Data & Analytics

Consumer confidence backs off 15-year high
Consumer confidence slipped slightly in January after reaching a 15-year high in December, though outlook for the present overrode the outlook for the future. The index now stands at 111.8 (less than an expected 113), down from 113.3 the previous month.
Pinterest expands ‘search advertising’
Pinterest is taking its search program to the next level. The social media site now offers Search Ads, a feature that enables retailers to run ads as “pinners” type keywords into the search bar. The program, which started as a limited test, is now comprised of a full suite of features, including keyword and shopping campaigns that are shown in search results, as well as new targeting and reporting options, Pinterest’s head of global sales, Jon Kaplan, said in the company’s blog.

CBRE execs are first to complete rigorous retail course at U. of Arizona

Eighty retail real estate executives from CBRE recently gained the distinction of being the first class to graduate from a course designed to give field professionals a deeper knowledge of rapidly evolving retail business models and how they influence site selection.
Creating Real-time Competitive Advantage with Mobile Data Capture

Through the deployment of mobile data capture solutions, retailers can gain a wealth of real-time operational data and insight. On the front end, consumer barcode scans provide enterprises with valuable insights into shopping behavior and help to strengthen consumer relationships. On the back end, mobile barcode scans provide retailers with real-time snapshots into how products move through their supply chain.
New Sam’s Club CEO sets forth three goals on day one

John Furner, who began his new role as president and CEO of Sam’s Club Wednesday, will focus on three big areas: people, product and digital. Regarding people: “We need to engage everyone, at all levels of the company, in the fight we’re in. We need to put our members first and have everyone pulling in the same direction,” Furner stated in a blogged interview currently on Walmart’s website.
Amazon’s air cargo hub plan takes off

In a strategic move to bolster its logistics network, Amazon will build an air cargo hub in Kentucky. The online retailer agreed to a 50-year lease for approximately 900 acres of property from Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. The project site, which rivals the size of global hubs of top cargo airlines — is estimated to cost $1.49 billion, ReCode said.
Report: Identity fraud hits record high

Identity fraud is at an all-time high, and despite industry efforts, fraudsters continue to rack up victims. According to the “2017 Identity Fraud Study,” the number of victims increased by 16%, rising to 15.4 million U.S. consumers in the last year — a record high since Javelin Strategy & Research began tracking identity fraud in 2003.
Large-Format Experiential Stores Focus on the Customer Experience

At a time when many retailers might be cutting back on brick-and-mortar investments to focus more on e-commerce, a few notable ones are taking the opposite approach and launching large-format experiential stores to immerse customers in the full brand experience and offer items in each product category, from couches to dresses.
Amid weak Q4 results, Under Armour loses key exec

In addition to disappointing fourth quarter sales, Under Armour announced that its CFO is stepping down. The company reported that CFO Chip Molloy is leaving the company “due to personal reasons,” and David Bergman, Under Armour’s senior VP, corporate finance, will serve as acting CFO. Molloy will remain with the company in an advisory capacity to assist with the transition, the brand said.
H&M’s expansion plan calls for new stores and added emphasis on digital

In addition to reporting a strong quarter of earnings and store openings, H&M is slowing down its store growth and instead, bolstering its digital operations. The company, which aimed to open 10% to 15% more physical stores each year, reported Tuesday, Jan. 31, is shifting its focus to increasing its omnichannel sales — including both stores and online sales — by 10% to 15% per year, according to H&M.
Report: Personalization, price and fulfillment influence most omnichannel shoppers

Consumers have increasingly high expectations for a unified shopping and brand experience across all purchasing channels and touchpoints. Retailers that can address their demand for more personalization, price, and fulfillment along the path to purchase will be the winners going forward, according to the “Consumer Trends Report — 2017 Edition,” from Kibo. The study is based on responses from more than 3,000 consumers in the United States and the United Kingdom.
Luxury retailer tops Q2 estimates

Despite a volatile global retail environment, Coach increased sales and profits for its fiscal second quarter. The luxury handbag and accessories retailer reported revenue of $1.32 billion for the quarter ended December 31, 2016, up 4% from $1.27 billion last year. The retailer’s net income was $200 million, up from $170 million in 2015.