The Javits Center in New York City was buzzing with activity during this year’s National Retail Federation (NRF) BIG Show. A record 25,500 visitors attended in-depth sessions and spent time on the EXPO floor, a 12% increase from 2011, according to an NRF announcement. More than 5,000 executives from international retail companies also attended the conference, a 25% boost over last year.

Retail TouchPoints was in the trenches of NRF 2012, conducting video interviews with more than 35 retail executives, including retailers and solution providers. Key topics of discussion were top trends for 2012, the new era of customer engagement, the importance of implementing mobile and social media, and more. In an event follow-up article, the RTP editors shared their impressions and in-depth insight on the show, as well as retail hot topics. Click here to access recent coverage of the event’s top themes and sessions.

 
As retailers continue to search for new ways to engage with consumers, many have turned to social networking sites as their source of engagement. The latest social buzz, Pinterest, a virtual bulletin board that allows users to share interesting images and links, has driven more traffic to its web site than Google+. This infographic highlights the correlation between Pinterest and traffic referrals to retail web sites, and tips for using the web site.

Brooks Brothers selected a product customization tool from Fluid Inc., to offer its online shoppers custom-tailored shirts and suits. The solution helps Brooks Brothers create a personalized and engaging Internet shopping experience, enabling customers to tailor products on their own time to their own style preferences. “We are excited to partner with Fluid to replicate the high level of service and attention customers experience when ordering made-to-measure shirts and suits in our stores,” said Marko Bon, Brooks Brothers’ User Experience Global Director. Bon shared insights on the partnership and said the challenge will be to leverage the company’s “library of fabric swatches” while not overwhelming the interface. “Our goal with Brooks Brothers is to continue their tradition of providing fine quality shirts and suits with an online solution that will help shoppers to better connect with their brand,” said Isaac Newton, VP of Sales at Fluid, in a press release.

Deckers Outdoor has partnered with on-demand e-Commerce provider, Demandware, to power online storefronts of its global brands: Ahnu, Sanuk, Teva, TSUBO and UGG Australia. The footwear manufacturer recognized an immediate increase in customer engagement and conversion upon switching to Demandware, including a 14% increase in conversion on UGGAustralia.com in the first week. Deckers Outdoor previously collaborated with Demandware when it launched e-Commerce and mobile commerce web sites in the U.S., Netherlands, U.K. and Canada. “By leveraging Demandware’s flexible and scalable on-demand platform, Deckers has the ability to increase agility and continuously innovate and expand its operations to stay ahead of the competition and meet consumers’ demands,” said Jamus Driscoll, SVP of Marketing for Demandware, in a press release. Deckers’ E-Commerce VP, John Kalinich, said the company wanted the ability to integrate cross-channel experience for its customers on a global scale. “Demandware stood out among the competition as the right platform to help us to achieve our objectives while improving our online brand experience, increasing organizational agility, and growing domestic and international sales,” he said.

Verizon is collaborating with Vantiv, an integrated payments processor company, to offer merchants a solution that will help them conduct business more effectively. The new solution is architected on the Android operating system and offers secure POS payment capabilities and business applications using Verizon's Private Application Store for Business. "Merchants and consumers are seeking greater mobility, control and timely access to data," said Bill Weingart, Chief Product Offer at Vantiv, in a press release. "We've teamed with Verizon to combine our payment and security expertise with Verizon's ability to tailor development of mobile technologies to address those needs." The Vantiv mobile payment solution serves merchants who require mobility, convenience and security. Additionally, the integration addresses many business needs through a value-added suite of applications including accounting, CRM, inventory, payroll and workforce management.