Order Fulfillment

New York & Company Risks Customer Relationship With Return Mishap
January 19, 2011

As is my custom here in this space, I like to bring to light retail experiences that either are worthy of praise or derision. Unfortunately for cross-channel women's apparel retailer New York & Co., this post falls into the latter category. The source for nearly all of my retail stories, my wife Stephanie, brought to my attention this latest incident involving her sister Christine and New York & Company.

Amazon Sparks Controversy With Patent on Returns Policy
January 19, 2011

Amazon is working on a solution that could revolutionize digital gift buying. The online retailer has quietly patented a way for people to return gifts before they receive them, and the patent documents even mention poor Aunt Mildred.

Sales Up, But Stores Fret Over Outlook
January 17, 2011

Retailers saw their best holiday season since the start of the recession, but a loss of momentum in December fed concerns about the strength of the sector's revival in the new year.

Zappos.com Tops Customer Service Survey
January 14, 2011

In a survey of 9,200 shoppers, Zappos.com took top honors in the sixth annual NRF Foundation/American Express Customersโ€™ Choice survey, conducted by BIGresearch. The results were announced at the Annual Retail Industry Luncheon during the National Retail Federationโ€™s BIG Show in New York City.

Study: Customer Loyalty Programs Aren't Working
January 14, 2011

ACI Worldwide released the results of a recent study, which shows that retailers simply aren't getting it right when it comes to their loyalty and rewards programs. Consumers say programs have become too complicated and burdensome, and they aren't truly driving loyalty.

Target to Open Up to 150 Stores in Canada by 2013
January 14, 2011

Target has acquired the Canadian leases for 220 sites currently operated by Zellers, a subsidiary of the Hudson's Bay Company, for $1.8 billion. It represents Target's first foray outside the U.S. Target will sublease these sites to Zellers for a period of time, until the retailer opens its first stores in Canada beginning in 2013.

Disney Store to Expand New Design to 25 More Locations
January 13, 2011

Oracle and the Disney Store highlighted the latest technology accomplishments at their newly designed retail stores at the National Retail Federation's BIG Show this week in New York City. The retailer also announced that it would expand its store redesign efforts, which include a range of interactive technologies, to 25 more locations this year.

Video: Adidas, Intel Unveil Virtual Footwear Wall at NRF BIG Show
January 12, 2011

Unveiled at the National Retail Federation BIG Show in New York City, the magical spinning interactive adiVerse Virtual Footwear Wall potentially puts as many as 8,000 shoes at shoppers' fingertips in a futuristic mashup of e-commerce and the mall.

Wal-Mart Launches NYC Website to Garner Support for Local Stores
January 12, 2011

Wal-Mart has launched a website promoting its entry into New York City. The world's largest retailer currently has no stores there, and despite opposition from Local 1500 of the United Food and Commercial Workers union, has expressed interest in opening locations for the past several years.