IBM on How to Capitalize on the Smarter Consumer

By PYMNTS | January 10, 2011

At one of the first “Super Sessions” of NRF’s Centennial Celebration, IBM‘s Jill Puleri emphasized that while the fundamentals of retail are certainly different from 100 years ago, service still remains paramount to the consumer.

IBM sponsored a presentation that explored consumers’ decision-making processes and their ideal retail experiences. When it comes to consumers’ purchase choices, Puleri (Worldwide Retail, Industry Leader, IBM Global Business) pointed out that friends and family now hold more influential power than retailers. In addition, she stated that two-thirds of shoppers are swayed by consumer-generated comments and video halls on sites like YouTube.

Watch the videos below for more of Puleri’s comments at the IMB session:

On IBM’s recent consumer survey:

On the importance of customized service:

National Retail Federation’s 100th Annual Convention & Expo

Sunday, Jan. 9

1) Using Mobile Payments to Increase the Base of Contactable Customers (9 a.m.)

– The Golden Rule of mCommerce

– Astounding Figures on the Growth of Mobile Banking

– Why Mobile Could Be the Ultimate Cross-Channel Marketing Tool

– What Consumers Want Out of Retailers’ Mobile Apps

– 90% of Consumers Would Pay for Mobile Payment Options

2) Target and ConAgra Foods on Converting Social Media Activity into Sales (10 a.m.)

3) First Data’s Security Panel Offers Tips for Protecting Your Business (11:30 a.m.)

4) IBM on How to Capitalize on the Smarter Consumer (1:45 p.m.)

5) SAP Examines Precision Retailing and the Mobilized Consumer (3 p.m.)

Monday, Jan. 10

1) Deloitte VP Offers Suggestions for Harnessing Power of Technology in Retail (10:30 a.m.)

2) Macy’s, Tesco and Food Lion Executives Analyze Evolving Retail Landscape (11:45 a.m.)

3) Why Bankers Might Not Be Fond of the Tesco Credit Card (12:15 p.m.)

4) Greetings from the Floor at NRF! (1:45 p.m.)

5) Social Commerce: Is It Worth the Effort? (2:45 p.m.)

6) iPad Retail Apps: Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down (3:15 p.m.)

7) Steve Madden and Golfsmith’s Biggest mCommerce Mistakes of 2010 (4:30 p.m.)