Data & Analytics

Alibaba makes $5 billion in 90 minutes
The world’s biggest online shopping holiday got off to a roaring start in China.

In the first 90 minutes of the “Singles Day” sale, which kicked off at 12 midnight in Beijing on Nov. 11, total sales exceeded $5 billion, Alibaba reported. About 74% of sales were from mobile phones.

Estimates are that annual shopping extravaganza could reach as high as $11 billion in sales.
The Future of Retail
At one point or another, anyone discussing the future of personalization in offline retail has quoted the film Minority Report, where virtual billboards scan Tom Cruise, and immediately customize their message. The virtual assistant in Gap refers to the last time he entered the store, and inquires about his recent purchase.

Now, 13 years later, some of these technologies are becoming mainstream. For example, large retailers like Target and venues like the new Levi’s Stadium are equipped with beacons to customize your experience.

Marketers missing out on big opportunity by ignoring this group

Single adults, a lucrative demographic that now comprises half the U.S. population, continues to be overlooked or misrepresented by U.S. marketers and retailers, according to a report by retail marketing agency TPN and market insights firm C+R Research.

The study, "Millions of Singles, Billions at Stake: The Rise of the New Independents," busts myths and stereotypes to help brands and retailers understand, engage and celebrate singles.
Personalization is key to Pier I Imports’ omnichannel strategy

Pier I Imports is getting personal in its online marketing efforts, delivering individualized content to customers that is based on their previous shopping activity.

The retailer has partnered with Certona, a provider of real-time omnichannel personalization, to deliver a “hyper-personalized omnichannel experience” to shoppers.
Walgreens expands telehealth in big way

Telehealth is coming to more users of Walgreens’s mobile app. The company has announced that it has expanded MDLive’s telehealth services through its app to users in 20 additional states — bringing the total states eligible to 25. The company also launched an updated telehealth experience within the app.
Taubman Centers expanding use of StepsAway technology

Taubman Centers is expanding its use of a mobile app that lets retail tenants connect with shoppers once they sign into a center’s WiFi network and offer them store-specific deals.
Wayfair keeps hot streak alive in Q3

Home furnishings retailer Wayfair increased revenue and narrowed its loss in the third quarter thanks to what the company's CEO called "customer growth accelerating at a phenomenal pace."
What shoppers want when it comes to holiday shopping

It turns out that the No. 1 retail perk for shoppers is not speedy delivery, according to Deloitte's 30th annual holiday survey of consumer spending intentions and trends.

The survey shows that free shipping is the top retailer policy preferred by shoppers. Furthermore, the ubiquity of personal mobile devices allows consumers to take their time researching purchases and store policies giving them opportunity to request exactly what they want.
What retailers should know about gift cards

Gift cards continue to grow in popularity – a fact especially noticeable now, during the holiday season. Retailers and consumers should be aware of problems gift cards can create – notably regarding money left unredeemed by card holders and what happens when an issuing company goes into bankruptcy.
Specialty retailer takes beacons to next level

Specialty fashion retailer Vanity is trying to make visiting its stores as rewarding an experience as possible.
What customers want when it comes to holiday shopping

It turns out that the No. 1 retail perk for online shoppers is not speedy delivery, according to Deloitte's 30th annual holiday survey of consumer spending intentions and trends.

The survey shows that free shipping is the top retailer policy preferred by shoppers. Furthermore, the ubiquity of personal mobile devices allows consumers to take their time researching purchases and store policies giving them opportunity to request exactly what they want.
Boot Barn gets kicked by Sheplers in second quarter

The acquisition of Sheplers weighed on Boot Barn Holdings Inc. in the second quarter as the company reported flat same store sales.

Boot Barn said that for the second quarter ended Sept. 26, net sales increased 50% to $129.7 million; same store sales increased 0.1%; and net income was $1.2 million, or 4 cents per diluted share.