2008 Shop.org Annual Summit Post-Show Special Report

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October 1, 2008 Sign up Forward Archive RSS Feed News about digital retail commerce 2008 Shop.org Annual Summit Post-Show Special Report The 2008 Shop.org Annual Summit took place from Sept. 15 to 17 at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, and it proved to be the must-attend event for online and multichannel retailers. The Summit offered abundant opportunities for networking, learning from experts and peers during sessions and roundtable discussions, and listening to inspiring keynote sessions. The EXPO Hall contained more than 160 booths, and attendees could take free guided tours of the Hall. Check out Shop.org's official Recap of the event here. You can download PDFs of some of the keynote and breakout session presentations. To read more about the events and conversations that took place at this event, take some time to look at the Shop.org blog. If you are not already a Shop.org SmartBrief subscriber and this kind of timely, relevant summary of the most important digital retail news is what you need, sign up to receive our daily Shop.org SmartBrief -- FREE.   Multichannel and Cross-Channel Strategy  Gap's strategy to mix brands online is working   Gap.com CEO Toby Lenk Gap.com CEO Toby Lenk focused his keynote address at the Shop.org Summit on Gap's decision to feature all four of its brands at one online shopping portal, a move that has resulted in a sales boost for the more upscale brands. Merchandise from Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy is shipped in one box from one warehouse, and if the customer adds an item from Piperlime, shipping is free. BNET (9/18) Rich Last talks about J.C. Penney Internet strategies Rich Last, chairman of the Shop.org board and a vice president at J.C. Penney, took a few minutes in the middle of the 2008 Shop.org Annual Summit to talk about how the Internet has changed retailing and how it has become the hub of retailing for J.C. Penney in particular. Shop.org Blog (9/17) Fry's Open Commerce PlatformTM Fry offers a full range of e-commerce solutions on a variety of platforms, from fully customized online stores to sites built upon our own robust, quick-to-market e-commerce framework, Open Commerce PlatformTM (OCP). Our sites have helped define the industry standard for online shopping and generate billions of dollars in annual revenue for our clients.   Emerging Retail Technologies  Does carousel navigation offer best shopping experience? The Endless.com carousel navigation system works well, writes one blogger, but experts at the Shop.org Summit disagreed. Doug Mack, vice president and general manager of Hosted & Consumer Solutions at Adobe, and Sally McKenzie, a consultant, called the navigation "clunky" and noted that they'd like to see more content in place of the numerous product choices. Shop.org Blog (9/17) Joe Chung: Think of online catalogs as an extra channel The "Emerging Retail Technologies" session at the 2008 Shop.org Annual Summit focused on personalization, social shopping, mobile marketing and online catalogs. Joe Chung, CEO of Allurent, suggests thinking of the high-tech versions as an additional channel rather than a replacement for the paper versions. Shop.org Blog (9/16)   Natural and Paid Search Tactics for Conversion  Retailers volunteer sites for expert analysis Amy Africa of Eight By Eight and Netconcepts' Stephan Spencer analyzed the online efforts of Mrs. Beasleys, Tommy Bahama, Urban Outfitters and other retailers in a Shop.org Summit session. Suggestions inspired by the analysis included: Keep track of the top failed searches because the data is invaluable; prominently feature "Buy now" and/or "Shopping Cart" more than once on each product page; and maintain consistent navigation from page to page. Shop.org Blog (9/16) Tips for choosing an e-commerce vendor Retailers seeking e-commerce vendors should be clear in their goals and unafraid to ask questions, according to one expert on a Shop.org panel. Tips for choosing a vendor include: focus on what's most important to the business; include a cross-functional team in charge of the request-for-proposal process; and pay attention to both customer-facing front-end and back-end system requirements. InternetRetailer.com (9/18)   Customer Retention  Mulpuru: The game is changing, and retailers must, too   Sucharita Mulpuru, Senior Retail Analyst, Forrester Research E-commerce companies must address changing consumer demands if they want to maximize the potential of their medium, according to Forrester Research senior retail industry analyst Sucharita Mulpuru, who gave a keynote at the Shop.org Summit. Areas where the rules of online commerce are changing include: viewing the Web channel as the underdog; merchants as the taste makers; and online video. "If we want to budge industry conversion rates beyond 3%, we need better content -- video, zoom, guided navigation -- which we are largely under-leveraging," said Mulpuru. InternetRetailer.com (9/18) How to reach the newest high-tech consumer generation Today's teens are getting information through a variety of channels and like to collaborate on their choices, noted Shop.org Summit speaker Don Tapscott, author of "Wikinomics." Even Web sites are old hat to a new generation focused on social networks and mobile technology, he said. DMNews (9/16) Expert: Peer reviews can boost trust, sales Some merchants might think it's crazy to allow consumers to post negative product reviews on an e-commerce site, but Shop.org Summit speaker Mitch Joel says it helps to acknowledge that shopping online is a social experience. The average e-commerce site has only a 2% conversion rate and online reviews are one tool that can improve that statistic. The Vancouver Sun (Canada) (9/24)     Product announcements appearing in SmartBrief are paid advertisements and do not reflect actual Shop.org endorsements. The news reported in SmartBrief does not necessarily reflect the official position of Shop.org.   This SmartBrief was created for fashionarchive@gmail.com Subscriber Tools       Update account information | Change e-mail address | Unsubscribe | Print friendly format | Web version | Search past news | Archive | Privacy policy Advertise Sales Account Director: Mike Thomas 202-737-5500 ext. 261 Download Media Kit   Read more at SmartBrief.com A powerful Web site for SmartBrief readers including: Breaking News Industry Home Competitor News Readers' Choice Press Releases Search Archive       Recent Shop.org SmartBrief Issues: Tuesday, September 30, 2008 Monday, September 29, 2008 Friday, September 26, 2008 Thursday, September 25, 2008 Wednesday, September 24, 2008     Lead Editor:  Megan Conniff       Mailing Address: SmartBrief, Inc.®, 1100 H ST NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20005     © 1999-2008 SmartBrief, Inc.® Legal Information

DMNews: Lord & Taylor enlists Neiman executive

October 1, 2008 Advertisement Today's News Lord & Taylor enlists Neiman executive Chantal Todé September 30, 2008 Lord & Taylor has named Brendan Hoffman, the president and CEO of Neiman Marcus Direct, as its new president and CEO. Hoffman's appointment is effective October 6.   New federal export requirements go into effect Bryan Yurcan September 30, 2008 New International shipping requirements for exporters became effective today, according to the US Postal Service. The US Census Bureau now requires filing of export information through its automated export system or its AESDirect system for all international shipments.   Gander Mountain boosts loyalty efforts for growing retail efforts Lauren Bell September 30, 2008 Following its recent launch of an e-commerce site and catalog, sporting and outdoor goods retailer Gander Mountain has signed a private label credit card agreement with Alliance Data Systems Corp.   Zinio pushes e-mail magazines as green reading Dianna Dilworth September 30, 2008 Online publishing firm Zinio has recently launched "The read green initiative," a promotion aiming to build consumer awareness of digital magazines. It offers free digital copies of titles including Business Week, Men's Health and Elle.   Vail Resorts, iCrossing launch Snow.com Mary Elizabeth Hurn September 30, 2008 Vail Resorts has partnered with search agency iCrossing to develop and launch Snow.com, which serves as an entry point for all of the Vail Resorts mountain resorts: Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone in Colorado; and Heavenly, on the California/Nevada border.   New magazine aims to bring South Florida lifestyle nationwide Lauren Bell September 30, 2008 Sobefit, a healthy lifestyle magazine focusing on South Florida, will launch with a circulation of 40,000 on December 24. The magazine, which will be published every other month, will be available through subscription and newsstand, and for free at certain distribution sites.   List of sports clubs available September 30, 2008 ListSolutions has introduced the Athletic Clubs and Sports Associations list to the market. These are sports and athletic clubs devoted to serving the needs and wants of their members.   DMNews Weekly Online Poll Click the image below to vote in DMNews' weekly online poll In This Week's Print Edition To win a Caples award, get creative Douglas Quenqua September 15, 2008 In many ways, the secret to winning a Caples Award isn't that different from winn­ing any other direct marketing prize: First, you need to impress the judges. However, these aren't your average judges.   Government-to-public campaigns use commercial marketing tactics Pamela Oldham September 29, 2008 More government agencies are using social marketing — the application of commercial marketing concepts — for their public awareness campaigns.   Add dimension for direct mail success September 29, 2008 There's no better way to stand out in your customer's inbox than sending a dimensional mail piece, say experts. But is it worth the extra cost? Four industry pros weigh in.   Today's lists and databases Psalm23Jewelry.com October 01, 2008 New List - Psalm23Jewelry.com - Venture-Direct Worldwide - Description: This file contains buyers who have purchased jewelry created and sold by Psalm23Jewelry. Rings, brace­lets, necklaces and earrings created by Psalm23Jewelry are crafted in sterling silver and feature an excerpt from the 23rd Psalm. Individuals on this list are largely women with spiritual and religious leanings. They are responsive to offers for objects of beauty that are tangible reminders of their spiritual nature.   Saferacer.com Buyers October 01, 2008 New List - Saferacer.com Buyers - Leon Henry Inc. - Description: This file contains buyers from Saferacer.com, a source for racing safety equipment including helmets, suits, gloves, shoes, seats, parts, tools and sports gear. Brands featured on the site include G-Force Racing Gear, Sparco and Oakley. This audience is predomi­nantly males with a discretionary income of more than $100,000.   Tradepub.com Magazine International Subscribers E-mail October 01, 2008 E-mail - Tradepub.com Magazine International Subscribers E-mail - Walter Karl - Description: This file contains busi­ness professionals who are interested in receiving industry-specific information from third-party vendors. These men and women register to receive e-mail offers when filling out a partner publication qualification form on the Tradepub.com Web site. Tradepub.com uses a three-step qualification process and provides qualified subscriber to today's top pub­lications in 28 key industries. Subscrib­ers complete relevant, comprehensive qualifications forms online.   American Coffee Lovers October 01, 2008 New List - American Coffee Lovers - eTargetMedia.com Inc. - Description: This file contains US consumers who have indicated a love of coffee by providing detailed information to a lifestyle questionnaire.   Classifieds Web Business Analyst Senior Retention Manager Classmates online is one of the top 3 social networking sites because we provide value to our users by offering connections to people who matter. And we're poised to take the lead in the social media revolution with a team of passionate, innovative thinkers. We are currently filling several new Marketing roles with, of course, a focus on online.  Classmates Online is located in Renton, WA just outside Seattle but WE ARE MOVING TO SEATTLE in 2009!!! Email your resumes and cover letter to khiller@classmates.com Please indicate the job that best matches your skills and interests! Our career site is located at: http://unitedonline.com/careers/index.html Sales Professional Sales opportunity for the independent salesperson that is a take charge individual. NYC based print contractor looking for the right individual with DM, Commerical & POP sales. Base + comm. + benefits. Contact in confidence Marvin Deitch PMG Services, Inc. 212 633 0393 mdeitch@pmgservices.net Ken Malek Associates, Inc. is dedicated to serving the Direct Response and E-commerce segments for multi-channel marketers. Our client base is nation and international in scope and our areas of expertise include all major specialty areas including marketing, database marketing, information systems, marketing analysis, web marketing and development, merchandising, creative, telemarketing, customer service, inventory management, finance, operations and senior management. In addition, we have experience providing placements in list management/brokerage and outside vendor service organizations. What separates Ken Malek Associates, Inc. from other search organizations is, first and foremost, our passion for and fluency in the direct marketing industry and over 50 years of collective corporate and executive experience. Please contact us at: P.O. Box 383 Yardley, PA 19067 215-579-2070 Or visit our website: www.kenmalek.com CRANDALL ASSOCIATES, INC. WOULD LIKE TO TALK TO YOU! In our 35 years of recruiting in this industry, we have been in touch with many talented direct marketers. We have talked to Copywriters and Database Managers, Catalog Directors and Circulation Managers, Presidents of companies (to help chart their next move, or to help them find talent for their own firm), and everybody in between, from coast to coast. Have we talked to you? We would like to! Please give Wendy Weber a call at (516)767-6800, or visit our website: www.crandallassociates.com, to get better acquainted. THE Direct Marketing Recruiters We specialize in Direct/Internet Marketing Recruitment-servicing all industries Eda Zullo ezullo@smithhanley.com 203 319-4300 Peg Hoerres phoerres@smithhanley.com 203 319-4300 www.smithhanley.com/documents/DirectMarketing.pdf Several "HOT" positions that we are currently recruiting for: Metro New York Manhattan Web Marketing/Designer    $90K Director of Marketing & Operations   $150K VP Media & Marketing       $150K   NJ Email Marketing Manager $85K Director Consulting & Strategy $125K   Suburbs-CT/LI/Westchester Catalog Circ. Planning    $68K Ecommerce/Web Merchandising Marketing Manager $80-100K Director, B-B Marketing Small Biz  $120/140K   New England MA Direct Marketing Manager- Canadian French required - $85K Sr. Copywrite - $95-100K Account Manager/Sales Database Solutions - $70-100K   Upstate NY Associate Creative Director - $80K Copywriter- Direct Agency - $90K   Mid-Atlantic States PA Marketing Manager   $70K Online Marketing Manager  $65K   VA/MD/DC Metro Account Manager (MD)   $55K Account Manager/Client Relations (VA)   $80K   West Coast CA Director, CRM Loyalty $160K   WA Direct Marketing Manager- B-B lead generation  $90-125K For more opportunities PLEASE visit our website www.smithhanley.com For additional info regarding our practice and how we service THE DIRECT MARKETING INDUSTRY - contact us at 203 319-4300. In This Issue Today's News In This Week's Print Edition Today's Lists and Databases Classifieds Final deadline is Oct. 6 LAST CHANCE to enter the 31st John Caples International Awards. CLICK HERE to submit your entry today.   Problem Solver: How can I rapidly rev up direct mail response? An industry expert shares three tips on how to boost your response quickly and cheaply. Click here to read.  WHITEPAPER LIBRARY View More Whitepapers DMNews Jobs Market Director of Online Marketing Giant Eagle, Inc   Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Director of Internet Marketing PHE, Inc  Hillsborough, North Carolina Experienced List Manager/Broker Executive Convergence  Direct Marketing Bethesda, Maryland Direct Mail Marketing Manager Dow Jones & Co. South Brunswick, New Jersey Marketing Manager Reader's Digest Association Pleasantville, New York National Account Executive RSVP Publications Tampa, Florida 30 under 30 Know someone who's a young marketing whiz, who is a creative, innovative thinker and who drives results? Someone who clearly is going to have a long and successful career in the industry? DMNews wants to know about it. We are now accepting nominations for DMNews' first-ever "30 under 30" special feature, to be posted on Thursday, December 11. This Web-exclusive feature will profile thirty direct, database and interactive marketers under the age of 30, from both the agency/vendor side and the client side. To nominate someone, please download the entry form here and e-mail the completed form to 30under30@dmnews.com. Individuals nominated must be under the age of 30 as of 12/11/08. Submissions must not exceed two pages. Please include a hi-res color headshot photo of the nominee. If you have any questions, please contact Sharon Goldman at Sharon.goldman@dmnews.com. The deadline for submissions is Friday, October 19.
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