.

Online shoppers in the United States spent $92 billion on apparel, footwear and accessories in 2015.

That’s according to a new report, by global technology research and advisory company Technavio.

When it comes to shopping in stores, “digital natives” want the same technological conveniences they have come to expect online.

According to a new research report from Euclid Analytics, “Bringing Digital Engagement In-store,” 67% of millennial adults age 18-34 would be very or somewhat likely to use in-store WiFi for faster checkout via an exclusive VIP line. This compares to 60% of Gen Xers 35-54 and only 38% of baby boomers age 55 and older.

Digital retailing is growing in popularity, but the brick-and-mortar channel remains dominant for at least one crucial consumer activity.

According to research firm Toluna, an equal percentage of consumers browse before purchasing online or via mobile (76%) as browse in-store (also 76%). However, when it comes time to make a purchase, 82% will do so in-store while only 65% purchase items online or via mobile.

Grand Rapids, Michigan-based discount retailer Meijer is giving customers the chance to help create a TV commercial, and gaining some free social promotion in the process.

In a new contest, Meijer is asking shoppers to submit photos showing how the retailer supports their “home team,” which could range from a local Little League team to a Major League Baseball franchise, through an application on its Facebook page. Ten winners will receive $100 Meijer gift cards, and all photos have the chance to appear in the commercial.

While high bounce and exit rates can be frustrating to online retailers, nothing irks them more than seeing a high percentage of abandoned carts.

You were “this close” to making the sale. But somewhere along the sales journey, the shopper got frustrated or lost interest and left. Why? Chances are it was because you, the retailer, didn’t do enough to keep the customer engaged and motivated to complete the sale.

‘But people love our website!’ you say. ‘Shoppers adore our clothes!’ ‘What more do we need to do?’