Data & Analytics

Online out-of-stocks remain high as holidays approach
Customers searching for last-minute holiday gifts on the Internet may come up empty-handed.

According to data from the Adobe Digital Index, on Monday, Dec. 21, the overall out-of-stock rate for e-commerce sites was 14%. This ties the online out-of-stock rate for Cyber Monday (Nov. 30) and means that more in one in 10 items displayed on retailers’ e-commerce sites was unavailable for customers who attempted to make a purchase.
Fossil brings promotions to life on Instagram
When it comes to reaching today’s consumers, Richardson, Texas-based vertical specialty apparel/accessories retailer Fossil Group Inc. is not living in the past.

“We are focusing on image creation for our social promotions,” said Jencey Keeton, marketing manager, digital branding and global marketing for Fossil, during an interview with Chain Store Age. “Images are now the way consumers are speaking. To be relevant, social platforms must include images.”

RILA touts 2015 retail wins in Washington

It is common during an election cycle for candidates to lament how nothing gets done in Washington. However, that’s not always a bad thing, as evidenced by some of the Retail Industry Leaders Association’s efforts to influence and repeal legislation.

As the 2015 legislative session comes to a close, RILA has identified several important regulatory and legislative wins that will benefit retailers and their millions of employees and customers.
Unlocking the analytics code with AI

Retailers and suppliers have a new ally in their efforts to unlock actionable insights from the proliferation of data thanks to what Enhanced Retail Solutions contends is groundbreaking new functionality in its Intelligent Retail Platform.
Tech Guest Viewpoint: POS - Point of Weakness: Five Security Steps

Retailers and hospitality enterprises have a weak point unique to their business – the point of sale (POS) device. Despite significant investment in security, it’s still too easy for cybercriminals to access corporate networks via POS.

POS devices handle most of the payment card transactions around the world for retailers, restaurants, hotels, grocers, and gas stations. Because these systems are highly interconnected and accessed by numerous employees and other devices, they remain a highly lucrative target for organized cybercrime.
Bed Bath & Beyond issues worrisome warning

The holiday season got off to a horrible start at Bed Bath & Beyond and things went downhill from there, judging from the industry leader’s uncharacteristic and concerning profit warning.

The company badly missed its third quarter sales and profit forecast for a period that included most of Thanksgiving weekend, and said its same-store sales for the fourth quarter were likely to increase 1%.
Bed Bath & Beyond gives investors lump of coal

The holiday season got off to a horrible start at Bed Bath & Beyond and things went downhill from there, judging from the industry leader's uncharacteristic and concerning profit warning.
How Duluth Trading does clicks to bricks

Duluth Holdings built its brand online and now, fresh of its first quarter as a public company, the quirky apparel retailer thinks it could open as many as 100 stores.
Harry & David tastes benefit of social marketing

Specialty gift retailer Harry & David is taking a visual and social approach to a holiday promotion.

Harry & David is hosting an interactive social media campaign called #TastetheHolidays through Dec. 31. Consumers who sign up for the campaign online and follow Harry & David on Instagram and/or Twitter can win a variety of prizes that include gift cards and baskets.
Sephora rejuvenates forecasting and replenishment

Specialty beauty retailer Sephora is getting a better look at the merchandise its stores will need.
Now Trending: As The Crystal Ball Drops

“Now Trending” is an exclusive online series to chainstoreage.com, featuring trending topics that impact the retail real estate landscape.
Interior design firm enters retail with analytical help

Alice Lane Home, a Salt Lake City-based interior design firm which is opening brick-and-mortar showrooms, is ensuring stores meet customer needs.

Alice Lane Home opened its first store in Farmington, Utah, in 2008 and a flagship location in Salt Lake City in 2014. The retailer is now deploying the RetailNext store analytics platform at stores in Salt Lake City and Orem, Utah, with an eye toward future brick-and-mortar growth.