Story time: I once stayed at a well-known hotel. There were a few things that could have gone differently and, being in marketing and research, I wanted to let them know. When I got home I took the time to find their customer service email and wrote a detailed letter about my experience. I figured I would get a form email saying something about how customers are important and my letter would be read. This came and shortly after another email arrived saying I had shared my thoughts with the wrong department. Read More

I admit that I go to different stores for ideas. Sometimes I think I could spruce up my living room with new pillows. Other times, I want to see if there is anything new in the kitchen section that could make my amateur adventures easier. I image I am not the only one. And, I will price compare in the store through my phone or visit another store to see their ideas before deciding what I want. Read More

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Many originally predicted retail holiday 2011 shopping to be modest at best. Not necessarily a bad thing, and though many wished for higher sales, being prepared for a slim season is easier than recovering from poor sales. But what really happened? How can the season help us with 2012? Read More

Aisles dedicated to male shoppers are coming to stores near you. Recent research has revealed that men shop too <gasp>. Actually, there is a trend that men are doing more of the household shopping. Despite the fact that bachelors have been shopping for themselves for years, it is family level shopping changes that are causing changes in below-the-line marketing. Read More

Baby boomers have consistently, and happily, been labeled as rule changers (Rybarski, 2004). It should be no surprise that as the cohort enters retirement age, their concerns and fears are different from other generations. In particular, the end of life conversation is taking a very different path that ranges from innovation in funeral expectations to suicide. Read More

Black Friday can be a very exciting time for businesses and customers. Dreaming of scoring a new something-or-other at a low price motivates some to literally camp outside of stores before they open. The prospect of bringing in lots of customers and making lots of sales, particularly towards the end of a difficult economic year, entices many businesses to plan for sale items and share what will be available on this special day. Some businesses even change their store hours to generate more excitement and help customers get their shopping started right away. Read More

There have recently been a lot of fun things happening around dogs and cats. In particular, adoptable animals are getting special attention. Even OK Go made a video last year using all shelter dogs for their “White Knuckles” song. Read More

Beginning in 2009 Citigroup “urged investors to focus on companies best positioned to cater to the highest-income and lowest-income consumers.” They felt growth was possible in these areas compared to focusing on the middle-class. Read More

We spend most of our lives going around believing we are rational, logical beings who make carefully weighted decisions based on objective facts in stable circumstances. Quote found here. Read More