Data & Analytics

To effectively service shoppers at store-level, managers need to evolve beyond their sales roles and become “problem solvers.”   This means store managers must learn to master the combination of order fulfillment, inventory visibility and staffing to keep up with customer demands, according to the “Voice of Store Manager Survey,” a study from JDA Software Group. The second annual study is based on responses from 252 US-based retail store managers compiled in August.  

Consumers are growing increasingly comfortable using connected devices for daily tasks — and shopping is not far behind.    As more devices connect to chatbots and virtual assistants, an increasing number of consumers are ready to embrace the automation and convenience delivered by IoT technologies. Nearly half of consumers (48%) said they would feel comfortable with a connected device, such as a refrigerator, ordering items on their behalf.  

Cyber-thieves have found their way into Whole Foods Markets’ payment network.   The natural foods grocer, which Amazon purchased for $13.7 billion in August, learned that payment card information processed at certain venues within some of its stores, such as taprooms and full table-service restaurants, has been breached. These venues use a different point-of-sale system than the company’s primary checkout systems.   

With department stores being replaced by gyms and office space, retail tenants who signed on for the traffic generated by traditional anchors are of the opinion that the co-tenancy clauses in their leases need restructuring. At a forum staged by Jones Lang LaSalle at its New York office yesterday, two noted mall developers agreed.  

Staying true to its “thrifty” roots, Savers has added a robust wireless solution without breaking the bank.  

Private-label introductions are increasing on a seemingly daily basis, but Amazon-owned products are transforming the marketplace.   This was according to “AmazonBasics Spearheads Amazon Private Brands,” research from One Click Retail.   

The acquisition of TaskRabbit allows Ikea to efficiently remove one key barrier (the dislike of furniture assembly) for a segment of customers that have until this point avoided Ikea.