Social media networks like Facebook and Twitter have allowed people to connect with others all over the world. Now, the platforms are serving as marketing and communication tools for businesses.

According to a recently released study by Acquity Group, retailers are not paying enough attention to social media, which is resulting in the loss of customers who like to use the networks to interact with brands. The research revealed that when it comes to the five major platforms – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube – only 12 out of the 50 merchants analyzed had a presence on all of the sites. 

"The important takeaway for brands is to avoid haphazard or sporadic use of social media," stated Jay Dettling Acquity's executive vice president. "When a new social media channel is introduced, brands need to take the time to analyze the potential impact and return, and develop a solid strategy from there."

The Journal and Courier writes that brick-and-mortar retailers can benefit from social networks by offering deals and promotions on the sites to entice customers to visit their stores.

This entry was posted by Retail Pro on Friday, December 28th, 2012 at 6:46 am .

The internet has given consumers a way to perform a variety of daily tasks, and this include shopping. More customers are taking to the web to purchase products and services from businesses, leaving many experts to believe that brick-and-mortar retail locations could be dwindling in popularity. However, it seems as though this may not be the case.

The New York Times reports that among the abundance of internet-only retailers, there are many that are considering venturing into the physical world and opening up brick-and-mortar stores. These merchants are seeing a large amount of business on the web, but they believe that having a storefront will help them better serve their customers and establish more credibility. The news source spoke with the owner of web-only merchant Bonobos, Andy Dunn. Dunn stated that after he realized that many of his online shoppers preferred to feel and try on the clothes he offered, he decided to open a brick-and-mortar location.

Big name internet retailers are even getting in on the trend, as both EBay and Etsy are currently testing storefronts in several cities. The source writes that many businesses are doing this as their customers look at shopping as a social event and want to look at and try out products firsthand.

This entry was posted by Retail Pro on Thursday, December 27th, 2012 at 11:15 am .

Retailers know that if they provide engaging and interesting experiences within their stores, customers are more likely to return and continue doing business with them. This is why improving interactions and service in brick-and-mortar locations is becoming the focus for many merchants.

According to recent research from SapientNitro, 70 percent of consumers surveyed stated they believe that retailers can put more effort into enhancing shoppers' experiences in their stores. There were several strategies that respondents listed that could improve store visits, and the top rated – with 79 percent – was the ability to purchase items at brick-and-mortar locations and then have them shipped for free to customers' homes. This was followed by free internet access (63 percent), interactive displays and other elements (57 percent) and mobile offers that can be redeemed in stores (56 percent).

When it comes to interacting with retailers, research from Verint revealed that excellent customer service is more important than product price for many shoppers. Less than one-quarter of survey respondents said they prefer better prices over great experiences from businesses.

This entry was posted by Retail Pro on Thursday, December 27th, 2012 at 8:44 am .

This holiday season will be jolly not just for consumers, but for online retailers as well. Research has found that shoppers are increasingly went online to buy items and gifts, a purchasing trend expected to continue into next year.

According to a recent study by comScore, between November 1 and December 15, American consumers have spent approximately $35 billion online. Internet Retailer reports that this represents a 12.9 percent year-over-year increase, as shoppers purchased $31 billion worth of products during the same time last year. The research also looked at the week of December 10 to 16, and found that $7 billion was spent online, a 12 percent jump from the same time last year.

The official start to the holiday shopping season was successful for web retailers, as Cyber Monday brought in strong sales for businesses. The Wall Street Journal reports that consumers spent more than $1 billion throughout the day, making it the largest day ever for online retail sales.

This entry was posted by Retail Pro on Thursday, December 27th, 2012 at 5:56 am .

For many retailers across the country, sales from holiday purchases are already up from last year's amounts during the same time, meaning that total sales for the season could very well pass those in 2011. This could be a result of the increasing consumer confidence and improving American economy.

According to The Selma Times-Journal, many local merchants in the Selma, Alabama, region are already seeing the benefits from a strong holiday shopping season. For the past few years, many of these merchants have been struggling through tough times as the recession took its toll on the economy. However, things are looking up in 2012, and businesses are pleased with the amount of customers that have been coming out to purchase gifts and other items.

"Last year was the worst year for us in 23 years," Frames 'n Things owner Kay Traylor told the news source. "But I have to say this year is an improvement from years past."

Citing research from the National Retail Federation, the Times-Journal reports that the average consumer is expected to spend approximately $749 on gifts, decor and other holiday items. Retailers in Selma, and other parts of the country, are sure to see the positive results of these findings, as shoppers are feeling more optimistic about their own personal financial conditions and the economy.

This entry was posted by Retail Pro on Thursday, December 27th, 2012 at 4:57 am .

