Sales & Marketing

Many retailers’ long-held assumptions about consumer loyalty programs are no longer accurate, according to a new study.

Maritz Motivation Solutions surveyed more than 2,000 consumers regarding their feelings about brand loyalty and engagement. The data showed that there are at least five myths when it comes to consumers and loyalty programs. “When evaluating your brand, consumers also are evaluating your loyalty program,” said Barry Kirk, VP Customer Loyalty Strategy for Maritz.

Kirk detailed the myths in a webinar this week:

L Brands' Victoria’s Secret division had a record year in 2015, which is why chairman and CEO Leslie Wexner believes now is the best time to narrow the brand’s focus and simplify the operating model to drive long-term growth.

Domino’s Pizza has built a reputation for speedy delivery, and now the chain wants to be known for fast mobile ordering.

In a not unexpected move, beleaguered teen apparel retailer Pacific Sunwear of California Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy court protection.

In a court filing on Thursday in Delaware, the Anaheim, California-based retailer listed assets in the range of $50 million to $100 million and liabilities of between $100 million and $500 million. It listed Simon Property Group and Nike Inc. among its top creditors. The chain named RCS Real Estate Advisors, New York, as its real estate advisor.

Digital computer and electronics retailer Newegg wants to engage customers wherever they are, including on one of the world’s most popular social messaging apps.

Newegg will begin using Facebook Messenger to provide customer support. The e-tailer currently offers customer support options via email, SMS text message, phone and chat. Giving customers the ability to engage with Newegg’s customer support representatives via Messenger is an important asset to add to the company’s mobile strategy, according to executives.

Rite Aid on Friday reported revenues of $8.3 billion for its fourth quarter ended Feb. 27, representing an increase of 20.8%. Retail Pharmacy Segment revenues were $6.8 billion and decreased 0.3% compared to the prior year period primarily as a result of a decrease in same-store sales. Pharmacy Services Segment revenues were $1.5 billion.
 

Retailers using the BigCommerce e-commerce platform will soon have access to a vastly expanded consumer base.

eBay and BigCommerce are launching a strategic relationship to enable BigCommerce merchants to seamlessly list their products and manage their inventory on the eBay marketplace. BigCommerce customers will have access and exposure to more than 162 million global active eBay buyers, who will be able to shop from an expanded product and seller assortment.

Half of retailers are unprepared for future labor challenges.

That’s according to a new survey of more than 250 U.S. store managers by JDA Software Group, which finds that a perfect “labor” storm is brewing for retailers — one fueled by ever-expanding customer needs, increasing complexity and new and shifting labor regulations.