Data & Analytics

Footwear retailer embarks on supply chain transformation
To keep up the pace of its growth — and continue delivering merchandise to the right location at the right time — The Aldo Group is adding a new supply chain platform. The footwear brand operates a complex omnichannel supply chain that supports wholesale customers, franchise and company-owned retail locations, as well as its direct-to-consumer operations. This requires enterprise-wide visibility, as well as the flexibility to anticipate, plan for and respond to changing consumer preferences.
Pay with Amazon volume nearly doubled in 2016
More customers are making digital payments through Pay with Amazon. In 2016, more than 33 million customers have used Amazon Payments to make a purchase, according to the retailer.

Study: This retailer will gain from Macy’s, Kmart store closings

Off-price giant TJX Cos. stands to gain traffic from the planned shutterings of select Macy’s and Kmart stores this year. A study by Foursquare indicates that T.J. Maxx will gain traffic from Kmart store closings, while Marshalls will benefit from Macy’s closings, reported Boston Business Journal. Both banners are owned by TJX Cos.
SPECS to showcase Samsung’s experiential retail flagship

When Samsung Electronics America opened the doors to Samsung 837 in the heart of New York City, it unveiled a digital playground that personifies the evolution — and future — of retail. The store will be the focus of a session at Chain Store Age’s upcoming SPECS conference (March 12-14, at the Gaylord Palms, Kissimmee, Florida).
Report: Fast-fashion giant uses Google app to customize dresses

H&M is saying yes to what is being described as a “data dress.” The fast-fashion retailer is teaming up with Google to create and sell frocks based on customer-specific data tracked by an Android app, reported The Verge.
Gap surprises in January

Gap Inc. reported higher than expected sales for January and the fourth quarter, fueled by strong increases at Old Navy. The retailer reported that net sales for the four-week period ended January 28, 2017 increased 2% to $828 million. Total same-store sales for the month rose 1%, led by a 3% gain in the namesake brand and a 2% increase at Old Navy. The ailing Banana Republic continued to slump, with a 4% decrease.
Cloud-based platform helps toy chain streamline promotions

Mass promotions don’t cater to customer demand — or drive sales. By adding a new platform that streamlines the entire promotional planning process, Toys “R” Us Canada is leaving behind vague promotions in favor of more targeted communications based on shopping behavior, store traffic, inventory and customer service.
Is Amazon eyeing robot-managed grocery store?

A report has Amazon considering its next foray into the grocery segment, but in a manner that would require very little human intervention. Amazon is reportedly contemplating a two-story, automated supermarket that would feature a staff of robots on the second floor that fulfill orders for shoppers waiting on the main level, according to The New York Post.
Analysis: Amazon Q4 — Prime is the big story

While it missed some analysts’ aggressive $44.7 billion quarterly revenue estimate, Amazon continues to record solid growth. Fourth-quarter sales were up 22% year over year to $43.7 billion. The retailer also maintained profitability throughout 2016, indicating that the flywheel continues to accelerate, especially in North America.
Tech Bytes: Lessons learned from holiday 2016 can drive mobile conversions going forward

Mobility’s influence on retail sales has never been stronger. Too bad the same can’t be said for its impact on conversions. I know what you are thinking — the industry had a stellar holiday shopping season, and it was driven by mobile. Indeed, the 2016 holiday season brought in a total $91.7 billion in online sales, an 11% increase year-over-year. Mobile alone brought in a total of $28.43 billion in revenue, a 23% increase over last year, according to Adobe.
Macy’s, Kohl’s merging offline and online experiences

Unified commerce has become the holy grail of retail as companies embark on the next-generation of the store environment — one that drives a top-notch, frictionless, non-frustrating and valuable customer experience.
Home decor retailer lowers guidance on weak Q4

Kirkland’s same-store sales fell in the fourth quarter amid weak traffic early in December. The home décor chain reported that its net sales for the 13 weeks ended January 28, 2017, increased 2.1% to $203.2 million compared to the year-ago period. Same- store sales for the quarter, including e-commerce sales, decreased 4.6%.