NRF

A change in federal tax law that decreased the take-home pay of many working Americans is impacting household budgets. According to new research, nearly three-quarters (73.3%) of those polled say their spending plans are taking a hit.

When you're attending "Retail's BIG Show", it seems like everyone is there and this year's record attendance of 27,000 means there was indeed quite a crowd. If you missed the event, don't fret. RIS News compiled a recap of the most important takeaways, covering omnichannel transformations and smarter commerce to applications for Big Data and more.

From former President Clinton charting retail's place in an increasingly globalized future to Facebook-fueled customer analysis and gesture-controlled virtual try-on technology, the NRF Big Show was brimming with big ideas and big news. CGT's sister publication, RIS News, recounts the top 10 memorable moments.

According to a poll of 9,374 shoppers, Amazon.com is tops when it comes to customer service among U.S. retailers. But all 10 retailers on this list found effective ways to win over shoppers not only with low prices, but with value-added features such as unique mobile applications, free shipping and unforgettable in-store experiences.

New survey findings indicate that more than one-fourth of American adults with a smartphone will use these devices to research or make holiday purchases, and that number jumps to 45 percent among young adults 18-24

The nation's top retailers managed to hold on to their coveted spots even in the troublesome economy. But a new group of companies is sneaking onto the playing field, according to an annual ranking of retailers by sales.

Lora Cecere, partner for the Altimeter Group, recently attended the NRF 2010 Convention and Expo. Here, she explains what the Big Show's hottest trends -- think price management and the digital consumer -- mean for consumer products companies.

Several months of stronger-than-expected retail sales provided hope that the industry was poised to bounce back, but March retail sales demonstrate that the industry is continuing to struggle.