We're at the Internet Retailer trade show this week, in sunny Chicago. And while there are hundreds of new and exciting products and tools to discuss, the sessions offer some good information too.

Eric Faintreny of RedCats.com stresses the importance of knowing your customer. In one example, he talks about RedCats clients Avenue.com and KingSize, both manufacturers of clothing and accessories for plus-size individuals. They are incorporating "shop by size" functionality to their websites, not seen on many other apparel retailers' sites. And it makes perfect sense. Plus-sizes are not always easy to find, an  important consideration for this demographic. Why not offer the ability to see exactly what's available in your size before spending time finding what you like, only to discover it's not available?

Knowing your customer.