RPW 2-5-2008

Retail Paradox Weekly

Retail News Analysis by RSR Research

February 5, 2008

It Takes a Multi-channel Retailer to Serve a Cross-channel Consumer

By Brian Kilcourse, Managing Partner
2/5/2008

How big is the multi-channel business in retail, and how big is it likely to get? These are not new questions, and so it's surprising that after nearly ten years of multi-channel growth powered by consumer access to the Web, that there still are such wild variations in how the questions are answered. Not that we want facts to get in the way, but… here are some real numbers that give the ring of truth to the inexorable march towards multi-channel retailing in the United States:

Walmart.com, Social Capital and Web Design: How We Stop 'Bowling Alone'

By Paula Rosenblum, Managing Partner
2/5/2008

Last week I attended part of Internet Retailer's Web Design Conference in Miami . I had the opportunity to hear Debbie Kristofferson, VP of Creative and User Experience for Walmart.com and others speak to hundreds of retailers about what's hot in web site design.

Ms. Kristofferson talked quite extensively about Walmart.coms most recent web site redesign and how important it was to create a sense of community. Wal-Mart's research revealed... More

How Retailers and Manufacturers Should Use Product Reviews

By Nikki Baird, Managing Partner
2/5/2008

I had a very interesting shopping experience recently that hit on one of my favorite gripes about product reviews. Because I haven't spoken with them yet, the company shall remain anonymous: I haven't confirmed that this is their actual strategy or just coincidence.

Here's what happened... More

Loss Prevention: Opportunities Abound
By Steve Rowen, Partner
2/5/2008

At the beginning of the year, the RSR team got together to plan its scheduled research calendar. The goal was quite simple: to identify the topics that retailers and their partners need addressed most. What business intelligence are they craving? Which issues are not receiving enough attention in the current market?

Only a few weeks in, we already have one resounding answer... More