Business Intelligence (BI)

Discount online apparel/accessories retailer Bluefly knows how important looking good is, but also knows there needs to be real quality beneath the shiny veneer.

To that end, Bluefly is partnering with solution providers including Mozu and DynamicAction to overhaul its e-commerce site and mobile app, from the user interface to the underlying architecture.

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.

As a retailer of automotive aftermarket parts, tools, supplies, equipment, and accessories, O’Reilly Automotive Inc. helps its shoppers customize and tailor their vehicles to individual preferences.

So when the Springfield, Missouri-based chain decided to update its omnichannel customer experience, it realized a highly customizable solution would be needed. O’Reilly has selected the e-commerce platform from Broadleaf Commerce to support seamless marketing and merchandising across its mobile and Web channels, as well as its 4,571 stores in 44 states.

When it comes to what keeps retail CEOs up at night, put exchange rate volatility and over-regulation at the top of the list.

That’s according to PwC’s 19th Annual Global CEO Survey, which explores top business concerns of retail and consumer product CEOs.

Of the many different political, social and economic risks businesses face, those that concern retail sector CEOs the most are over- regulation (37% are extremely concerned), exchange rate volatility (36%), an increasing tax burden (33%), and social instability (29%).

Helzberg Diamonds knows its clientele expects quality, both in merchandise and in the service they receive.

So the Kansas City-based, 230-plus-store specialty jewelry retailer is implementing Oracle Retail XStore POS software, as well as other third-party customer engagement and payment processing technology. With retail system integration services provider BTM global handling all implementation, Helzberg will obtain point-to-point encryption, tokenization and EMV certification.

Sears Holdings has named an expert in digital transformation to fill the newly created role of chief administrative officer.

The company has named James P. Andrew to fill the new position, which will be responsible for the company's corporate support functions, including financial planning and analysis, business finance, procurement, legal, and human resources.

Social retailing is nothing new, but more retailers are starting to experiment with launching their own proprietary social media offerings.

Hy-Vee invested $3.6 million in a new training center for employees and to serve as a headquarters for the Hy-Vee Aisles Online, the company's online grocery division, KCCI Des Moines reported earlier this week. "We are excited to have a creative environment and innovative tools to help grow our future store leaders," stated Denise Broderick, VP education/training for Hy-Vee. "We understand that growing and improving our workforce is crucial to our company’s continued success.

As the national conversation regarding violence in the workplace suggests a heightened awareness stemming from increased media coverage, recent studies suggest there may be statistical evidence supporting this perceived frequency.

As the notion of channel conflict subsides, consumer packaged goods companies who don’t elevate their digital game are playing to lose and a new study from a two industry leaders shows just how much.