Stephanie Gallina – Senior Manager, Microsoft + CXC Partner Marketing

What’s one of the biggest turn-offs for today’s digitally savvy customers? Fragmented buying experiences. Whether you’re a B2B or B2C buyer, the path to purchase is no longer linear and offline. In fact, there’s an increasing expectation for a seamless experience across all channels and interactions. Decreasing service costs is one of the primary motivations […]

As digital commerce has affected our daily lives as consumers, it’s also shaped the expectations of B2B buyers. Buyers in B2B are more accustomed to a buyer’s journey that includes digital experiences well before and long after the sale. 68% of B2B buyers prefer to research online on their own, up from 53% in 20151 […]

B2B customers are changing the game of digital commerce. Some call it the “Amazon Effect,” but buyers in B2B are more accustomed to a buyer’s journey that includes digital experiences well before and long after the sale. They expect seamless, omni-channel experiences, accurate and detailed product and inventory information, one-click purchasing, and 24/7 self-service access. […]

Cognitive computing is quickly gaining ground in the marketplace and already influencing our lives. Brands like Staples and 1-800-Flowers.com have implemented cognitive systems for a variety of use cases. For Staples, it’s their “Easy Button” that allows customers to use voice commands to place orders via a smartphone app. Or consider 1-800-Flowers.com, which has grown […]

In the age of the consumer, most retailers understand that customer experience is the point of differentiation to remain competitive. And it’s not just what happens on eCommerce channels – it’s the experience across all channels. According to Forbes, physical retail is losing share to eCommerce at the rate of about 110 basis points per year. […]

Commercially available cognitive computing is a new evolution in technology and presents a significant opportunity for a wide variety of industries. We are already seeing “cognitive computing” influence our daily lives. The intent of cognitive systems is to help people make better decisions. And this is why cognitive is gaining more traction and popularity in the […]

If you’ve recently thumbed through the latest catalogs from Crate & Barrel or Pottery Barn, you may have noticed that the design inspirations for bedrooms or living rooms look more “lived-in” instead of perfectly decorated. While there’s a certain allure to seeing beautifully designed spaces with every detail perfected, most of us cannot sustain this […]

Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, your birthday or even a non-holiday, most people like to be made to feel special. Many times this satisfaction comes from a simple and thoughtful gesture, when someone else knows exactly what will make you smile. In our always-on-the-go daily lives, how do you feel when your favorite brand or store […]

Nearly two years ago, Forrester published a report that sent shockwaves through the B2B industry, forecasting that nearly 1 million B2B salespeople will lose their job to self-service eCommerce by 2020. Just this week on a webinar by Internet Retailer, I learned that Forrester is going to release an update to its 2015 report, “Death […]

The retail industry across the board understands the importance of delivering an omni-channel customer experience. Even the furniture industry is feeling the effects as pure-play eCommerce retailers like Wayfair and Overstock.com chip away at market share. However, most consumers want to be able to see finished products in a retail setting, especially when it comes […]

After a recent re-watching of Back to the Future Part II, I was surprised how some of the 21st Century technologies featured in the movie are a reality today.  No, flying cars don’t exist, but the writers did get a few things right, like the Chicago Cubs winning the World Series (a year too soon, […]

According to Internet Retailer, eCommerce sales in the U.S. continues to outpace brick-and-mortar stores – as of Q3 2016, digital commerce sales grew by 15.6%. It won’t be long before we know the final eCommerce growth numbers for 2016. Judging by reported sales from the 2016 holiday shopping season, eCommerce businesses finished strong. (Conservative estimates […]