Data & Analytics

Tech Bytes: eTail West 2017: Three Takeaways
As the industry remains on its path toward frictionless retail, there is one clear way to achieve this goal: embrace innovation. There is no denying that innovative solutions are the industry’s ticket to transforming operations, and eTail West 2017 was chock-full of ideas of how to make this transition. The hottest digital strategies that continue to shape retail run the gamut, from conversational artificial intelligence to redefined mobile strategies that center on personalization, virtual reality and digital payments.
Big Lots holds steady; store of the future coming
Big Lots on Friday posted an unexpected decline in total revenue in its fourth quarter as a reduced store count cut into its sales. But the chain’s earnings topped the Street. The close-out retailer also boosted its dividend and initiated a new share buyback program.

Trendy jewelry brand launches digital receipts

Pandora UK is embarking on a new strategy to engage with shoppers post-purchase. The jewelry retailer is partnering with Ecrebo to provide shoppers with digital receipts that are emailed to shoppers following their in-store transaction. When the receipt arrives in their inbox, shoppers have the option to opt-in to receive regular newsletters, and share feedback about their in-store experience.
Walgreens names new CIO

Walgreens Boots Alliance had named a successor to chief information officer Abhi Dhar, who announced in February his intent to resign in order to pursue an entrepreneurial venture. The company has tapped Steve Turner, who currently serves as Walgreens VP service delivery and infrastructure, as VP and chief information officer, effective April 1.
Report: New leaping robot can 'Handle' up to 100 lbs.
Penney adds cybersecurity expert to board

J.C. Penney Company has added a former senior advisor to the director of the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA), to its board of directors. Debora Plunkett is joining the Penney board. Possessing extensive experience in cybersecurity, information assurance and innovation in information security, Plunkett has a deep understanding of the data-driven and interconnected world of today, the retailer said.
Report: Virginia is first state to legally support robot delivery traffic

Virginia’s new law is a coup for robotics. The commonwealth is the first state to pass legislation allowing delivery robots to operate on sidewalks and crosswalks across the state, according to ReCode.
Staying Competitive in Retail: Three Trends to Watch Out For

With 2017 in full swing, we’ve already had a taste of what’s in store for the retail industry in the year ahead. With innovation driving technological advancements and online consumers demanding speed and convenience, we’ve outlined three key trends that all retailers need to pay attention to in order to compete. More chatbots
Kroger ends its streak

The Kroger Co. has broken its impressive record of 52 consecutive quarters of same-store sales growth. The supermarket giant on Thursday posted an unexpected decline in fourth-quarter same-store sales on Thursday amid ongoing food price deflation and increased competition. Kroger’s net income fell to $506 million, or 53 cents per share, for the quarter ended Jan. 28, in line with estimates, and down from $559 million, or 57 cents per share, a year earlier.
Amazon: Human error caused the outage

Don’t blame it on the technology. In a blog post on its site, Amazon explained the reason why Amazon Web Services suffered a four-hour outage on Tuesday, one that caused significant problems at numerous Internet sites, including those operated by retailers.
First Look: Sport Chek Women

A store designed by women and for women. That’s Sport Chek Women, which made its debut on Thursday at CF Chinook Centre, in Calgary.
Food Lion and Hannaford help lead Ahold Delhaize to strong Q4

Ahold Delhaize’s Food Lion and Hannaford U.S. supermarkets had both strong fiscal fourth quarters and for fiscal 2016, the company stated in an earnings report. Volume growth was particularly strong, more than offsetting the impact of inflation on sales. Underlying operating margins improved, driven by the “Easy, Fresh & Affordable” strategic initiative and synergies, said Ahold Delhaize.