5 Back-to-School Lessons for Retail Success

5. Be a digital assistant via the smartphone. Keep in mind that mobile for multitasking parents is more than just a connected device; it's the ultimate task assistant that reduces the stress of BTS.

Ikea introduced an interactive shopping list for its 2012 shopping season. The retailer also added social to the mix, connecting the app to Facebook and Twitter for social sharing and a deeper connection with consumers. Ikea's mobile site and app focus on being indispensable personal shoppers by helping to improve the shopping experience while in-store. The app uses location-based, store-specific information on inventory, store maps and promotions to help users get an even richer shopping experience.