Thursday, April 08, 2021

Experts: A year after the pandemic, here's how we're coping

This week marks a year since much of the world shuttered it's doors and windows and moved non-essential contact to the digital space. From advertising and shopping to social contact to work, as the world dealt with the COVID-19 pandemic much of that dealing was done online. Here's where we are a year later. >>

Tuesday, April 06, 2021

Report finds coupon fraud costing merchants $100 million per year

Consumers love coupons, even if those coupons don't apply to their purchases. That is a key takeaway from new Inmar Intelligence data which finds that about half of consumers have either tried using expired coupons or coupons that don't apply to their purchases. And, further, that about half of cashiers are overriding coupons to give customers potentially irrelevant discounts. >>

Monday, March 29, 2021

What booming subscription model means for marketers

Over the past ten years there has been a near-500% increase in consumers' use of subscription services. That's a key component of new Zuora data which also shows that bulk of US adults (78%) currently have at least 1 subscription going - be that a subscription box or a digital reading subscription. >>

Friday, March 26, 2021

How to use digital events to create a better experience

As brands were forced to take in-person events online to comply with COVID-19 guidelines, marketers quickly realized that it wasn't an easy switch to turn physical events into virtual ones, with factors like networking translating poorly in this new format. However, many quickly adjusted, and now the key is to ensure the online event is also an experience. Here's how. >>

Monday, March 08, 2021

Studies highlight how brands are doing post-COVID

Two new reports highlight just how well brands are doing - or not - in their quest to meet consumers in the digital space, and just what consumers are looking for when it comes to brand communication in an increasingly digital world. >>

Monday, March 01, 2021

Look for virtual events, social commerce to stick post-pandemic

Virtual events may have been a shot in the dark for marketers and brands at the beginning of the pandemic, but their success is causing many to consider these types of events for the future. That, according to new data out from AnyRoad. Their new State of Virtual Events 2021 report finds that while many found virtual event planning challenging (46%), 85% believe these types of events are now here to stay. >>

Thursday, February 25, 2021

Expert: How Covid-19 will impact merchants in 2021

As we near the year mark since the COVID-19 pandemic shut down many retailers and restaurants, some are open but more are wondering how to stay open with fewer people coming in to spend money. We asked a digital expert what brands and restauranteurs can do to regain needed pedestrian traffic. >>

Tuesday, February 23, 2021

Reports underline changes in how people now shop

2020 did more than change how people interacted with one another. It changed, perhaps for good, the way people are interacting with brands - and that goes from the moment they think about purchasing a product through the actual buying of it. >>

Friday, February 19, 2021

Report: US imports up 8% for 2020

The coronavirus pandemic may have slowed shipping throughout much of 2020 but it didn't slow shoppers' demand as is evidenced by new data out from the National Retail Federation. According to their report, retail imports in the US were up 22% (YoY) for 2020. This, as ecommerce also skyrocketed. >>

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

Expert: After 2020 shipping delays, here's how to win back customers

2020 was in many ways the year of ecommerce with more people logging on to shop for both essential and non-essential items. Over the holiday season, retailers saw a strong surge in digital shopping, both for delivery-to-home and for pick-up in stores, However, not all was merry and bright - shipping, for many, proved to be a lowlight for the year. We asked a digital expert how brands can rebound. >>

Thursday, February 11, 2021

Expert: How to improve digital customer service

Today's consumer wants control. Over what and how they buy, how long they'll wait for shipping, and even how they communicate with the brands they trust. The problem with that is that there is no longer a single way that brands can reach out to consumers in need, which can lead to repeated conversations and frustrated consumers. We asked a digital expert what brands can do to improve their digital customer service. >>

Tuesday, February 09, 2021

Top 3 ecommerce trends to watch

Ecommerce had a record-breaking year in 2020 as more consumers pushed more of their buying, even for grocery staples, into the digital space because of the coronavirus pandemic. And while 2021 will likely not break the kinds of records that 2020 did, some experts believe ecommerce will continue to be a first option for many. Here are three trends to watch. >>

Monday, January 18, 2021

Deloitte: Retail, tech to break out in 2021

Look for substantial growth in key areas throughout 2021. That, according to new reports out from Deloitte, which is suggesting several key tech and retail areas that are expected to see significant growth this year. >>

Thursday, January 14, 2021

Despite shipping delays, shoppers happy with 2020 holiday season

Despite an untold number of packages delayed in shipping and many not arriving on time for various holiday celebrations, most consumers are calling the 2020 holiday season a win. That is a key takeaway from a new consumer survey out from Convey. >>

Monday, January 11, 2021

How to expand into Latin American markets

According to SkyPostal, US businesses could do well to invest in a Latin American Strategy as we head into 2021. That because many countries south of the US border are investing heavily in broadband, giving people better access to the world wide web - and merchants and brands. >>