eCommerce

As more shoppers become victims of “porch piracy,” they are changing they way they shop — and receive — online orders.   This message was delivered in a new study from Vivint Smart Home, a smart home services provider in North America. The study, which is based on 2,000 people, explores the far-reaching impact of the porch piracy phenomenon — an issue that has affected 23 million Americans, according to a separate study from Princeton Survey Research Associates International.  

It’s an odd partnership — at least at first glance.   Neiman Marcus has entered into a partnership with Rent the Runway, which lets shoppers rent pricey designer dresses as opposed to buying them (at a luxe store like Neiman Marcus).       

Business is booming in the fast-growing business of medical and recreational cannabis. And the shops that specialize in the trade are taking their game up more than a few notches.      In July, The Clinic, which operates some six stores in the Denver area and is expanding into other states, opened a flagship that shows just how much the industry has evolved from the sterile, sparsely decorated storefronts of just a couple years back.       

It’s official: The Finish Line considering selling its specialty running store chain.   The company announced that it is currently exploring strategic alternatives for its JackRabbit division (previously known as Running Specialty Group). The segment includes 70 specialty running stores in 17 states, such as Brooks, ASICS and Hoka One One.  

Here’s a daunting statistic: The value of merchandise ordered via same-day delivery is expected to exceed $4 billion by 2018 — it was $100 million in 2014. The big reason for this jump is the grueling pace set by Amazon Prime Now, which offers two-hour delivery for consumers in 27 US markets and counting.   

In a good omen for the upcoming holiday season, consumers spent more than expected in October, as U.S. sales rose more than expected.        Retail sales increased by 0.9% over September and grew 2.2% on a year-over-year basis, according to the National Retail Federation. The calculations excluded automobiles, gasoline stations and restaurants.  

Regency Centers, a major player in grocery-anchored centers with 307 properties, and Equity One, owner of 98 retail properties, have signed an agreement to merge. Regency will continue as the surviving public company and, it claims, assume the position as the largest shopping center real estate investment trust.   The combined company is expected to have a total market capitalization of approximately $15.6 billion.   

Absolunet has released its list of the top 10 e-commerce trends that will impact North American retailers in 2017. The e-commerce agency noted that the impact of the trends will be felt online and in stores, and by retailers and consumers alike.     Here is Absolunet’s top 10 list:    1. The end of Black Friday and Cyber Monday: Tech–savvy merchants are replacing Black Friday and Cyber Monday with Cyber November;