Data & Analytics

SPECS Exclusive: Tablets unlock store development potential
More powerful than a smartphone and more portable than a laptop, tablet computers offer retail design and construction professionals some unique opportunities.

In a session at Chain Store Age’s SPECS 2016 conference at Hilton Anatole in Dallas, March 13-15, “Tablets Unlocked,” Bart Waldeck, CMO and senior VP of product strategy for Tango, identified the top five opportunities tablets offer the store development process.
Best Buy develops future tech resources
Best Buy Co. Inc. is expanding a series of programs and partnerships designed to ensure the availability of a crucial IT component – human talent.

As part of this ongoing initiative, in spring 2016, the Best Buy Teen Tech Center network will open four new centers that offer year-round after-school programming. And from May through September, more than 6,000 students will attend free Geek Squad Academy (GSA) two-day sessions in communities around the country.

PR and ROI — Be A Storyteller

Storytelling is an intrinsic part of our daily lives. Movies, books, music, news, religion and art are all imbued with the stories we tell each other–and the stories we tell ourselves.

Even the spaces and places that we work, shop, eat and play are “speaking” to us – and through us – defining our dreams and desires, informing our values, and even shaping the contours of our hidden prejudices and deepest fears.
Three tech learnings from SPECS

Technology-themed sessions were in abundance at Chain Store Age’s 52nd annual SPECS conference, which was held March 13-15 at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas.

The conference focuses on store planning/design, equipment, construction and facility services, and IT is slowly but surely becoming a much bigger part of this end of the retail enterprise.
Keys to Building a Successful Active Threat Plan

As the national conversation regarding violence in the workplace suggests a heightened awareness stemming from increased media coverage, recent studies suggest there may be statistical evidence supporting this perceived frequency.
Finish Line names HBC exec CIO

Finish Line has hired a high power technology executive to make sure it avoids recent technology implementation challenges in the future while keeping pace with athletic footwear consumers’ desire for an omnichannel experience.
Tech Guest Viewpoint: Digital convergence gets interesting

RSR has been tracking retailers' e-commerce strategies for more than five years. During that time we’ve seen interest in a major platform refresh, the introduction of mobile and social as e-commerce considerations, as well as convergence – where retailers increasingly view mobile and other non-commerce online activities in the context of their overall "digital" strategy, with their e-commerce platform as the centerpiece.
Getting Ahead of the Safety Curve: Keys to Building a Successful Active Threat Plan

As the national conversation regarding violence in the workplace suggests a heightened awareness stemming from increased media coverage, recent studies suggest there may be statistical evidence supporting this perceived frequency.
Tech Bytes: Three Tech Learnings from SPECS

Technology-themed sessions were in abundance at Chain Store Age’s 52nd annual SPECS conference, which was held March 13-15 at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas. The conference focuses on store planning/design, equipment, construction and facility services, and IT is slowly but surely becoming a much bigger part of this end of the retail enterprise.

Here are three technology-related learnings from the conference.

Buildings get smart
H&M launches garment 'rehaul' with M.I.A.

H&M is joining forces with one of the most influential urban artists in music on a campaign with appeal to many of today's fashion shoppers.

From April 18 to April 24, H&M aims to collect 1,000 tons of unwanted garments from customers in its more than 3,600 stores worldwide. The initiative is part of H&M’s goal to close the loop in fashion by recycling garments to create reusable textile fibers.
What CPG companies need to win online

As the notion of channel conflict subsides, consumer packaged goods companies who don’t elevate their digital game are playing to lose and a new study from a two industry leaders shows just how much.
eBay expands shipping partnership

eBay is providing a shipping optimization option to an increased range of sellers.

The online auction platform is extending its integration with Silicon Valley-based on-demand shipping startup Shyp. Having already run pilots of Shyp in New York, Chicago and San Francisco, eBay is now piloting the service in Los Angeles.

Shyp will pick up the items sellers have sold within 20 minutes, professionally pack them, and mail them straight to the buyer on their behalf.