Data & Analytics

The use of cash remains strong among in-store shoppers.   That’s according to a new survey by Cardtronics, in which 89% of consumers report using cash in the past six months to pay for merchandise in a physical store.    Cash was followed by debit cards, used by 74% of consumers in the last six months, and credit cards, used by 66% of consumers. Eighteen percent of consumers reported using store mobile apps to pay for something in the last six months, and 17% used a mobile wallet. 

NYX Professional Makeup is set to launch its first flagship in Manhattan on Friday, Oct. 28.    Located in the heart of Union Square, the new NYX is the company's 20th domestic store and will combine digital technology with a hands-on educational environment.    In keeping with its heritage as a digital brand, NYX stores feature a series of innovative technologies, including an in-store Beauty Bar, an interactive makeup station featuring custom video tutorials.  

Who hasn’t wanted to buy “looks” featured on their favorite television show? Now, it’s a reality.   A new TV talk show series, created through a partnership between Wayfair and A+E Networks, will allow viewers to purchase all featured items on Wayfair.com.   The show, called The Way Home, uses a combination of home décor and DIY how-to’s, room makeovers and everyday solutions for better living — and everything displayed is for sale.  

PetSmart’s recent acquisition will help place pets with prospective forever families even faster.   The specialty pet retailer acquired AllPaws, one of the largest online and mobile platforms that matches those looking to adopt a pet with pets ideally suited for their home, family and lifestyle. Approximately 5,000 animal rescues and shelters across North America already utilize AllPaws to promote their adoptable pets.  

Online payment security is a top concern for merchants and consumers — but shoppers are leading the charge when it comes to protection.  

The role of smartphones in the evolution of mobile commerce has hit an epic status.   Mobile e-commerce, through both apps and browsers, jumped 60% in 2015 to reach $120 billion. More importantly, smartphones alone are generating $0.70 for every $1 made in mobile commerce, according to “Mobile Online Retail Payments 2016: Reinventing Shopping in a Mobile-First Era,” a report from Javelin.  

As brick-and-mortar stores race to transform themselves amid the increasing importance and influence of e-commerce, many retailers are looking to in-store digital media displays to attract and engage potential customers.      What’s more, new startups are bringing down the high cost of traffic-counting technology; making mobile marketing offers as painless as possible; and looking to virtual reality to create experiences that wow, immerse and educate consumers. Take a look at these:   

Black Friday may have lost some of its allure in recent years, but it still comes out on top in a ranking of the busiest shopping days.    Black Friday, which falls on November 25 this year, took the No. 1 spot in a ranking of the anticipated 10 busiest shopping days of 2016 by ShopperTrak, a Tyco Retail Solutions business unit. The second and third busiest shopping days are expected to be Monday, Dec. 26 and Friday, Dec. 23. (See end of article for the complete list.  

Target Corp. has knocked Walmart off its perennial top spot in an annual ranking of the U.S. companies with the most solar energy capacity.      Target now has 147.5 megawatts (MW) of installed solar capacity, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association’s 2016 Solar Means Business report, which ranks companies based on capacity current through the third quarter of this year.     

Best Buy wants to help its customers stay connected — for a price.    The consumer electronics chain’s Geek Squad is taking on local Internet service providers by launching a new service, called Wi-Fi Setup & Support, that offers comprehensive, personalized home Wi-Fi setup either over the phone, Web or in the customer’s home.