INNOVATE: 8 Best Practices for Cross-Channel Retailers, Part 1

The growing number of cross-channel shoppers, an increase in location-based services and the rise of virtual goods incentives are just three of eight retail trends addressed during sessions I attended this week at INNOVATE 2011, the Retail Innovation and Marketing Conference sponsored by the National Retail Federation. Here's part one of a two-part series providing you with eight best practices surrounding these trends that I've learned from retailers, analysts and retail consultants this week in San Francisco: