Tag: secret shopper

Online sales are expected to increase 7-9% this holiday season as compared to other retail sales, which are expected to jump 2%.  Just as measuring customer experience in stores and over the phone is eye-opening; measuring the online experience enables companies to gain feedback that can lead to improved offerings.  In the retail environment, managers can overhear and observe customer interactions.  Managers can't make concrete observations during an online experience, so some type of measurement mechanism for online experiences is even more imperative.

Nations Restaurant News recently reported in the article, "Restaurants put Marketing Muscle behind Kids' menus," that families are returning to restaurants.  This is good news for restaurants that focus on attracting the family dining segment. Whether they use an e-mail blast, radio ads, table tents or a combination of communication methods, restaurants benefit from a family strategy that allows them to bring in more customers and deliver a dining experience that encourages families to return.

Gift cards are always an important element of retail offerings during the holiday season, but perhaps even more so this year, as companies conform to new gift card rules.   While consumers increasingly choose gift cards for holiday purchases, 13% of customers indicated in the 2010 gift card survey that they would be reluctant to purchase gift cards with expiration dates and additional fees.   Now, thanks to the new rules, consumers have fewer fees to consider when deciding on gift cards. The new rules mandate that companies may no longer charge fees for gift cards that are dormant or inactive.  Another element of the rules is that stores list gift card disclosures clearly on the back of the gift card.

Confero, Inc. President And CEO Named To 2010 Steering CommitteeTo Encourage Women’s Participation on N.C. Boards And Commissions

Confero, Inc. was recently featured on CaryCitizen.com in their “Hidden Giants” series.