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  • KEEP YOUR EYE ON VISUAL SEARCH

    One trend that will likely become more prevalent in 2016 is visual search, the ability to click on an image of a product and obtain information or even make a purchase, without typing in any words.

    Urban Outfitters and other select retailers are offering visual search capabilities, and the failed Amazon Fire smartphone essentially made the world into an Amazon showroom with an advanced virtual search tool.

  • Holiday Recap: Top Five Customer-Engaging Omnichannel Campaigns

    As we wrap up another holiday season, it’s time to review some of the most innovative and successful omnichannel promotions launched by retailers.

    Some of these promotions were brand new, some were updated versions of established favorites. And some directly drove purchases while others built brand awareness and general holiday goodwill. But all five of the selected campaigns engaged customers in ways that should help boost loyalty long after holiday cheer fades.

    Harry & David

  • Spotlight On Changing Regulations

    In 2016, retail chains will continue to face increasing competition and high consumer expectations. Changing regulations will also impact retail businesses. We see the regulatory issues below as the most critical for the retail industry this year and beyond.

  • Macy’s cutting thousands of jobs as part of big cost-cutting initiative

    Macy’s lowered the ax on Wednesday, announcing major cost-cutting moves on the heels of holiday sales that were much worse than expected.

  • SHOP TALK

    RANDOM NOTES: The North Face puts its passion for adventure and the great outdoors front and center in its new flagship in London. Designed to inspire customers to explore the world, the 4,300-sq.-ft. store features skylights, live greenery, tree trunks that extend through the ceiling windows, and such tech enhancements as a virtual reality experience that takes viewers on a journey through Nepal. Digital screens (“sky windows”) set in the ceiling have imagery that reflects outside weather conditions.

  • BEACONS BECKON

    Beacon technology is remapping how shopping center owners and retailers engage with their customers. PREIT is the latest owner to adopt the beacon-based advertising service, by partnering with Mobiquity Networks, at its premier malls. Earlier this year Macerich announced its expanded partnership with Mobiquity by adding the technology to more of its centers.

  • C-Suite Execs to Watch in 2016

    For the retailing industry, 2015 was another year of seismic shifts as merchants continued to keep pace with the evolving digital landscape. It was also a busy year of executive comings and goings. Here is my pick of industry executives — all new to their positions — to keep an eye on in 2016.

  • NEXT GENERATION OF LOYALTY

    Starwood Retail Partners debuted Oh, So Simple, a first-of-its-kind rewards program that offers consumers a revolutionary way to earn credit for their purchases at stores across an entire mall. The program piloted at four properties in 2015 and will roll out to all 29 Starwood centers this year. The one-step process links an existing Visa, MasterCard, or personal American Express credit or debit card to an Oh, So Simple Rewards account. Members can connect as many of their cards to the account as they wish.

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