Data & Analytics

As data breaches become more complex, they leave a lingering, if not lasting imprint on an enterprise.   While there are many factors that play a significant role in data breaches and cybersecurity incidents, the human element remains the top source contributing to cybercrimes, according to the “2017 Data Breach Digest,” from Verizon.  

Driving conversion in a digital landscape requires a new level of engagement.   Pacific Sunwear of California has found a way to reconnect with its digital shoppers, as well as improve its click performance, drive conversion, and thus, sales. Using Rakuten Marketing Search, a solution available through Kenshoo’s advertising platform, the retailer is refining its strategic marketing approach, focusing on consumer engagement (click performance) and automating its ad spend management processes.  

Another corporate ranking, another first place finish by Amazon.   The online giant came out on top in Harris Poll’s annual corporate reputation rankings report. The poll measures the reputations of the 100 most visible companies in the United States as perceived by the general public.        

It seems information security programs are not keeping up with the pace of evolving cyber-threats.   As more companies support Internet of Things (IoT) and bring-your-own-device (BYOD) programs, they become bigger targets to savvy cyber-criminals. This threat grows more serious when 66% of IT security professionals aren't sure how many devices are even in their environment.  

Digital shoppers across the United States outdid themselves in the fourth quarter.   Shoppers spent $109.3 billion online during fourth quarter 2016, according to comScore. Overall, this marked an 18% increase compared to the same quarter in 2015.    The majority of this online spending — $86.6 billion — occurred on desktop computers, a 13% increase compared to a year ago.   

Consumers in recent years have shown a seemingly insatiable appetite for special offers and discounts. During the holiday season, retailers generated billions of dollars by rolling-out high-profile promotional strategies – but was this activity actually profitable?   For many retailers, the holiday season lead to significant profit erosion. According to DynamicAction’s Retail Index, 44% of all orders last year were sold on promotion. At the same time, however, retailers saw a 24% reduction in margins.   

Birchbox is launching a new, pricier service.   The online beauty subscription retailer will debut a service that enables shoppers to better customize their monthly box of samples, along with other perks, TechCrunch said.    The service, which is only currently available to current subscribers, is $14 per month. The original subscription is $10 per month.

One independent grocer is making a move to compete with larger chains. 

While supermarket shoppers engage with their primary grocer on one or more digital platforms, social media sites are not a priority.    This was according to the “U.S. Supermarket Shopper Digital Update,” a report from the Retail Feedback Group (RFG). The new study, an offshoot of RFG's “U.S. Supermarket Experience Study,” focuses specifically on the digital aspects of shopper engagement with supermarkets.   

The best way to drive a top-notch in-store experience is to give associates insight into as many real-time data sources as possible.