What's the first thing your customers hear when they walk through the doors of your store? Is it something along the lines of "Hi, how are you?" or "Can I help you?" Are your customers being greeted with a blank look, or are they receiving no greeting at all? If you can think of a time you left a store because no one seemed to care, or couldn't be bothered to help you, then you know that making customers feel welcome is the first step to making a sale. A simple "Good morning!" is a great place to...

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Two people were recently indicted in U.S. District Court in Pittsburgh for using the old Nigerian money-order scam to bilk money out of unsuspecting consumers. Reports say these criminals posed as mystery shopping companies in order to perpetrate their fraud. This scam tricked honest people out of their hard-earned money. It's unfortunate and illegal. And, it’s important to note, it had nothing to do with the mystery shopping industry or the many reputable companies that provide mystery shopping services...

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Restaurant technology has been in the news lately as more chains roll out tablets for diners to order their meals, pay the bill, and even play games while they wait. Is this the death-knell for human waitstaff? Probably not. A closer look reveals that rather than replacing professional servers with glossy iPads, pioneering chains are having success augmenting traditional service with tabletop devices. Chili's, partnered with Ziosk, has been getting positive responses in their initial rollout. After seeing increases in per-person check averages during the pilot program, they intend to place tablets...

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It can sometimes sound like there's a war going on between online retailers and brick-and-mortar stores. Online retailers can offer convenience, price comparison, and the ease of shopping in your pajamas. Brick-and-mortar can offer a more human, engaging experience, along with the chance to try products out before purchasing. While both have their advantages, the reality is that most consumers are looking for the best of both worlds – and more brick-and-mortar retailers are finding innovative ways to blend the two. Personalized deals and offers With the ubiquitous nature of smart phones, mobile technology is acting as a bridge...

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According to the latest NRN-MillerPulse survey, quick-service restaurants have outperformed full-service dining in at least 29 of the last 30 months. The takeaway? Today's consumer sees sit-down dinners as a splurge – not just of money, but of time. Speedier fast-casual chains like Qdoba and Panera appeal to time-strapped consumers, but it's about more than just counting seconds. Increasingly health-conscious, the American diner wants their food not only to be fast, but to be healthier and taste better, too. Trends are changing, and established brands that aren't changing with them are...

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