Consumer Attitudes & Behavior

Decision to close stores becomes more complicated for retailers
Some things are easier said than done. And increasingly, that notion applies to closing stores. Although analysts and investors say that retail companies need to continue to shrink their store portfolios, the decision to do has become increasingly complex for merchants, many of whom have already shed their most unprofitable locations, according to a CNBC report.
Survey: So far, so good for 2016
Retail tenants are not only reporting a strong performance for the year so far, but are also optimistic about the next six months.

Nimble small- to mid-level retailers steal share from larger, traditional chains

Think online is the biggest challenge traditional retailers face? Think again.
Q&A: Wayfair travels ahead of the IT curve

Chain Store Age recently visited Wayfair Next, the in-house innovation lab in the Boston headquarters of online home furnishings retailer Wayfair Inc.

Steven Conine, co-founder of Wayfair and Mike Festa, director of Wayfair Next, discussed the lab’s mission and the importance of innovation in retail.
Survey: Shoplifters, dishonest employees continue to plague retail industry

With all the attention placed on cybercrime, it is easy to overlook the threat posed by old fashioned shoplifters and dishonest employees.
Study points up importance of the human touch in shopping journey

A traditional, low-tech customer service feature can help prompt shoppers to follow the path to purchase. According to a new study from technology services company Mindtree, “Mindtree Shopper Survey 2016,” good old-fashioned human sales associates have a big impact on consumers moving from thinking about a purchase to actually making one.
Study: Millennial shoppers can be selfish, too

Despite their reputation as a generation dedicated to the greater good, millennial consumers are in some ways more narrowly focused than their Gen X elders. According to a new study of more than 7,000 global consumers conducted online in April age 18-55 conducted by sales and marketing firm Daymon Worldwide, 35% of both millennial and Gen X consumers prefer buying sustainable products.
Six retail-related companies where people want to work … according to LinkedIn

The first-ever LinkedIn “Top Attractors” list of the most desirable companies to work is out, and several firms engaged in retail were included.
Plenty of room for women at the top in retail

A Swedish retail giant that excels in fast-fashion is also a leader when it comes to breaking the glass ceiling. But a U.S. merchant is not that far behind.
Father’s Day spending: Eight need-to-know items

Father’s Day is Sunday, June 18, and retailers and dads alike will have reason to smile, according to the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC). American adults who plan to consume this holiday will do so in a big way, spending an average of $169.60 at predominantly at physical retailers, according to ICSC’s most recent consumer survey. Here are eight specific findings:

Consumer Attitudes & Behavior

Decision to close stores becomes more complicated for retailers

Survey: So far, so good for 2016

Nimble small- to mid-level retailers steal share from larger, traditional chains

Q&A: Wayfair travels ahead of the IT curve

Survey: Shoplifters, dishonest employees continue to plague retail industry

Study points up importance of the human touch in shopping journey

Study: Millennial shoppers can be selfish, too

Six retail-related companies where people want to work … according to LinkedIn

Plenty of room for women at the top in retail

Father’s Day spending: Eight need-to-know items