Mike Kane wanted to make an indestructible iPhone case.

He thought about materials, “We’ll make it from Titanium.”

He thought about wowing customers with marketing. “We’ll run over it with a car.”

But, here’s the problem: an indestructible iPhone case is as svelte as a concrete brick. And, nobody wants to carry a brick in their pocket.

So, rather than innovating around materials and design, Kane decided to protect his customers’ iPhones with service. His company CellPig introduced the Cellhelmet, world’s first and only case to insure the iPhone 4 and 4S against physical damages. If a phone accidentally breaks inside a Cellhelmet, CellPig will see that it’s repaired. If it’s beyond repair, they’ll replace it.

“It’s a slim and sleek case with a little more protection than the average,” Kane said. “But, the magic is in the insurance coverage.”

The Cellhelmet is $45, about the same price as other high-end iPhone cases. If a phone is damaged …

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Retailers’ improved methods for displaying products and new policies that make online purchasing less uncertain are expected to drive the clothing and accessories market segment to 20% sales gains this year, according to a new report from eMarketer.

Items like books, music and video helped pave the way for online retail, but without a way to feel items and determine fit shoppers have been reluctant to move their apparel buying online. But, new technologies are giving shoppers confidence. For example, Macy’s and Nordstrom recently introduced a website feature called True Fit that will predict customers’ size in some 350 fashion brands.

Research firm eMarketer estimates in a report released Thursday that by 2016 clothing, footwear and accessories will be responsible for $73 billion worth of online purchases, accounting for 20% of total U.S. online retail ecommerce sales.

“Retailers continue to increase the scale of their ecommerce operations, particularly by investing in online …

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Facebook Risk Factors: Can They Keep You Happy?

Facebook has grown into a juggernaut, as its filing for a $5 billion initial public offering shows. And, it’s future success is hinged on delighting customers.  “Every time Facebook tweaks its product, a minor public outcry inevitably follows. If those changes or the company’s new products fail to engage users, people will be less likely to visit the site. The result: less ad revenue.” [Source: Wall Street Journal]

Get Ready To Make Payments With Facebook

Facebook may have plans to become the new PayPal. Those Facebook credits that bought your virtual cow, could soon be used for real-world items.  Will retailers and consumers adopt this form of payment? [Source: TechCrunch]  

Is J.C. Penny The Future Of Retail?

“J.C. Penney’s ambitious plan to turn around its business and make its brand hip and cool is in high gear, but whether the 110-year-old company’s stock will keep up the pace is another question.” …

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