Research Topic

New York -- The United States is the top market for e-commerce, followed by China and the United Kingdom, according to A.T. Kearney’s 2015 Global Retail E-Commerce Index. Although e-commerce remains less than 10% of total retail sales in the United Sates, it has seen consistent growth, and rose by 15% in 2014.

New York -- Prospects for stellar rent growth and low vacancy helped make San Francisco the top-ranked city, followed by New York, in Marcus & Millichap’s 2015 National Retail Index, an annual real estate ranking of 46 major U.S. markets. Rounding out the top five: San Jose (#3); Austin (#4) and San Diego (#5).

New York -- Smartphones are now responsible for more than one-third of online transactions globally, and the growth of larger screen sizes and better mobile sites is only going to accelerate this trend, according to a new study by Criteo. By the end of 2015, the mobile share of e-commerce transactions will reach 33% in the U.S., and 40% globally.

New York -- Belk Inc., the largest family owned and operated department store chain in the United States, is exploring strategic alternatives. The news was first reported by Reuters on Thursday, and was confirmed later in the day by the retailer in a statement issued to media outlets.
 

Belk Inc. has hired Goldman Sachs to explore its strategic options, including the possibility of a sale that could value the family owned department store chain at as much as $4 billion, Reuters reports.

In response to the Reuters report, Belk issued a response saying that it had hired Goldman Sachs to help it explore all options for its future. Belk added that it expects to conclude its analysis in the next several months.

Belk operates about 300 stores in 16 Southern states.

Baltimore - Retail was the largest vertical on the Millennial Media mobile advertising platform in 2014, followed by telecommunications and entertainment. According to the Millennial Media Scorecard for Mobile Advertising Reach and Targeting (S.M.A.R.T.) report, retail saw 49% year-over-year growth on the Millennial Media platform in 2014.

Springfield, Mo. – Los Angeles-based private equity group Leonard Green & Partners is reportedly in talks to acquire a stake in specialty outdoor retailer Bass Pro Shops. According to the Wall Street Journal, Leonard Green may make an offer that would value the privately-held Bass Pro at between $4 billion and $5 billion, including debt.

Despite bad publicity from a “60 Minutes” report alleging carcinogens in some of the hardwood it sells, Lumber Liquidators increased sales in the first quarter of 2015.