Customer Service

7 Ways Retailers Can Use Mobile Messaging
September 12, 2016 at 11:32 am

The use of messaging applications has been soaring lately. Recent reports have shown that since 2015, monthly active users on messaging applications have surpassed the monthly active users on social media. The numbers have been growing ever since. It doesn't seem like mobile messaging is going anywhere. That's a good thing because it offers an…

Wal-Mart Cutting 7,000 Accounting, Invoicing Jobs
September 2, 2016 at 10:28 am

A Wal-Mart spokesperson said the company is cutting 7,000 back-office jobs across the country. The cuts affect employees working in accounting and invoicing positions in the company's stores, and will be rolled out over the next few months. The company stated that employees will have the option to move into more customer-facing roles. This comes…

5 Tips for Implementing a Successful Chatbot
September 1, 2016 at 9:31 am

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.,…

Moosejaw's Eoin Comerford on Brand Loyalists
August 31, 2016 at 11:21 am

In the keynote session of Total Retail's Virtual Conference & Expo, Eoin Comerford, CEO of Moosejaw, the oudoor recreation apparel and gear retailer, discusses what the company is doing to generate brand loyalists, and how having fun fits into that equation. (You can register to access the entire conversation with Eoin as well as all…

3 Key Factors Separating Retail’s Winners and Losers
August 23, 2016 at 12:44 pm

Retail is undergoing its biggest evolution to date. Consumer expectations are on the rise, and a generation of younger shoppers is changing the way brands think about engagement, loyalty and the customer experience. With so much change, it’s inevitable that there will be winners and losers when the dust settles. In fact, we’re already seeing…

Young Entrepreneur Leads DESIAR Into Bright Future
August 22, 2016 at 12:17 pm

In episode 49 of Total Retail Talks, I interview Jamal Robinson, founder and president of DESIAR. DESIAR is an online retailer of handcrafted wooden sunglasses that was founded in a college dorm room. Robinson talks about the brand's journey as well as his personal goals for growing the business.

Amazon Tests a Paid Customer Support Model
August 22, 2016 at 10:45 am

Amazon.com is testing a paid customer support model. For small sellers, it may sound ridiculously expensive at $400 per month, but for larger merchants, that may be a small price to pay for help to resolve problems that impact their business. Amazon announced the initiative to attendees of its recent Women's Entrepreneur Conference in Seattle. The customer…

4 In-Store Benefits Customers Can’t Score Online
August 18, 2016 at 11:33 am

Today’s connected world has seen many retail transactions move online, especially when it comes to younger shoppers. Despite the trend, brick-and-mortar retailers can still compete. How? With a little effort, you can lure consumers back to the sales floor by offering them benefits they just can’t find online. Here are four to consider: 1. Attentive customer…

How CARiD is Winning With Gamified Customer Service
August 11, 2016 at 8:35 am

In an increasingly digital world, online retailers can stand out from the crowd by focusing on the customer experience. One way to do that is by offering superior customer service. CARiD, one of the largest online retailers of aftermarket auto parts, is doing exactly this. Gerald Major, director of client experience for CARiD, says he…