I need to be very careful with this blog post. This is a “work” trip, not a “fun” trip. And according to my mom circa 1983, “work” is not spelled “f-u-n.” Except maybe now.

Today’s keynote was delivered by Jerry Storch, Chairman and CEO of Toys R Us, whose company motto is “Playing to win.” Think his job is no fun? He dropped a stat on us that proves otherwise: Kids rank a trip to Toys R Us just a fraction below a trip to Disneyland. Not sure if the employees would fill the survey out the same way, but they surely might. That’s because Jerry and the folks at Toys R Us are deeply engaged in some of the most fun and most… read more.

You could say she’s tapped into something pretty awesome in the retail environment. Theresa Billy, founder of Near Field Connects, discusses the mobile technology of near field communication (NFC) and what it offers retailers. NFC is essentially radio communication between two NFC-enabled devices established by bringing them together in close proximity, i.e. technology that allows consumers to pay with a simple tap of their phone.

Theresa illustrates how NFC can create valuable customer interaction by engaging consumers in retail outlets and then securing sales on their path-to-purchase. Unlike QR codes that require downloading a reader app… read more.

The guy at the DJ stand is going to feel the wrath of Tom. He’s got a pretty high- energy soundtrack featuring some pretty hip mixes. But here’s the problem–it’s like a seven-minute loop. Madonna, I liked your new song before I got here and now I’m near violence. I can’t stand it anymore. If I knew where the DJ was plugged in, I’d rip the his power supply out of the wall. If you can’t keep it fresh, I’ll ignore you. Hmm, there’s a lesson there.

Day Three was all about mobile retail, shoppers armed with tools to make their shopping easier, more cost-effective and more exciting. And some retailers and suppliers are doing it.… read more.

When I was about twelve, my oldest brother made a post-college trek to Europe. I gave him a few bucks and a plea to bring me back a Swiss Army Knife. A real one. From Switzerland. Screwdrivers, tweezers, a saw, a corkscrew (for all those corks seventh-graders need to unscrew) and even a magnifying glass.

The funny thing about Swiss Army Knives, though, is no one really gives a rip about the knife part. Even though it’s called a “knife,” the reason to get one is to have all those other tools, the things we need to get things done. Mobile phones are that way, too, but in a much bigger way. Rather than gut a fish, tighten some screws or magnify… read more.

If moms of any age are a target for your retail brand, download our newly released report to gain access to exclusive mobile-shopping insights that will increase engagement and drive purchases inside your store.

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How can retailers complement their in-store experience with mobile solutions and offerings for the shopper? Share your thoughts below or on our… read more.

Kelly Cook, VP of customer strategy engagement with DSW, shares how to leverage a multi-channel strategy to gather insights and transform them into emotional connections with shoppers. Learn how this value destination leader uses data from its customer’s digital lifestyle to create relationships that engage through excitement and drive loyalty – powering 88% of their purchases.

Here’s a glimpse of why DSW is a category leader:
This is a little gift from DSW to all your fans out there. Tell them to go to DSW’s Facebook page and post “I love The Brand Show and I… read more.