Data & Analytics

Generation Z leads the omnichannel parade
When it comes to combining in-store visits and online product research or purchase, Generation Z (ages 18 to 26) leads all other shopper age groups in the U.S., lending some spark an otherwise flat “omnishopping” environment.
Genesco bolsters merchandising operations
As Genesco expands its business, it needs an inventory management platform that can scale just as quickly — now it has one. The retailer and wholesaler of branded footwear, headwear and apparel initially deployed an automated retail inventory management platform, called Vision Merchandising, from Jesta in 1998. At the time, the company operated less than 500 stores, and used the system to support the firm’s exponential growth and empower users to work more efficiently.

Instagram hits 600 million members

Instagram’s rapid growth should be music to retailer’s ears. The Facebook-owned photo and video sharing app has hit 600 million monthly active users, a 100 million user jump in the last six months, according to Recode.
Three Ways AI Can Enhance Customer Experience

At its recent I/O 2016 developer festival, Google signaled its intent to embrace artificial intelligence. With Google’s fall release of the Pixel phone and, more important, its Assistant, the transition to an AI-powered future is underway.
MasterCard, Visa team up to drive secure digital payments

Looking to make digital transactions safer, two credit card network powerhouses are joining forces to tokenize shoppers’ payment card credentials.
Unusual retail concept puts new spin on tech retailing

A very tech-savvy retailer retail is expanding its fledgling physical footprint with an eye toward national expansion. b8ta, which lets people test out products from a variety of tech companies, including many small start-up, has opened a store at University Village, Seattle, along with one at Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica, Calif. Both locations were designed by Gensler, and feature a sleek, modern design.
Walgreens acquisition of Rite Aid expected to close in early 2017

Walgreens Boots Alliance’s acquisition of Rite Aid took a big step forward with announcement of the divestiture of 865 Rite Aid stores to Fred’s Pharmacy for $950 million.
The CFO’s Expanded Role in Profitably Managing the Retail Transformation

With the retail environment undergoing the most complex changes in our generation, the sustainability of the current retail economic model is in question. Historically, retail CFO’s, as the principal financial oficers, were primarily responsible for more traditional finance, treasury, regulatory, information delivery and related functions.
Bed Bath & Beyond falls short

Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. reported less-than-expected earnings for its third quarter, hurt by continuing higher expenses and flat sales. The retailer’s profit dropped to $126.4 million or $0.85 per share, from $177.8 million or $1.09 per share in the year-ago period. Sales inched up 0.1% to $2.96 billion, also lower than expected.
Analysis: The Finish Line stumbles

While Finish Line notched up reasonable overall sales growth in its third quarter, this has been overshadowed by both very weak comparables and an almost doubling of net losses to $40.4 million. Overall, the results are markedly worse than last quarter when total sales grew by 5.4%, aided by a 5.1% growth in comparables.
Retail brands lag behind mobile consumer expectations

The future of retail is mobile. Yet, brands are failing to keep pace with consumer expectations.
Retail brands lag behind mobile consumer expectations

The future of retail is mobile. Yet, brands are failing to keep pace with consumer expectations.