Google

As I write this in mid-November, retail sales are staging somewhat of a comeback. On Nov. 15, for example, the Commerce Department said retail sales (excluding automobiles) increased 0.4 percent in October, in line with expectations heading into this crucial holiday season. As you read this, however, you're probably smack in the middle of your holiday season — and hopefully you're having a great one. But you also must be mindful of what's on the horizon.

We all know that the U.S. Hispanic market is experiencing substantial growth. In 2000, the U.S. Census confirmed that in the previous decade the Hispanic population grew more than four times that of the general population. This year’s census is expected to document even more growth, signaling to retailers nationwide that now is the time to break into this flourishing market.

AllThingsD.com reports that Google is eyeing daily-deals darling Groupon for possible acquisition. Barron’s Eric Savitz explains why the tremendously successful Groupon has spawned daily-deals copycats and why this site might be appealing to web giants.

In a deliberate collision between nerds and fashion mavens, Google has created a new e-commerce site that significantly improves how fashion is presented and sold online. The site, Boutiques.com, which is expected to go up this morning, may also change how people shop for clothes.

Google has announced the launch of local availability results in Google Product Search on desktop. Search for a product and click on the “nearby stores” label, and you can easily find a list of stores to call to check availability, and in many cases, information about whether the product is in stock nearby.

The value of Facebook and other social media sites to retailers is greater than previously thought, according to a recent survey conducted by Media Logic, a company recognized for specializing in marketing for a social world. After all, Facebook would be the third most populated country in the world if it were, in fact, a country. Therefore, it makes perfect sense for retailers to be involved with the social media site.

Most mobile websites deliver an experience consistent with their brands, which enables an adequate shopping experience — even if it isn't ideal.

For an online retailer, there's no greater accomplishment than being in the No. 1 spot on Google for a lucrative keyword or keyword phrase like "computer," "flights to Las Vegas" or "used cars." These listings can be worth tens of millions of dollars.

We're excited to offer you Retail Online Integration's 50 best tips of 2010. Our editorial staff reviewed every word published in our print publication, e-newsletter (The ROI Report) and website over the past year. From there, we've extracted the best money-making and cost-saving pointers. Enjoy.

Part two of this series examines what impact social media will have on retail going forward. In particular, opportunities to bridge online and offline customer experiences in order to seamlessly integrate multiple touchpoints and selling channels are identified.