Dunnhumby

By Dr. Paul Helman, KSS Retail

Before 2013 was over, prognosticators were making bold predictions about retail margins in 2014. As technology disrupts the market and chains feel the squeeze, a number of key areas will demand attention in the coming months.

Rock Bottom Pricing

New York -- Hess Retail Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of global energy company Hess Corporation, has filed a Form 10 Registration Statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The form contains a preliminary information statement about the potential terms and conditions of a spin-off of Hess Retail Corporation to the stockholders of Hess Corporation.

GNC will be leveraging Dunnhumby’s customer-centricity solutions across all facets of its marketing to more effectively segment and engage with in-store and online customers. This will include personalized communications and offers to shoppers through both online and offline channels.

Tampa, Fla. – Marketing enterprise management systems provider Aptaris has named Bill Morrell as VP technology. Morrell previously held IT executive positions at companies including BabyAge.com and Destination Maternity, as well as consulting roles with clients including Cadbury Adams, Nascar and DME.

Dunnhumby, a leading customer science company, has launched Dunnhumby Ventures, a seed-stage investment fund focusing on innovations in retail technology. 

Dunnhumby Ventures will serve as a support mechanism for innovators, helping to fund startup businesses that are embracing data for innovations along the consumer’s path to purchase. Dunnhumby Ventures will also provide strategic input and mentorship. Average initial investments will range from $100,000 to $500,000.

CINCINNATI, Ohio — AutoZone, a leading retailer and distributor of automotive parts and accessories, is expanding its partnership with KSS Retail, a Dunnhumby company, so the company can improve its price and promotion strategies.

CINCINNATI, Ohio — KSS Retail, a global provider of price optimization and shopper insight solutions for the grocery, convenience, chain drug, general and online retail industries, has launched a new product that will enable businesses to efficiently harness data for more accurate forcasting.

Called PriceStrat Analyzer, the advanced business intelligence solution is designed to help the retail industry identify trends and exceptions so they can make faster, more accurate decisions about pricing and promotions. 

Boston — Raley’s Family of Fine Stores, a privately held supermarket chain with a presence in Northern California and Nevada, has partnered with BzzAgent, the social marketing arm of Dunnhumby, to develop the first grocery retailer advocacy online platform to further enhance its new loyalty program, Something Extra.