Data & Analytics

FTC: Identity theft rises sharply
Retailers looking for validation that their data privacy efforts matter can look to disturbing new figures from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

According to data released by the FTC, it received more than 490,000 consumer complaints about identity theft in 2015. This is a 47% increase from the number of identity theft complaints in 2014. The Department of Justice estimates that in total, 17.6 million Americans were victims of identity theft in 2014.
Tech Bytes: Three Factors that Doomed Google Glass with Consumers
Google is finally shutting down efforts to promote Google Glass as a consumer device.

Back in April 2015, Google said it would partner with Luxottica Group to create a more user-friendly version of the connected eyewear. This announcement followed Google’s decision to essentially putting Google Glass on hiatus in January 2015. However, consumers never took to Google Glass, and after releasing an initial flurry of apps, retailers never really did, either.

Shoes sales propel profits at Under Armour

Profit at Under Armour increased nicely in the fourth quarter, and the sports clothing company said growing shoe sales led the company to increase its outlook.
Cash Recyclers are a Game-Changer

When one looks at the hot topics in retail today, no shortage of economists, journalists, industry thought-leaders and technology pundits are talking about the future of payments. One topic that many aren’t really discussing is managing large volumes of cash receivables.
Amazon shows why it’s every retailer’s nightmare

It was a happy holiday season at Amazon.com where fourth quarter profits more than doubled, sales increased 22% and the company handily surpassed annual sales of $100 billion for the first time.

Amazon.com said its net sales increased 22% to $35.7 billion in the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31, 2015, compared with $29.3 billion in fourth quarter 2014. With a $1.2 billion unfavorable impact from year-over-year changes in foreign exchange rates, fourth quarter sales would have increased 26%.
Shoe retailer fits into bigger online capabilities

Regional footwear retailer Schuler Shoes does not have immediate access to the same type of e-commerce functionality as its larger competitors.

But the 10-store omnichannel chain, headquartered in Maple Grove, Minnesota, has still been able to offer advanced search and navigation features to site visitors.
UberRush increases drive for delivery presence

Ride-sharing service Uber is getting more aggressive in its jockeying for position in the online delivery marketplace.

In October 2015, Uber expanded its UberRush same-day delivery service from New York, where it had been operating for about two years, to San Francisco and Chicago. UberRush uses Uber drivers to deliver merchandise from retailers to customers for a $5-$7 fee, often in minutes.
Convenience stores keep advancing

Despite plummeting fuel prices, the ranks of convenience stores swelled to a record level last year.

The U.S. convenience store count increased to 154,195 stores as of Dec. 31, a 0.9% increase (1,401 stores) from the year prior, according to the 2016 NACS/Nielsen Convenience Industry Store Count.
Under Armour turns 20 in 2016; expects best year ever

A 31% increase in its store count and a host of digital initiatives helped Under Armour achieve stellar fourth quarter and full year results, with 2016 expectations calling for more of the same.
Lands' End names new COO/CFO in wake of Q4 sales slump

Lands’ End is making some significant executive moves in the wake of reporting a preliminary same-store sales decline of 8% to 10% for the fourth quarter.

Lands' End announced that it has named James (Jim) Gooch as its new executive VP, COO and CFO. Gooch will report directly to Marchionni, and will be responsible for overseeing operational and financial functions for the company. He will succeed Michael Rosera, who will be leaving the company.
Hhgregg ends the year on a sour note

Hhgregg's holiday disaster was confirmed Thursday when the struggling retailer officially posted a loss of $26.9 million in its fiscal third quarter.

The company said that for the third quarter ended Dec. 31, net sales decreased 10.9% to $593 million, compared to the prior year third quarter.
Tech Guest Viewpoint: Cash Recyclers are a Game-Changer

When one looks at the hot topics in retail today, no shortage of economists, journalists, industry thought-leaders and technology pundits are talking about the future of payments. One topic that many aren’t really discussing is managing large volumes of cash receivables.