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.

What’s the difference between storytelling and StoryBranding? Listen as Jim Signorelli, Founder and CEO of ESW Partners and the author of StoryBranding, describes how he helps companies dig deep to discover their brand’s unique and authentic story. Every brand has one, and Signorelli has developed a process using a planning model rooted in story structure.

Learn how to be the story – how to leverage your brand as the main character, to overcome obstacles and achieve business goals.

Tune in to gain… read more.

One thing taught by ancient proverbs and modern day business schools alike is that insight, if applied properly, brings value. Julie Dexter Berg, executive vice president and CMO at SUPERVALU, reinforces this message as she shares how carefully crafted customer-insight programs can validate your brand’s positioning.

Listen now and learn how SUPERVALU yields high results as a hyper-local retailer in a hyper-competitive environment.

What are some shopper insights that have impacted the positioning of your brand? Share your thoughts below or on our LinkedIn… read more.

How do you trump the competition in a saturated market? John Lammers, product solutions director, Advance Auto Parts, provides insight on how the 75-year-old company sustains their leadership position through relevancy for both B2C and B2B customers. Meticulously measuring customers perception of their service, enables Advance Auto Parts to uphold their brand promise, “Service is our best part.”

Listen as Lammers describes how Advance Auto Parts continually enhances customer service both in-store and online with a simple, smart, and strategic approach.


What experience do you expect… read more.

At a time when engagement is more important than ever in retail, shoppers can still count on Brookstone to deliver entertainment, relevancy and purposeful fun in store. Brookstone VP, CIO, Bill Wood shares the Brookstone secrets for product innovation and merchandising magic. Tune in and learn how Brookstone blends it all into a successful retail strategy.

What experiential retailer do you return to most often? Share your thoughts below or on our LinkedIn… read more.

Timing is everything when you’re connecting with customers through social messaging. To get it right, you need to learn to leverage anticipation, break rules and encourage fun – in other words, doing it the Volkswagen way.

Tune in as , general manager, marketing strategy and media with VW, shares his tips and tricks for connecting with shoppers socially – driving the buzz that drives sales.

What’s your… read more.