eCommerce

Increased security risks tops the list of a new survey of 300 top global retail executives on the topics keeping them up at night.

According to “Finding Retail Growth: A View from the Corner Office,” sponsored by Demandware and conducted by Economist Intelligence Unit, retail leaders view increased security risks, the rise of globally competitive online marketplaces, shifts in consumer taste and increased globalization as the four most significant challenges impacting the industry.

Amazon.com reportedly has some big plans in store for its Prime Now on-demand delivery service.

According to Bloomberg, the online retailer will release Prime Now, currently only available as a smartphone app, on its website in May 2016. Amazon is also attempting to sell online Prime Now advertising packages for as much as $500,000.

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Walgreens Boots Alliance on Tuesday announced an increase of 13.6% in net sales to $30.2 billion for the second quarter ended Feb. 29, 2016, compared with the same quarter a year ago, largely due to the full consolidation of Alliance Boots for the entire quarter this year. Foreign currency translation adversely impacted sales by approximately $750 million or 2.4%.

Retailers looking to keep up with consumer demand for an individualized and seamless customer experience have a new supporting technology option to consider.

The number of Saks Off 5th stores will surge dramatically as will investments in technology as Hudson’s Bay Company said it will make higher than normal investments in growth initiative this year.

Charming Charlie has appointed Ujjwal Dhoot as VP of marketing, based in the specialty retailer’s Los Angeles office.

Dhoot previously served as chief marketing officer for FSAStore.com, responsible for the overall growth strategy, customer acquisition and retention, analytics development and testing for the FSA-eligible products and services shop. Before that, he was VP of marketing at 20x200, an online retailer for limited edition art.

Dhoot also served as VP of marketing at PetCareRx.com.

On the heels of soaring profits and revenues in the fourth quarter, Hudson’s Bay Company said it will make higher than normal investments in growth initiatives this year, including a dramatic increase in the number of Saks Off 5th stores, store renovations and investments in technology.

Apparently shifts in weather patterns have thrown yet another curve ball to the traditional retail industry.