Data & Analytics

Study: Fulfillment costs erode up to 70% of brands’ order value
Complexities associated with online shipping and fulfillment are eating into retailers’ profitability. This was according to “Strategies for Agile, Profitable and Secure Omnichannel Execution.” The report, from Radial, revealed that more than 55% of customers are using multiple channels, such as online and mobile to shop.
Beauty retailer steps up augmented reality offering
Sephora is upgrading its app-based digital makeover experience. The beauty chain is expanding the functionality of its Sephora Virtual Artist, an augmented reality-based feature on its mobile app that enables shoppers to digitally try on make-up. The app’s new Cheek Try On service allows users to virtually try on over 1,000 shades of cheek color, including blush, bronzer, contour, and highlighter shades available in single colors and palettes.

Amazon gets caught in rare outage

Even Amazon isn’t immune to the occasional online hiccup. Pages failed to load across the online store on Wednesday, June 7. When they did, customers viewed a 503 error message, along with snippets from the online retailer’s “Meet the Dogs of Amazon” page, which included photos and stats of the company’s canines, according to The Verge.
Michaels Q1 earnings, sales miss as competition heats up

Increased online and offline competition is giving arts and crafts leader Michaels Cos. a run for its money. The company's profit fell 20% to $67 million, or 38 cents a share, in the first quarter ended April 29, down from $85 million, or 34 cents a share, a year ego. Its results missed analysts' expectations. Total sales were flat at $1.16 billion, also less than expected. Same-store sales fell 1.2%
Convenience store retailer’s Q4 misses Street

Despite 16 consecutive years of positive same-store sales growth among key categories, Casey’s General Stores’ top and bottom line revenues missed the mark in the fourth quarter.
Study: E-commerce returns experience critical to shopping journey

E-commerce sales may be hitting all-time highs, but the key to success is seamless online returns processes. This was according to “Making Returns a Competitive Advantage,” a re-port from Navar. The report is based on responses from 700 U.S. con-sumers who returned an online purchase in the past 12 months.
Online giant takes on Walmart with big Prime discount

The battle for low-income shoppers is heating up. Amazon announced that individuals participating in government assistance programs can sign up for Amazon Prime membership at the discounted rate of $5.99 per month. The regular annual membership for Prime is $99 per year, or $10.99 a month for those who prefer to pay on a monthly basis.
Accenture: Digital innovation to drive trillions of dollars in value

Retailers could unlock $2.95 trillion in value over the next decade simply by investing in transforming, digitally driven business models.
Coming to the ‘small screen’: Amazon Prime

Amazon is giving Prime members another way to shop — through their Amazon Fire TV. Amazon Fire TV already streams Web-based content, such as videos, music and games on the “big screen.” Now Amazon’s new app lets Prime members search and browse Amazon products and make purchases directly through their Fire TV remote, according to TechCrunch.
Macy’s warns profit margins are shrinking

Already navigating tumbling sales, Macy’s is preparing for even tighter margins. At the company’s annual investor day, Macy’s CFO Karen Hoguet said that second-quarter gross margins are running about 1 percentage point below what they were last year. The company is slashing costs in a bid to maintain its earnings forecast, which it reaffirmed on Tuesday, according to Bloomberg.
From Catwalk Trends to Data Trends: Must-Have Skills for Tomorrow’s Retailers

In today’s digital world, creativity is just one skill needed for commercial success in the fashion industry. The art of design remains crucial, but leading designers are supplementing art with science – using digital technologies to connect with customers on both a hyper-local and hyper-personal level.
eBay personalizes every shopper’s visit

Shoppers are demanding that retailers treat them as individuals, and eBay is listening. eBay is launching an enhanced, more personalized eBay shopping experience through a new homepage that is responsive to its individual customers’ interests. Leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technology, eBay is tailoring recommendations across all categories during each shopper’s new site visit, and serving up an inventory mix that's unique only to them.