Software and technology

The use of advanced technology and in-store displays can move luxury retailers into an authoritative and trend-setting position, but they have to make sure that the experience is consistent with the brand image.

Luxury smartphone retailer Vertu is using location-based advertisements in mobile applications such as Conde Nast’s Vogue and Net-A-Porter to market its new Constellation device.

Companies such as Google, AOL, Return Path and Microsoft have founded DMARC – Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting and Conformance – a networking group dedicated to reducing the threat of email spam, called “phishing.”

British label Stella McCartney is introducing L.I.L.Y, its first fragrance in almost a decade through a mobile application, Web effort and partnership with London-based department store Selfridges including augmented reality, video and user interaction.

Online retailer Net-A-Porter is looking to create a stronger connection with its fans and drive sales by hosting events in major cities worldwide to celebrate the exclusive launch of Karl Lagerfeld’s namesake collection.

With the ever-evolving social media world, luxury brands have no option but to hire a social media director to oversee the brand presence and activity on these various networks. But what should they expect from this employee?

Pinterest is quickly becoming the preferred picture-posting blog platform for luxury brands and trendy consumers everywhere, and for good reason.

Between stock market inconsistency and spending frugality interspersed with random surges in spending, consumer behavior was almost untrackable in 2011. Therefore, marketers were forced to up the ante and, as a result, had truly mind-blowing ideas.

French fashion label Chanel is attracting ultra-affluent guests at the Courchevel resort in the French Alps by incorporating iPads into the space, allowing guests to play and browse while they shop.

New York-based retailer Barneys New York is shifting its in-store strategy by using mobile devices to find inventory, ring up purchases and store customer information.