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Greetings!
Recently, there was a major breach in the security of Heartland Payment Systems and RBS WorldPay (aka Lynk Systems). This breach has caused Visa to announce that they are no  longer PCI Compliant. This means that every merchant that uses these processors could be fined and/or they could lose their rights to accept credit cards. Visa announced on Friday that it has removed Heartland Payment Systems and RBS WorldPay -- two payment processors that have announced massive data breaches in recent months -- from its list of service providers compliant with payment industry guidelines. "That could be a pretty significant event because retailers are obligated to use PCI compliant service providers," Avivah Litan, a distinguished analyst at Gartner, told SCMagazineUS.com on Friday. "It's almost like saying all their customers have to leave them." If a processor is not compliant, then their merchant customers, in turn, may be violating their terms of the guidelines, potentially opening themselves up to fines, Litan said. Click here for the full story. |
Viva Las Vegas comes to Hampton Roads in April 2009, to hon or retailers all over Virginia. Starting a business is not a simple task, the market is challenging and the obstacles retailers face are difficult. It takes more than the ordinary entrepreneur to succeed in this competitive industry. Retailers deserve to be recognized for outstanding customer service and devotion to their community.
This year Retail Alliance will bring Vegas to Hampton Roads for an exhilarating award show unlike anything you have ever been to before! Which worthy retailer will take home the prestigious award this year?
On the evening of Friday, April 24, Retail Alliance members and  guests will be entertained and dazzled during the non-stop action awards program at the Westin Town Center Hotel in Virginia Beach, for the second annual Retailer of the Year Gala Event. The clinking of chips, the sound of jazz and the array of Vegas style activities will make this night unforgettable!
All Retail Alliance members are invited to attend this event at no charge (one per member; $35 for additional tickets; $60 for non-members), but an RSVP is required. Seating is limited. A cancellation fee will be charged to those who are unable to attend after RSVP within three days of the event.
If you have any questions or you are interested in attending the Retailer of the Year Awards please contact Jen Webber at 757.455.9323 or email jwebber@retail-alliance.com.
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Capture Customers by Highlighting the Economy in Your Marketing
Retailers such as Target are wise to use the economy as a way to relate to consumers, Tracy Mullin writes, because it earns consumers' trust and loyalty. Target's new campaign, "Brand New Day," shows examples of ways people are cutting back, such as having an at-home movie night instead of going to the theater, and in doing so, the company shows consumers it understands how their mindsets have changed.
STORES magazine has the full story.
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Retailers vs. Producers in the Battle Over Pricing
Grocers such as Safeway and Costco are pushing manufacturers to cut prices in order to reflect the decrease  in ingredients' costs. Some manufacturers are responding by cutting package sizes, rather than prices.
Forbes/The Associated Press has the full story.
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Retail 2 Retail
Tonight!
Tuesday,
March 17
6-8 p.m.
Silver Diner
1401 Tintern Street
Chesapeake, VA 23320
(intersection of Volvo Pkwy. & Battlefield Blvd.)
Join fellow retailers for an entertaining evening of networking and fun, complete with refreshments.
Retail 2 Retail takes place the first and third Tuesday of each month and is free to RETAIL ALLIANCE members.
To RSVP call Jen Webber at 757.455.9323
For directions to this R2R and to view upcoming R2Rs
click here. |
Price Reduction Not the Best Strategy
Cutting prices to lure customers into a store often reduces profit and gives customers the impression prices should be lower. Small businesses, especially specialized ones, are more about value and service than low prices.
The Washington Post/Entrepreneur.com has the full story.
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10 Tips for Boosting Online Sales
For entrepreneurs who sell online, Practical eCommerce polled 50 industry leaders in search of their best advice. Among the suggestions: Offer recurring payment plans to keep customers stocked up on perishable items, and encourage contact via telephone, which closes more sales than e-mail.
Practical eCommerce has the full story.
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The Problem With Giveaways
Brandweek has the story.
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