Data & Analytics

Growth struggles, including lower-than-expected active user volume, marked Snap’s first quarter as a public company.   The photo-based messaging company, which went public in early March, is growing — albeit slower than expected. For the quarter ended March 31, Snap’s daily active users (DAU) grew to 166 million from 122 million in the first quarter of 2016 — an increase of 36% year-over-year.   

The message is clear: Amazon wants to furnish its shoppers’ homes.   The online retailer has made a strong commitment to the furniture category by expanding its merchandise assortment and custom designs. Now it is giving the category even more attention, according to sources that said the Amazon is building at least four massive warehouses focused on fulfilling and delivering bulky items, MarketWatch reported.  

The supermarket industry is constantly changing. Consumer food choices and how they shop, frequent regulation modifications and new technologies to integrate are just a few things we gathered from recent customer input concerning the most pressing issues for the industry. As 2017 rolls along, there are four emerging trends we see that grocery marketers should be aware of for the remainder of the year.   1. Impact of the digitally engaged food shopper on retail facilities

J.C. Penney got off to a rough start in the new year as it joined fellow department store operators Macy’s, Kohl’s and Nordstrom in reporting disappointing sales results.  

Brooks Brothers is the latest victim of a data breach.   According to the specialty retailer, an unauthorized individual installed malicious software designed to capture payment card information on some of the chain’s payment processing systems. The software compromised payment card information across some purchases made at certain Brooks Brothers and Brooks Brothers Outlet retail locations in the United States and Puerto Rico.  

Consumers are excited by the prospect of retailers taking their loyalty programs digital — if they can keep programs simple.   In fact, a majority of shoppers would prefer if retailers would create digital rewards programs. Not only do 71% of shoppers want the option of managing their loyalty programs on mobile phones, 70% said they would use a mobile version of their loyalty cards if they didn’t have to sign into a website or download an app.  

More than any generation before it, Gen Z has high expectations related to customer service and engagement across emerging channels.   That’s according to a new report by American Express, “Raising the Bar: How Gen Z Expectations Are Reshaping Brand Experiences.” The study, conducted by Forrester Research, surveyed 1,027 North American Gen Y (ages 23 to 37) and Gen Z consumers (ages 16 to 22).   

American Express cardholders are now only a voice-command away from browsing their account or paying their bill.   The credit card company is expanding its partnership with Amazon by launching its new Amex skill for Amazon Alexa. The skill brings select experiences of AmericanExpress.com and AmEx’s mobile app to Amazon’s voice service Alexa, within devices like Amazon Echo and Echo Dot.