Operations

Constant Contact launches integration for Shopify

Constant Contact has launched an integration with Shopify, allowing merchants to send branded, targeted and automated emails to customers, including those who abandoned shopping carts, for higher conversion. The integration is timely with e-commerce sales... more »

‘Brick-and-mobile’ is changing in-store shopping

Consumers are increasingly using their phones while in stores. From product reviews, price comparisons or looking for gift ideas, shoppers are turning to their mobile devices as a resource. Nearly three-fourths (71 percent) of shoppers... more »

Legal Corner: Know the law on sales tax

What exactly is an audit? It’s not fun to think about, but it’s necessary information to know. An audit is defined as an independent examination of books, accounts, documents and vouchers of an organization to... more »

Crafting Through Kenya

Have you ever walked into a store and saw some amazing handmade crafts and wondered where they came from and how they were made? This story will transport you to Kenya to explain how some... more »

A Customer Service Gem for You

At Zingerman’s we’re big fans of clear expectation and simple, teachable and trackable tools. We find that they are invaluable no matter who we share them with — tenured employees, newbies, skeptics, enthusiasts, introverts, extroverts.... more »

The Only Way to Market

Everyone you know has an opinion on how you should be marketing your business, and I guess I’m no different when it comes to this article, but I can’t help myself. I am so excited... more »

Learn how to prepare for disasters at Twitter chat, webinar

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has partnered with the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) to help businesses become more aware of their risks while also helping them develop a continuity plan. Advance preparation... more »

North Carolina Aquarium revamps gift shops

With three locations along the Atlantic coast, the North Carolina Aquarium Society entertains and educates well over a million people each year. Each aquarium has a gift shop. The retail team also operates a fourth... more »

Legal Corner: Respect My Privacy

In the last issue I discussed Terms and Conditions and their importance in retail and online. Privacy Policies are the first cousin to Terms and Conditions. They serve many purposes to protect both the customer... more »

The Power of Focal Points in Store Design

Brick-and-mortar stores have one prominent competitive advantage over the quick-click sale. They have the capacity to engage and direct customers through thoughtful and expressive displays. Understanding the influence of powerful environments and designing a focal... more »