With the coming new year, retailers are wrapping up their 2012 operations and turning their attention to how they can succeed in 2013. Focusing on customers and what they are looking for in terms of retail shopping experiences can give businesses the boost they need to keep thing running smoothly over the next 12 months.

For retailers looking for ways to keep shoppers happy in 2013, Inside Retailing offers some suggestions. For example, the source writes that sales associates should be personable and try to connect with customers in a more engaging way, instead of offering scripted communications. Developing ways to stand out from competition by providing distinctive products and services is another method that can be used to draw in consumers.

The source also notes that constantly revisiting management and operations strategies for marketing and customer service can help retailers pinpoint areas where improvement is needed. This step can also include feedback provided by shoppers, as this give companies more insight into what is wanted and how they can offer these elements. In the end, making transactions and browsing easy, both on- and offline, can keep customers coming back.

This entry was posted by Retail Pro on Thursday, December 27th, 2012 at 3:51 am .

Everyone knows when the holiday season is here – the smells of fresh-baked cookies and fir trees waft through the air and themed music is constantly playing. Retailers are using these tactics to bring in consumers to their stores, hoping it will give their revenues a boost.

Besides using attractive store displays and decorations, many businesses are trying to put shoppers in the holiday mood by playing popular themed songs and making sure the smells of live fir trees is apparent in their storefronts, reports the Raleigh News & Observer. By using these strategies, merchants are hoping to influence their customers' purchasing habits and how long they stay in stores. Additionally, they want to improve the overall experience as well.

"We're trying to make it a magical experience; when you walk in it really puts you in the Christmas mood," said Charles Vaughan, manager Durham, North Carolina-based Morgan Imports. "When you target all of the senses, you are really able to get that 'wow' feeling."

Retailers are also turning to timely discounts and offerings to draw in consumers, according to The Associated Press. This includes layaway options, extended open hours, and free shipping to customers' homes.

This entry was posted by Retail Pro on Wednesday, December 26th, 2012 at 11:32 am .

As the next few day pass, American consumers will be flooding retail stores and websites to purchase products they plan to give as gifts for the holiday season. Since there are still many customers who have shopping left to do, businesses are offering deals and incentives aimed at drawing patrons into their brick-and-mortar locations and ecommerce sites.

Approximately 68 percent of shoppers – representing nearly 132 million Americans – have not yet finished their holiday gift buying, according to the Consumer Reports Holiday Poll. The research also looked at the items that customers would most likely be purchasing at the last minute, and 62 percent said they will be getting gift cards, 15 percent said alcohol and 12 percent said lottery tickets.

"We found in a previous poll that 20 percent of Americans dread shopping for gifts, which could explain why there are so many procrastinators this year," said Tod Marks, Consumer Reports senior editor. "Those who haven't finished shopping can expect crowded stores – including on Christmas Eve."

Retailers are providing deals and other incentives to bring in consumers, states the Tribune Review. Some, like Macy's and Toys R Us, are extending their hours to give shoppers more time to stock up on items. 

This entry was posted by Retail Pro on Wednesday, December 26th, 2012 at 11:32 am .

It happens every holiday season – there are always those consumers who rush to retail stores and websites at the last minute to stock up on items to give to family and friends. In Canada, research found there is a significant amount of shoppers who still need to stock up on gifts.

According to a recently released study by Toys R Us, Canada, approximately 50 percent of Canadian consumers still have products on their lists they have yet to buy for the holiday season. The survey also looked at parents needing to purchase gifts for their children, and 55 percent of this group still have some shopping to do. In its report, Toys R Us, Canada states that many people are busy with other things and just haven't found the time to cross off items on their lists.

The final holiday rush of customers could further boost the nation's economy as its continues on its path to improvement. The Wall Street Journal cites research from the Royal Bank of Canada which found that retail sales in the northern nation increased more than was expected in October. The amount of sales jumped by 0.7 percent from the previous month to C$39.45 billion ($39.93 billion).

This entry was posted by Retail Pro on Wednesday, December 26th, 2012 at 11:32 am .

There are many ways in which brick-and-mortar and ecommerce retailers are alike, and there are others in which they are different. As the holiday season comes to a close, these two types of merchants begin competing against one another, as both scramble to bring consumers in their stores and on their sites.

One method that web retailers are using to attract shoppers is by offering fast shipping, The Wall Street Journal reports. This is being done to accommodate last-minute customers who are looking for quick ways to get the items they want. The news source highlights one example in GSI Commerce, which operates the online shipping of more than 70 brands. The company is promising to allow web shoppers to purchase items as late as 11 p.m. on December 22 and receive their products two days later on Christmas Eve.

Although it may be too late for this holiday season, retailers can boost their revenues and customer retention rates by offering free shipping for web consumers. According to a study by ShopRunner, customers are more likely to purchase items from businesses that provide the free option.

This entry was posted by Retail Pro on Thursday, December 20th, 2012 at 11:37 am .