Omnichannel

As use of digital signage increases, the price of equipment comes down, consumers become more mobile savvy, and digital and mobile begin to integrate through proximity technology, it becomes increasingly important for retailers to consider these new forms of communication.

International footwear designer and retailer Stuart Weitzman will launch VendorNet’s StoreNet Ship-from Store software to integrate its store inventory with e-commerce sales and fulfillment to save sales on the web and in stores.

To help meet customers' desire for immediacy during the shopping experience, Nordstrom President Blake Nordstrom announced that the retailer will deploy mobile devices for its store employees by this fall.

In 2011 there will be new challenges and new opportunities for apparel manufacturers, retailers and brands. Based on insights from this month's just-style management briefing, we look at what the industy can expect this year.

Beauty care company Estée Lauder is using digital technologies to enhance the customer experience at various points of sale, including iPads for consumer use. Estée Lauder is "the first cosmetics brand to put iPads at selected store counters," said Fabrizio Freda, the company's president and CEO.

According to the 100 evaluated in the e-tailing group's Annual Mystery Shopping Study, merchants are reducing the clutter, raising the bar, embracing technology, and reaching beyond their websites to deliver a more polished customer experience.

Aeropostale's comparable store sales for January have been better than most peers in the teen segment, though room certainly exists for improvement. The company's comparable store sales for the month increased by a modest 1 percent while net sales for the month increased by 7 percent, largely driven by growth in its internet and catalog orders.

J.C. Penney unveiled plans to install large touchscreens at 120 of its stores and introduce an iPad application available in 50 jewelry departments, the latest move by a retailer looking to capitalize on the growing electronic sales market.

Online consumer behavior is constantly changing. There are more touchpoints and channels to connect with consumers than ever before. Keeping up with these steady and ever-present changes in online shopping behavior is the No. 1 thorn in the sides of retailers, according to a recent report by Retail Systems Research (RSR), sponsored by ATG, a subsidiary of Oracle, titled After the Storm: Connecting with the New Online Consumer.

Endeca Technologies has announced the results of an e-commerce survey of business-to-consumer and business-to-business organizations. The survey of 430 B-to-C and 160 B-to-B professionals reveals business results for 2010 as well as areas of focus for 2011.