Consumer Analytics

“Couldn’t find it” and “couldn’t find help,” are all-too-common shopping experiences that kill sales and erode shopper loyalty.  Retailers are seeking better ways to combat these in-store ills, and new indoor positioning and wayfinding solutions have emerged as powerful tools to engage and assist in-store customers, at the precise point-of-purchase decision — the aisle and shelf.

This year more than ever, holiday shoppers are coming to retailers across a variety of channels and touchpoints. Retailers need to provide a consistent and personalized experience for customers wherever they are.

New York -- It’s almost September, which can only mean one thing: The annual blizzard of holiday sales forecasts is about to begin, and this year eMarketer is one of the first out of the gate.

The firm predicts a shiny and bright holiday season for U.S. retailers, with an assist from falling gas prices and online growth. eMarketer forecasts that U.S. retail sales in the months of November and December 2015 will increase 5.7% year-over-year, reaching $885.7 billion (includes online and physical store sales).

Along with increased sales and profits, the holidays also bring retailers increased strain on their networks. Fortunately, there are a number of steps retailers can take to keep their networks secure, scaled and operational throughout the busy holiday season. Jay Yanko, retail global practice leader for Verizon Enterprise Solutions Group, has advice to keep the holidays networked and bright.

When it comes to security, Yanko said the same rules that apply the rest of the year apply during the holidays.

“The majority of holiday security issues are basic,” said Yanko.

Facebook and Twitter don’t have the power to move mountains (not yet anyway), but one thing is certain: Retailers are not only listening to the conversations going on out there about their brands, but, increasingly and when it makes brand-sense, acting on them. At least the smart ones are.

Consider Topshop. The global fashion retailer came under fire for using ultra-thin mannequins in its stores.

Consumers who visit one of the Internet's biggest retailers won’t have to worry anymore about seeing messages informing them they need to install or update Adobe Flash.

Pittsburgh — Michael Leedy, chief marketing officer of American Eagle Outfitters Inc., will step down from his position effective Sept. 15, 2015. The company has an active search for a successor underway.

Leedy has committed to serve in an advisory role if needed to ensure a smooth transition. American Eagle did not comment on the reason for Leedy’s departure, and his LinkedIn profile still indicates he works there.

This summer marks the 40th anniversary of “Jaws,” the landmark movie that turned summertime into a season of blockbuster films, made Steven Spielberg a household name and still causes many people to think twice before taking a dip in the ocean.

In honor of the enduring legacy of Capt. Quint, Chief Brody, Hooper and of course Bruce the shark, here are three lessons “Jaws” offers retail analytics professionals.

Cyber security professionals have somewhat resigned themselves to the fact that data breaches are inevitable and placed an emphasis on how to manage a highly fluid situation.

After last year’s large retail data breaches, the industry has doubled-down on efforts to protect customer records. Most retailers now have data breach response teams in place and leaders have called for increased industry collaboration on cybersecurity. However, the threats continue to evolve and effectively managing security incidents requires constant evaluation.

London, U.K. — Online retailing giant Amazon.com is the retail industry's fastest growing social media brand. According to the latest Retail Social Media Benchmark results from eDigitalResearch, Amazon tops both the Facebook and Twitter social media rankings.

Amazon climbed to the benchmark's top spot, thanks in part to its recent Prime Day sales event, having gained more than 1.2 million new followers on its Twitter account since the last wave back in March.