Corporate Governance

Survey: The Northeast city with the most online chargebacks is…
Every retailer hates online chargebacks, and unusually active chargeback activity is often an indicator of e-commerce fraud.

Risk management firm Chargebacks 911 has identified the U.S. cities in the Northeast where the highest percentage of e-commerce transactions result in a chargeback. Visa and Mastercard have set 1% as acceptable chargeback threshold, and these ZIP codes far exceed that figure.

• 17% chargeback rate: Port Washington, New York (11050)
• 15% chargeback rate: Astoria, New York (11105)
Lawsuit highlights importance of ADA compliance
Earlier this month, Reebok was hit with a proposed class action alleging that the company’s website violates the Americans with Disabilities Act because it is not accessible to the blind. The plaintiffs argue that Reebok.com contains “thousands of access barriers” that make it difficult — if not impossible — for blind customers to use the site.

Whole Foods adds Target omnichannel guru to exec ranks

Whole Foods Market is adding a Target veteran with experience in technology and omnichannel marketing to its executive leadership team.

The grocery retailer announced that it has named Don J. Clark global vice president of purchasing for non-perishables.
What retail CEO made an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show?

Ulta Beauty is not only “Ultra-beautiful,” according to television personality Ellen DeGeneres, it’s also “Ultra-generous.”

Capping off a partnership during the month of October with DeGeneres to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research, Ulta CEO Mary Dillon appeared on the popular talk show and presented the host with a $2 million check made out to the Breast Cancer Reseach Foundation.
What retail CEO made an appearance on ‘The Ellen DeGeneres’ Show?
WBA to divest as many as 1,000 stores to secure Rite Aid deal approval

The merger agreement between Walgreens Boots Alliance and Rite Aid must be consummated by Oct. 27, 2016, or the deal is off, according to documents filed to the Securities and Exchange Commission on Thursday. That deadline could be extended to Jan. 27, 2017 under some circumstances, according to the document.
Samsung Pay starts strong in U.S.

The Samsung Pay mobile payment solution had a good first four weeks in the U.S.

According to data released by Samsung Electronics, U.S. consumers who have paid with Samsung Pay so far have executed an average of eight transactions each.
Amazon ends consumer-facing service

Amazon.com is famous for launching new services and solutions at a dizzying rate, but the online retail giant is quietly preparing to close one down.

In an announcement posted on the Amazon Local daily deals site, the retailer says it will stop deals on the site and app as of Dec. 18. Amazon Local will continue business as normal until that date. Amazon Local purchase vouchers will remain valid for five years from purchase date as required by law in all 50 states.
Report: Walgreens-Rite Aid deal likely to avoid antitrust issues

Despite concern from smaller pharmacies, Walgreens’ plan to acquire Rite Aid is likely to be approved by the FTC, according to a report by International Business Times. “The location strategies of these two companies have been historically quite different,” said Howard Davidowitz, a New York-based retail consultant.
Online men’s activewear brand tries on brick-and-mortar

Rhone, a maker of high-quality activewear, has made its first foray into the physical space with the launch of a holiday pop-up in New York City's SoHo neighborhood. And while the SoHo shop will only be open through January 15, 2016, it could be a harbinger of things to come.
Report: Another big name throws hat in mobile payment ring

Mobile payment keeps getting more popular, at least on the provider side.

According to Re/Code, Amazon.com is launching a mobile “Pay with Amazon” button that will let consumers automatically use their Amazon payment information to make purchases on other retailer’s e-commerce apps. While not exactly a mobile wallet app, the Pay With Amazon button is definitely an attempt to obtain a piece of the mobile payment market which Apple, Samsung, Google, and several other entities are trying to take an early lead in.
Costco adds more digital expertise to board

For the second time in less than a month, Costco has elected a veteran of the telecommunications industry to serve on the retailer's board of directors.

Costco announced that John W. Stanton, chairman of Trilogy International Partners, Inc., and Trilogy Equity Partners, has been elected to Costco's board. Stanton founded and served as chairman and CEO of Western Wireless Corporation, a wireless telecommunications company, from 1992 until shortly after its acquisition by ALLTEL Corporation in 2005.