Consumer Analytics

Despite having more data and insights into consumer desires and preferences, companies in the U.S. have failed to meaningfully improve customer satisfaction or reverse rising switching rates among their customers. As a result, there is a potential $1.3 trillion of revenue at play in the U.S. market represented by the ‘switching economy,’ according to new research released by Accenture.

Despite many forecasts of a gloomy holiday season for retailers, Deloitte is predicting an increase in consumer spending.

New York - Despite having more data and insights into consumer desires and preferences, companies in the U.S. have failed to meaningfully improve customer satisfaction or reverse rising switching rates among their customers. As a result, there is a potential $1.3 trillion of revenue at play in the U.S. market represented by the ‘switching economy’, according to new research released by Accenture.

Reston, Va. – The start of the annual school year drove U.S. consumer traffic at retail sites in September. According to comScore MediaMetrix data, retail computer software sites were the third-most-visited website category in September 2013 with about 64.3 million unique U.S. visitors, up 12% from 57.3 million the prior month.

Columbus, Ohio – Big Lots has named Andrew Stein as senior VP, chief customer officer. Prior to Big Lots, Stein was a marketing executive at Kmart, where he served a number of roles leading up to his appointment as chief marketing officer in August 2011. Stein’s appointment is in line with Big Lots’ intent to expand its digital presence.

Target is enlisting Jonna Mendez, a former CIA officer, who will serve as a “Kids’ Gift Detective.” Inspired by her years of CIA experience, Mendez will offer online tips and techniques via a video series at ABullseyeView.com where she works with popular mom bloggers.
 
In addition, Target will offer a dedicated kids’ gifts page on its website and will launch a digital gift catalog in early November.
 

I have now been in my role as senior editor of Chain Store Age, specializing in retail IT coverage, for six months. Beyond being surprised at how quickly the past 180 days have gone by and grateful at how welcoming the industry has been to me, I also can’t help but be amazed at how much retail IT has changed since I was last actively involved in covering this field in 2006.

Los Angeles – CharmingCharlie relaunches its e-commerce site today. Enhanced features on Charmingcharlie.com include: a new approach to '”Shop by Color,” product filtering, improved product descriptions and social sharing, among others.