Consumer Analytics

Portland, Ore. -- Only 18% of retail IT security professionals expressed concerned that point of sale devices were being targeted by cyber criminals, and only 20% were “confident” that point of sale devices were securely configured, according to a study by Tripwire examining the impact of emerging enterprise security threats connected with the Internet of Things (IoT) in the retail industry.

NPD Group and Slice Intelligence have announced a partnership that the companies say will create a more comprehensive data offering for retailers.

Specifically, as the announcement explains, mobile and e-commerce data from Slice Intelligence will be included in NPD’s existing checkout tracking service.

New York -- Fitness buffs can shop and also get in a workout at Nike’s new women’s store at Fashion Island, in Newport Beach, California. The 6,000-sq-ft. plus space combines the best of the company’s women’s products with an in-store fitness studio.

The glass- and wood-paneled studio, the first for Nike in a U.S. retail location, features free group or personal fitness training sessions. It also enable customers to try out training and running footwear and apparel.

It's the question on many branded manufacturers’ minds at the moment. Either you’re starting to think about ways to sell directly to consumers, or you’re brainstorming ideas to enhance your online strategy. E-commerce has shaken up the traditional model of selling solely to wholesalers and retailers. It’s also presented brands with new ways to engage with consumers and increase sales.

Palo Alto, Calif. - Global information company The NPD Group has partnered with Slice Intelligence to provide comprehensive, retailer-independent e-commerce data available. For the first time, NPD will offer comprehensive, cross-retailer e-commerce data that is directly measured from e-receipts from Slice’s panel of two million consumers.

The data will be classified using NPD’s industry-standard product dictionaries, and validated by NPD’s benchmark databases.

Record digital and mobile sales propelled HSN Inc. to a better-than-expected 10% increase in sales in the fourth quarter.

The company reported profit of $68.3 million, or $1.28 a share, up from $61.6 million, or $1.14 a share, a year earlier.

New York – Retail CEOs have a lot of worries on their minds. According to a new survey of CEOs from PwC, 74% of retail CEOs are nervous about shifting consumer spending patterns, and 59% are nervous about the disruptive potential of new distribution channels. Nearly half (47%) are nervous about the pace at which technology is evolving.

Chicago – Consumer adoption of virtual reality (VR) technology is progressing slowly, but that doesn’t mean shoppers aren’t receptive to it. According to the 2015 Future of Retail Study from public relations firm Walker Sands, 30% of surveyed consumers said they would shop more online if they were able to try products on virtually.

About half (49%) of survey participants said they are willing to try the Oculus Rift VR headset when it is released in spring 2015, and 32% are interested in purchasing an Oculus Rift headset.