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"Kids These Days"

Field trips have certainly changed since I was an elementary school. That said, what other retailers out there do you think are field-trip worthy?

The Kindle: An Apple App Already?

So wait, refresh my drink, why buy a $359 Kindle when you can download a free app of all that the Kindle has to offer on a more versatile iPhone?

Read "Amazon to Sell E-Books for Apple Devices" via New York Times.

J.C. Penney struts it

J.C. Penney is starting the spring season off right by placing its online shoppers front and center at an interactive, virtual fashion runway show. Jcp.com is bringing styles from its exclusive designer brands to life by creating an engaging Web experience, complete with high-energy music and 360-degree views of models in looks from each collection.

After logging onto the runway at jcp.com, models appear on the screen sporting different looks, which are categorized by the latest spring trends: maxi lengths, floral, "frill" seekers (ruffles), boyfriend fits and cardigan. Shoppers can also view the outfits by designer or model, or all at once.

Along with product details, each look offers a 360-degree view that enables customers to pause the image, rotate or zoom in and out for a more detailed view. Customers can also easily e-mail the look to a friend, mark a look as a “favorite,” and check to see if the merchandise is available at their local store. As part of the experience, customers are also invited to “Meet Our Designers” where -- via video vignettes -- J.C. Penney’s design partners share the inspiration behind their new collections along with their personal point-of-view on upcoming styles for spring.

The idea of virtual models walking onto the screen is not new, but jcp.com takes it to the next level by billing it as a fashion show. This is smart: J.C. Penney is creating the feeling that this is the hottest ticket in e-town.

The Web feature comes on the heels of extensive customer research conducted by J.C. Penney that indicated customers were seeking an online experience that would provide a real-world look at the fit and feel of clothing. The research also indicated customers were seeking inspiration for new styles from trusted fashion authorities they could feel confident wearing.

The launch is supported by an e-mail campaign targeting 15 million customers directing them to the online experience on jcp.com, along with a direct-mail piece to customers that complements its Web experience. Customers can find a link to the virtual runway from the jcp.com homepage and can expect to see it refreshed with new merchandise several times throughout the year.

Fortunoff.com throws the baby out with the bath water

Circuit City may have closed up shop for good yesterday, but the retailer shut down its site way back in January. Now, in a similar move, bankrupt retailer Fortunoff is pushing its entire inventory, worth $210,000,000, out of its doors, but it isn't using its site to help get rid of inventory.

Fortunoff.com informs online shoppers of its liquidation sale in big, bold lettering, which is much more engaging than CircuitCity.com's previous Web announcement, but the company prevents online consumers from browsing merchandise and placing orders directly on the site.

To be more blunt, the company is just throwing away a sophisticated e-commerce set up that could help sell inventory quickly online. Again, I hope this is not because the company is underestimating the power of the Web.

I'm lost: Can someone explain this trend to me?

Twilight: Wal-Mart Sinks Its Teeth In

Wal-Mart is pulling out the stops for fans of the recent cult film, "Twilight," in hopes that the DVD release later this month will be a runaway success at the registers.

Wal-Mart plans to host midnight events and giveaways in its 24-hour stores upon the release on March 21. Details on these events, viewing party ideas, new behind-the-scenes movie footage, and a way to engage friends with a create-your-own electronic invitation ("eBite") is available on www.walmart.com/twilight. The site also features a DVD-release countdown clock and a widget for "Twilight" trivia.

Wal-Mart is smart for cashing in on the "Twilight" phenomenon, but it's taking a lesson or two from Hot Topic, which has already seen a big jump in sales thanks to its "Twilight" T-shirts, sweatshirts and jewelry. In addition, HotTopic.com is taking early orders for the "Twilight" DVD.

Let Your Customers Do Some Talking

Plucked from my Facebook account, I noticed a friend posted the above status update on her profile. Nice word-of-mouth marketing for the aerie and American Eagle brands, right?