Data & Analytics

Amazon plans for second Jacksonville DC
The Sunshine State will gain another Amazon fulfillment center. On the heels of its recent announcement to open a new warehouse in Jacksonville, Fla., the retail giant is planning to open a second facility in the same city, and employ an additional 1,000 workers. Jacksonville’s first fulfillment center was announced six months ago.
Study: Returns process remains flawed
Retailers’ returns policies are critical factors in consumers' purchasing decisions. But many consumers are far from pleased with their experience. This was revealed in Voxware’s third biennial report, which highlights why consumers return items purchased online or by phone and how their experiences with the returns process affects their future intentions to shop with retailers.

When it comes to overstoring, China’s the champ

U.S. real estate developers and brokers coping with epic changes in the retail landscape can take some solace from the fact that, when it comes to overstoring, America’s got nothing on China. A list of cities with the most shopping center space under construction from CBRE Research had Chinese cities occupying 11 of the top 12 spots, led by Chongqing with 39.8 million sq. ft. being built. Shenzhen (38.7 million) and Chengdu (37.6 million) weren’t far behind.
Lowes Foods remains ‘targeted’

Lowes Foods knows the key to success is retaining your best, most profitable shoppers. By extending its partnership with ProLogic, the engine behind the grocer’s Fresh Rewards loyalty program, the chain will continue to award customers with instant rewards for merchandise throughout its 100 stores, and gas at participating Speedway and Lowes Foods gas stations.
Amazon fulfillment service grew more than 50% during holiday season

The Amazon Marketplace, an online mall that that allows third-party sellers to reach customers around the world, hit big milestones during the holiday season.
Regional grocer deploys mobile emergency communications system

H-E-B is taking steps to keep its employees, customers and food supply safe. The supermarket retailer is modernizing its emergency communications with a software platform from AlertMedia that combines multichannel, two-way messaging and 24/7 monitoring services. The infrastructure consolidates communication channels – such as voice, text, e-mail, social media, and Slack – enabling users to interact with its audience from any mobile device.
Chief Marketing Officers: Four Steps to Succeed with Lifecycle Marketing in 2017

As we head into 2017, retail chief marketing officers are under the gun more than ever before to produce measurable results. Jobs are on the line, as CEOs demand evidence that increased marketing technology investments are paying off. And that spending won’t slow down soon: Gartner recently doubled down on its prediction that CMOs will outspend their CIO counterparts on technology in this coming year.
Starbucks among brands on cutting edge of AI in retail

Coming soon to Starbucks: virtual baristas. The coffee giant plans to add a Siri-like virtual assistant to its mobile app that will allow users to place an order by talking to a virtual barista that will then send the order to a store nearby user where it will be made by an employee.
Teen apparel retailer firms up executive suite with two new positions

Rue 21 has added the positions of COO and chief marketing officer to its executive roster. The chain has promoted Dirk Armstrong to COO. Armstrong has been with rue21 for nearly five years and was formerly senior VP and director of stores. Previously, he served as senior VP, director of stores at Ann Taylor and regional director at Gap Inc.
Report: 2016 digital holiday sales, online searches rise

While results were conservative, holiday digital sales surpassed 2015 figures.
Sign Up for Disruption: Winning in the Subscription Economy

Just a few years ago, consumers typically associated subscription services with utilities and print media. Yet the rapid rise of digital technologies has led to an explosion in the number of services available, which cater to almost every aspect of consumers’ lives – from Spotify and Netflix to Birchbox and Blue Apron.
Holiday spending surpasses expectations

Initial reports about holiday spending bode well for retailers. Consumers spent 16% more on holiday purchases this year than in 2015, according to the International Council of Shopping Centers Post-Holiday Shopping Survey.