Retail News Insider

Every good retailer needs an app, right? Popular consensus says yes, but some vocal digital experts are now leaning more toward the “maybe” side of things. While mobile apps have been a huge innovation for the retail world in recent years, that doesn’t mean consumers will use a retailer’s app simply because it exists. We know shoppers are using their mobile devices in the store but only about 21 percent turn to a retailer’s app first, according to a study conducted by Google. Instead, the majority of shoppers begin their digital journey by using a mobile browser to search for a product or by going directly to a retailer’s website.

For many families, back-to-school season is a time of big transitions. They say goodbye to the freedom of fun summer days and prepare for early morning wakeups and a bevy of activities to be added to the calendar. All of those changes—and supplies to go with them—add up to a lot of spending: $75 million per year on average, according to the National Retail Federation. In-store sampling and demonstration events can be a great way to capture a piece of the back-to-school selling pie while also helping ease the transition for families.

Smile (at your customers), invite (them over) and have fun—that’s Lead Sales Advisor Cathy Totten’s winning approach to running in-store events. This month, we asked her to share some of the best strategies she’s developed over her 12 years as a Sales Advisor with Interactions.

If you’re like most shoppers, you have a favorite grocery retailer. No matter what location you enter, walking through the aisles feels a bit like coming home. You know where everything is and can always find your favorite items. If you shop at one of Raley’s supermarket chains, you now have SAS Retail to thank […]

Imagine grabbing your favorite magazine, ordering up a hot breakfast and freshly-made espresso and sitting down at a dining table to savor a few moments to yourself before heading off to work. Now imagine doing all that not in the comfort of your own home or a fancy café—but right inside your local grocery or […]

Adapting to Change that Surrounds You Every new day brings change and opportunity. In a recent company meeting, I shared with our associates worldwide the idea that change is essential to success. For many, the notion of doing things in a different way or adapting to new methods can be disconcerting. It’s natural, after all, […]

Welcome to another informative issue of Retail News Insider. First, I’d like to introduce myself as your new editor. After five years as the Editorial Director of Retail News Insider, Kelly Short is embarking on new opportunities and we wish her much success in her new venture. She helped to establish this publication as the […]