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5 Cross-Channel Retail Trends to Watch in 2012

While you’re probably in the middle of the busy holiday season right now, 2012 is closer than you think. As you begin to look forward to the year ahead, I’ve put together a list of predictions for what cross-channel retailers can expect come next year.


5 Steps to Capturing Fickle Consumers

With expendable income being scarce in today’s economy, consumers have become highly skilled at comparison shopping. While shopping for the best deal once required serious effort — driving from store to store and/or comparing catalogs — it’s an easy process now.


Acumen Brands Uses Robots to 
Cut Warehouse Costs

With a 60,000 square-foot facility in Fayetteville, Ark., Acumen Brands’ current warehouse and order fulfillment system is light-years from where it was just two short years ago when the company was founded.


How to Be Insanely Great

It’s been interesting absorbing all the interviews and commentary about Steve Jobs since his passing. His accomplishments, quotes, lessons learned and look on life are all fascinating. I resonate with many of his principles — e.g., follow your curiosity and intuition; think differently; fail forward; connect the dots; innovate your way out of problems; stay hungry; stay foolish; and it’s only by saying no that you can concentrate on the things that are really important.


How to Reduce Shopping Cart Abandonment Rates

The single biggest reason why consumers abandon their shopping carts is because of shipping and handling charges. While you may not be able to offer permanent sitewide free shipping, it is well worth digging into your shipping costs. Simply put: reduce them and you’ll sell more.


I Can See My QR Code From Here!

Ever been in an airplane, on top of a roller coaster hill, ski lift or other high place and said, “I can see my house from here!”? Well, now you can add a new expression to that list: “I can see my QR code from here!”


Office Depot Engages Prospects With Mobile Back-to-School Campaign

Office supplies retailer Office Depot launched a national back-to-school mobile campaign earlier this year that let shoppers reap big savings via in-store mobile gift card giveaways and other discounts.


Raise the Bar With Common Sense Creative

Lackluster, nondescript and misinformed creative is a problem that’s actually getting worse despite the sophisticated tools creatives have at their fingertips. This malady is rampant in the design world. It’s often caused by thoughtlessness or lack of experience or training on the part of those who are given the job of design, copy and production of your email program, catalog or website.


Spur Response With Unit Drivers

A unit driver is simply a product that sells in high quantity. Why do unit drivers matter? High unit sales tell you a product has broad appeal, and broad appeal means higher response rates from a wide range of consumers — like prospects.