True Value helps retailers compete in the 21st century

BY: DAN GRANTHAM

A revolution is taking place in the hardware business. Faced with increasing competition from big box home improvement …

loyalty programs make a huge difference

BY: Patricia Vowinkel

The concept of staying in touch with customers is not exactly new. In 1896, retailers began using Sperry & Hutchinson Co.’s Green Stamps to reward loyal customers. American Airlines revolutionized the concept of loyalty marketing in 1981 by launching its AAdvantage …

Members of American Express Membership Rewards aren’t afraid to express their devotion

BY: Anne Marie Sylvester

Golf in the morning. A lazy afternoon at the spa - maybe a massage or pedicure. A few purchases from the boutique. Dinner at the five-star French café. Drinks afterward against the backdrop of …

How companies can successfully promote their new brand

BY: SCOTT SMITH

Federated swallows up other department store chains. Procter & Gamble acquires another consumer products company. The wireless phone industry is consolidating. Merger mania is in full swing.

Of course, sometimes the easiest part of the process is inking the …

There’s an old adage in the business world that goes something like: The purpose of a business is not to make a sale, but to make and keep a customer. Too bad no one’s listening.

For all the talk about improving loyalty and building “relationships” with customers, marketers seem to be …

BY: SHIRA G. GOODMAN, Staples EVP, Marketing

Staples was founded on the vision that direct marketing is a critical part of the marketing mix. This goes back 19 years, to when direct marketing wasn’t nearly as relevant, especially for a retailer. Direct mail is a very rich …