eCommerce

Generation Z grew up online, but that doesn’t mean that’s where they do all their shopping.    Sixty-seven percent of Gen Z — the first “digitally native” group to grow up not knowing a world before cellular phones, smartphones and other digital devices — said they shop in a bricks-and-mortar store most of the time, with another 31% shopping in-store sometimes, in a new survey by IBM and the National Retail Federation.  

Amazon is being penalized for inaccurate pricing practices on its Canadian website.    According to the Competition Bureau, a Canadian independent law enforcement agency, Amazon will pay a $1 million penalty and $100,000 towards the Competition Bureau’s costs — punishment for violating the Competition Act, a law that ensures consumers are not misled by references to inflated regular prices.   

Many grocery retailers are still missing the mark when it comes to meeting a key shopper demand.    Specifically, 81% of shoppers said they are unable to get produce they want in store, online and at discount retailers, yet 91% of grocery retail professionals are confident they are meeting customer expectations of availability.  

Technology is transforming the retail landscape as we know it. The Census Bureau estimates that U.S. online retail sales were $97.3 million in second quarter 2016, a 15.8% increase from the previous year. According to Forrester, that growth is expected to continue with U.S. online retail sales anticipated to exceed $520 billion by 2020. Globally, online sales are growing three-times faster than GDP.  

Look for J.C. Penney to close some stores as it moves forward.    In remarks at the The Weitzman Group’s annual forecast event, Penney CEO Marvin Ellison said the company’s 1,014-store portfolio is too large and that the retailer is analyzing which locations don’t meet its “brand standard,” the Dallas Business Journal reported.   

Amazon has a new perk for its Prime members.   Through its partnership with Chase, Amazon is introducing the new Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card. Available exclusively to Amazon Prime members, the card offers users 5% back on all Amazon.com purchases, and rewards members for other purchases, including 2% back at restaurants, gas stations and drug stores, and 1% back on every other purchase.  

Zappos is hitting the road.   The online footwear retailer famous for its customer service is embarking on a year-long road show to show its gratitude to loyal customers nationwide. The event will feature merchandise, special events and one-of-a-kind experiences.   “At Zappos, we know there are real people behind each online transaction. And we wanted a way to celebrate and thank you for your loyalty — personally,” the company’s website said.  

Aeropostale, the teen apparel retailer that most of the industry had written off as dead, has risen like a Phoenix.     Starting this week, the company is reopening more than 500 doors across the United States. In February, Aéropostale will kick off its spring 2017 marketing campaign, which is designed to showcase the brand’s trans-formation under its new owners. The campaign will be in the stores as well as online and through social media.