Data & Analytics

Keeping Doors Open: Starting From the Inside Out
Over the last decade, the retail industry has evolved substantially. E-commerce continues to outpace brick-and-mortar strategy, dramatically changing the way consumers shop. Accommodating new consumer preferences requires brands -- from corporate executives to field managers to in-store associates -- to communicate, and regularly evaluate the in-store customer experience.
Fashion brand brings e-commerce platform in house to drive expansion
On pace to double its online business for fiscal 2016, apparel retailer J. Lindeberg is ready to take control of its e-commerce destiny. The company, known for its men's and women's fashion and golf apparel and accessories, recently launched in Canada, and now has its sights set on digital expansion into North and South America. At the core of this expansion is bringing its operating platform in-house.

Off-pricer announces senior management promotions

Burlington Stores is promoting three key executives, with the appointments all effective January 30, 2017. The appointments include the following: • Jennifer Vecchio, executive VP/chief merchandising officer since May 2015, will be promoted to the newly created role of chief merchandising officer/principal, and will assume responsibility for the merchandise planning, allocation and MIO functions.
Acquisition expands Pep Boys’ store network

Pep Boys has added 130 stores to its portfolio. The company has purchased Just Brakes, a privately held an automotive repair and maintenance chain, increasing the number of Pep Boys auto service locations to over 900 locations.
Study: Retailers need to pay attention to Gen Z

Watch out millennials, Gen Z is coming on strong. With Generation Z expected to comprise 40% of the North American population by 2020, retailers must address the needs of this generation and understand its purchasing power in households, according to a survey conducted by HRC Retail Advisory.
Division of high-end chain rewards shoppers with Nordstrom Notes

Nordstrom is giving shoppers a new way to earn loyalty points. As of Friday, Jan. 20, Nordstrom Rewards members will earn points toward Nordstrom Notes when they use their Nordstrom credit and debit cards at the chain’s Trunk Club division, a personalized styling service for men and women, offering both virtual and in-person shopping options. Additionally, Trunk Club will waive its $25 home try-on fee when shoppers order curated trunks of clothing using their Nordstrom card.
Report: China leads global e-commerce race

Despite global economic fluctuations, China is still a world leader in many markets — including global e-commerce. China’s online retail sales have grown by 33.3% to exceed $581 billion in 2015. Momentum is expected to continue, as sales in the country are expected to grow by 20% yearly through 2020, according to BizView, a B2B marketplace that enables users to connect with over seven million companies around the globe.
Home decor brand’s sales data reveals most enthusiastic NFL fans

Wayfair has tapped into analytics with an unusual goal: to rank its most enthusiastic football fans ahead of the Super Bowl. By using analytics to tap sales data of its NFL merchandise, Wayfair pinpointed its most enthusiastic team fan bases — and where they reside. The online retailer’s results are based on overall sales of licensed merchandise sold on its NFL Fan Shop during the 2016-2017 NFL season (Sept. 8, 2016-Jan. 15, 2017).
Fragrance chain uses the cloud to accelerate growth

When a retailer doubles its breath in two years, it needs an operating platform that supports accelerated growth. The Fragrance Outlet knows this all too well. With more than 100 Fragrance Outlet and Designer Fragrances stores in the United States and Guam, and an additional 10 to 15 locations planned for 2017, the chain needed a platform that could support continued expansion, as well as omnichannel operations. The cloud-based Aptos Singular Commerce fit the bill.
Alibaba makes a bold move to fight fake goods

Alibaba is championing the fight against counterfeit merchandise. In a new alliance with international brands including Louis Vuitton, Samsung and Mars, Alibaba has created an anti-counterfeiting group. Called the Alibaba Big Data Anti-Alliance, the 20-member consortium of industry and technical leaders is working to keep pirated goods off of Alibaba’s e-commerce platform, according to the company’s website.
Target names new chief marketing officer

Target has made a key addition to its executive team. The discounter has promoted Rick Gomez to the position of executive VP and chief marketing officer, effective Jan. 29. Gomez, currently senior VP of brand and category marketing, has been with Target since 2013. He replaces Jeff Jones, who left Target last summer to become president of Uber.
Alibaba throws hat into the Olympics sponsorship ring

What better place is there for global exposure than the Olympic Games? At least, that is what Alibaba is counting on now that it struck a deal to become a top sponsor of the Olympic Games through 2028. The sponsorship, which is worth $800 million, pits the brand among giants like Coca Cola Co. and Samsung Electronics Co., according to Bloomberg.