Retail Job Openings Are Up, But Hiring Is Down

By Staff
Friday, November 8, 2024 9:00 AM Overall job openings in retail are at a higher level than a year ago though hiring is down.

Most Consumers Celebrate Both Thanksgiving and Christmas

By Staff
Thursday, November 7, 2024 1:20 PM A large number of U.S. consumers, 87 percent, will celebrate Thanksgiving this year with 80 percent of shoppers expecting to do all or most of their shopping in-store but even more, 90 percent, will celebrate Christmas with 80 percent purchasing gifts and 44 percent of shoppers planning to split purchases evenly between in-store and online.

Fostering Connections With Customers Pays Dividends

By Staff
Wednesday, November 6, 2024 12:04 PM One of the first steps a leader should take to improve the customer experience is to commit to being a loyalty company, instead of a transaction company.

Consumers Prefer Human Customer Service Over AI

By Staff
Tuesday, November 5, 2024 9:00 AM AI has the power to mitigate customer service frustrations, but it's the human touch that makes the difference.

Retailer Shoppers and Marketers Not in Sync on Holiday Spend

By Staff
Monday, November 4, 2024 10:59 AM There's a clear disconnect between marketer perception and consumer realities, but this presents a unique opportunity for retailers to capitalize on the shortcomings of their competition.

How Retailers Can Leverage Technology for Success

By Staff
Friday, November 1, 2024 11:23 AM By establishing a robust online presence, implementing effective loyalty programs and leveraging the power of social media, retailers can not only survive but flourish in today's competitive market.

Stimulating In-Store Buying and Strengthening Customer Relationships

By Staff
Thursday, October 31, 2024 11:32 AM It's true we can now define, target and reach audiences like never before. Still, efforts will fail if we are unable to engage the shopper at the in-store and point-of-sale levels.

Retailers Need to Embrace Cashless Transactions

By Staff
Wednesday, October 30, 2024 10:43 AM From a customer's perspective, the payment experience is everything. They want to make payments from their phones quickly and easily, and they expect that their applications will be available to use when needed.

How Digital Technology Can Help Small Retailers

By Staff
Tuesday, October 29, 2024 11:46 AM While digital technology has arguably driven shoppers away from physical stores, it also holds the key to bringing them back.

2024 Holiday Spending Expected to Hit New Heights

By Staff
Monday, October 28, 2024 1:29 PM Despite the shorter window of time between Thanksgiving and Christmas, retailers are prepared to meet the needs of consumers by providing holiday shoppers with earlier deals and sales and by ensuring inventory is available for the most in-demand items this year.

The ‘Stars’ Shone Brightly at MIWO Luncheon

By Mary Kane
Sunday, October 27, 2024 1:31 AM In 2022, Vision Monday marked the 20th anniversary of our Most Influential Women in Optical (MIWO) Special Report, so we did what everyone else does for an anniversary—we threw a party. Actually, it was a luncheon held at Vision Expo West and it was such a resounding success, we decided to make it an ongoing tradition.

Light Behind the Clouds

By Anne Cooper
Sunday, October 27, 2024 1:30 AM As I sit down to write today in Northern N.J., friends and industry colleagues located hundreds to a thousand or so miles from here are facing unthinkable challenges as they deal with the aftermath of two natural disasters. Hurricanes Helene and Milton wreaked havoc on homes, lives and businesses recently across stretches of the U.S., impacting businesses and residents across Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee, and others. The American Optometric Association (AOA) estimates that more than 7,700 optometrists alone have been affected, with that being just part of the picture of loss.

Smarter E-Commerce Security Will Benefit Retailers

By Staff
Friday, October 25, 2024 1:18 PM Genuine users shouldn’t carry the security burden of elaborate password requirements and multiple login steps. Retailers must assume more responsibility.

Retail Sales Grew in September as Consumers Seek Value Buys

By Staff
Thursday, October 24, 2024 11:46 AM While there have been some signs of tightening in consumer spending, September’s numbers show consumers are willing to spend where they see value.

Consumers Restrict Spending This Halloween Due to Inflation Concerns

By Staff
Wednesday, October 23, 2024 11:15 AM Life is so much more expensive than just a few years ago, and it has left many Americans squeezed to the breaking point. When that happens, sacrifices have to be made, and sometimes that means dialing back on things you love, like Halloween spending.