Data & Analytics

Target exec joins cybersecurity board
Brad Maiorino, Target senior VP and chief information security officer, is the newest member of the Retail Cyber Intelligence Sharing Center (R-CISC) board of directors.

R-CISC is an organization of more than 50 members representing retail and other consumer-facing companies which provides a network to communicate about cyberthreats and vulnerabilities, and to share best practices in data protection and breach mitigation.
Giant makes big on-demand delivery move
Landover, Maryland-based Giant Food is joining the trend of retailers making online deliveries to places beyond consumer homes.

The Peapod by Giant online delivery service is now allowing Washington, D.C.-area shoppers to place their orders online and pick them up at one of three Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) stations: Fort Totten, Glenmont and Vienna. Peapod is an online grocer that shares its Ahold parent company with Giant and will execute deliveries for the service.

Albertsons personnel move brings together pharmacy, center store

Albertsons announced Tuesday that Mark Panzer, who was named the company's SVP pharmacy, health and wellness in May 2015, has accepted the additional responsibility of leading general merchandise and HABA (health and beauty aid).
Analysis: Why J.C. Penney will win with appliances

Photo: J.C. Penney launched appliances at 22 stores in three test markets this week, including the inviting presentation shown above at a store in Tampa.

Large appliances are back at select J.C. Penney stores after a 30 year hiatus and when – not if – the merchandising initiative is rolled out more broadly the contribution to same store sales growth could be huge.
Accenture: Mobile retail not advancing quickly enough

Retailers are failing to meet consumer demand for increased convenience while shopping with mobile devices.

According to new research from Accenture, the number of consumers shopping with mobile devices, grew 10% in the past year, from 36% of consumers in 2014 to 40% in 2015.

Not surprisingly, the number of shoppers who want more retail services via mobile devices, particularly real-time in-store promotions, also grew to 47%, up from 40% in 2014. However, only 7% of retailers said they currently have the ability to send real-time promotions.
Allen Edmonds switches channels with ease

Vertical omnichannel footwear retailer Allen Edmonds Corp. needs to ensure brand and price consistency across a dizzying array of consumer touch-points.

Port Lake, Wisconsin-based Allen Edmonds is using the Ugam brand intelligence solution to monitor channel pricing, enforce minimum advertised price policy and manage channel relationships. Allen Edmonds needs to manage these activities in its 59 corporate stores and e-commerce site, as well as with third-party retail partners.
New accessories fuel growth at Michael Kors

The opening of more than 100 stores in the third quarter helped Michael Kors increase revenues, although same-store sales were more moderated.
Here's what will be flying off shelves this Super Bowl week

Retailers surely expect to move a lot of salty snacks and beer ahead of Super Bowl Weekend, but candles too?

That’s just one of the more interesting items a new survey reveals as the product categories most impacted by the big game. IRI released data detailing the sales lift of various food, beverage and consumer product categories in the run up to Super Bowl Sunday.
Why More Businesses Turned to Solar In 2015

The number of U.S. businesses with solar energy installations grew to a new high in 2015. Enterprises ranging from family-run companies to some of the country’s biggest corporations are producing their own energy, cutting operating expenses, and achieving environmental sustainability.

A recent report from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) provides data and insights into the diverse mix of corporate offices, office buildings, retail, manufacturing, data centers, distribution and logistics centers, and convention centers that have gone solar.
Destination XL keeps the momentum going

Destination XL increased its earnings guidance for fiscal 2015 after the men's big and tall retailer pre-announced high single digit Q4 comps and increased profit.
Macy’s creates two new C-level positions

Macy’s named longtime executive Peter Sachse to a new position with added responsibility for merchandising and said Justin S. MacFarlane joined the company as chief strategy, analytics and innovation officer.

The company said the changes were part of the company’s plan to, “aggressively to grow its omnichannel business based on intensive insight into evolving consumer preferences and changing shopping patterns.”
Destination XL the momentum — and store expansion — going

Destination XL increased its earnings guidance for fiscal 2015 after the men's big-and-tall retailer pre-announced increased profit and high single-digit same-store sales for the fourth quarter.