The Influence of Showrooming

Lots of fears regarding the influence of 'showrooming' in driving place of purchase ...

" ... But a study released Thursday from Columbia Business School and loyalty management firm Aimia aims to “bust” what it calls “myths” surrounding showrooming.

The researchers surveyed 3,000 consumers in the U.S, the U.K and Canada and found that while a majority of shoppers said they are guilty of showrooming, mobile phones can actually improve the odds of an in-store purchase. ... " 

GigaOM Reports.

Updating the Shopping Center

They seem to be dying.  Yet they still work in much more focused applications as places to display and buy.  In Shopperception.  " ... Despite the rising numbers of online shopping and the immense power of digital marketing, most people still make their purchases in brick and mortar stores. But what seems more evident is that shoppers expect more than just a place to carry out efficient transactions. In that sense, we wonder about the state of shopping centers and whether they will find a way to adapt to the new consumer trends and expectations.   ... According to Nielsen’s recent study, The State of the Shopping Mall, shopping center sales account for over half of retail sales in the U.S. This is not minor as it reflects that although shopping habits may change, the volume of sales in malls is too big to let them die. ... " 

Retail Glossary

A useful glossary of retail terms.  " ... The Path to Purchase Institute’s Shopper Marketing Glossary is an evolving work-in-progress. We invite your critiques, additions and suggestions ... " 

On Saving Center Store

In Retailwire:  Retail center store is where the staples are, but the profits are not.  Where most package goods are sold.  " ... As traditional retailers attempt to reinvent their perimeter with a more dynamic shopping experience and capitalize on natural and health/wellness trends, they have eaten into center-of-store categories and diluted overall store profitability. ... A range of efforts to revitalize center store traffic are being deployed: everyday low pricing; using center store to sell upscale non-food items (for example, Wegmans); and moving to an "all-store" brand format while limiting assortment (Trader Joe's). We have also seen a shift in consumer/shopper focus. For instance, "owning" the organic/natural consumer (Whole Foods) or incorporating "store-within-a-store" (Target). ... " 

Boosting in-store Sales

In Journal Gazette: On boosting in-store sales:

" More food retailers are getting in on the technology game, offering multiple options to boost convenience and compete with online retailers. Kroger's in-store technology lets cashiers scan mobile gadgets to access customers' loyalty points, coupons and other data; the chain also allows prescription renewal via smartphone. Wal-Mart Stores and other retailers also are beefing up their tech arsenal to increase speed and convenience -- factors that drive consumers to shop online. ... "