Retail

A social media giant and an online retail giant are the most loved brands in the world.    Facebook took the top spot, followed by Amazon, in NetBase's third annual "Top 100 Global Brand Love List." Rounding out the top five were eBay, Apple, and Snap.   

Retailers need to update their approach to targeting millennials.   That's according to a new report by management consulting firm L.E.K., which provides insight into Millennials and their predecessors Gen X and the Baby-Boom generation.  

Tavisock Development is partnering with a Google company on technology it says will “reimagine” the retail and entertainment experience at its Lake Nona Town Center in Orlando.  

A limited partnership has purchased the 110,359-sq.-ft. Southridge Plaza in Fontana, California for $20.7 million.   Anchored by a Rio Ranch Market, the necessity-based center is strong among Hispanic consumers in this town just east of San Bernardino. Other tenants include Rite Aid, AutoZone, McDonald’s, Subway, Waba Grill, and Cricket Wireless.  

The retail landscape today looks different than it did just a few years ago. Brick-and-mortar retail is becoming more diverse. Brands are embracing different operational models and integrating more closely with online and mobile channels. Retailers like Bonobos, Warby Parker and Restoration Hardware are using physical locations purely as showrooms, a new trend that appears to be gaining significant traction.  

Understanding in-store shopper behavior is key to designing environments that promote product purchase. But retailers must overcome numerous hurdles to get shoppers to notice a product, let alone buy it.    Toward that goal, we recently conducted research in six stores nationwide to identify shopper behavior patterns and generate insights into the retail experience. Mobile eye tracking headsets were employed to observe actual shopper behavior and to measure key levels of engagement at three stages:  

Target's remodeling efforts, new smaller store format, same-day delivery pilot and private-label brands were among the topics discussed by company executives during the chain's quarterly earnings call on Wednesday with investors and analysts. Here are six interesting points from the call worth noting:    

BJ's Wholesale Club will leverage predictive analytics and machine learning to assist with buying decisions.   The warehouse club operator will begin using First Insight’s consumer-driven predictive analytics. The tools are designed to help BJ’s make design and buying decisions on the broad spectrum of products offered in its warehouse clubs.