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Many people are afraid of change, and the same is true of many companies. After all, staying consistent is a key component of creating a successful brand image, and as the old saying goes, "don’t fix what’s not broken." Unfortunately from this perspective, the same doesn’t hold true of technological disruption. In fact, it’s quite…

Back in April, Facebook announced that retailers would now be able to use its Messenger app to sell directly to consumers in a chat window. Some of the first brands that jumped on this opportunity included 1-800-Flowers.com and Spring. Now, more brands are using artificial intelligence (AI) as a selling and communication platform. AI (e.g.,…

Summer can be rough for retailers. The warm weather beckons us outside, far from any storefront. We don’t quit shopping entirely, however. For retailers with a smart summer strategy, there’s money to be made. If your sales have been less sunny from Mother’s Day through Labor Day, try these tips based on a recent survey…

At a time when many retailers remain unsure about how to leverage smartphones for other aspects of their business, text messaging continues to evolve with new uses and opportunities being deployed in-store and beyond. Sure, other mobile apps and device uses have received a lot of attention, but there are several reasons why text messaging…

Before diving into this article, take a moment to examine your surroundings. Readers will find themselves in slightly different places, but more likely than not a mobile phone is within your immediate reach — you may even be reading this article on a phone. According to Pew Research, at least 90 percent of U.S. adults…

The holidays are a feverish time of year for shoppers and retailers alike, and there’s more competition than ever for consumers’ attention. That’s why retailers must market smarter, not harder. Yet many are missing a vital opportunity to attract and engage shoppers. Research shows that 78 percent of people are more likely to visit a…

The crazy-busy day we know as Black Friday is fast-becoming “Mobile Black Friday,” and retailers need to take heed. With the amount of shopping done by mobile continuing to skyrocket, it’s now more imperative than ever that retailers have a mobile strategy for the holiday season. Consider for a moment the amount of Black Friday…

This webinar offers insights and tips on how retailers can leverage digital technologies to better engage and sell to consumers.

Wal-Mart has launched Wal-Mart Simple Text, a text messaging-based assistant for shopping at the retailer's stores. You simply text “hi” to 415-214-8445, thanks to Twilio, and you’re ready to ask Wal-Mart about the item(s) you’re interested in.

Retailers that want to up the ante on exceptional customer service and personalization for their shoppers need to get their thumbs ready. "Text to Buy" is the latest shopping model to capture the attention of the retail industry. Leading brands and retailers have already bolstered their mobile shopping experience with this brilliant yet simple solution, allowing shoppers to send a text of what they want and when they want it. An associate confirms the order, and it’s on its way. Voila! A simple, human way to connect.