Data & Analytics

Cabela’s curtails rate of expansion
Cabela’s smaller stores are not as productive as the company would like so the outdoor retailer is tapping the brakes on growth while it focuses on productivity.

In conjunction with the release of disappointing third quarter results and a reduced full year profit forecast, Cabela’s said it was evaluating it store expansion schedule and currently expects to open seven stores next year and no more than that in 2017.
Outdated technology holding back retailers
Yesterday’s POS won’t cut it when it comes to providing a consistent experience across channels.

That’s among the findings of a study sponsored by NetSuite and conducted by RSR research, which finds that most retailers are falling short in bridging the online and in-store experience Among the main obstacles: outdated existing technology.

Simon Property Group extending use of advanced lighting controls

One of the nation’s largest mall operators is updating its parking lot lighting with a tech-savvy solution.
Four Best Practices to Make the Holiday Season Bright — with Convenience

With the rise of multichannel retailing and a saturated retail market, today’s customers expect to find the products they want, when they want and in a way that is most convenient to them. Be it via speedy delivery, in-store pickup or traditional store visits, shoppers today want to be connected to their purchases quickly. Retailers that don’t provide such services will be outperformed by competitors that do this Christmas season.
Report: Evolve brick-and-mortar to keep up with times

Retailers should continually re-invent the in-store experience to keep up with changing consumer needs.

That is one of the key imperatives for growth identified in a new retail index and executive survey, “Reigniting Growth: Three Imperatives for Retail’s Future,” by SAP SE.
Under Armour using phone charging stations to engage, connect with, customers

Under Armour is using technology to enhance in-store consumer engagement.

The athletic goods marketer is adding charging stations, from ChargeItSpot, to all its “brand house” format stores nationwide, as well as two factory outlets.
Target rolls out 8 new sustainability goals

Amid a slew of news from Target HQ on Monday, the retailer also announced that, as part of the White House’s Climate Pledge, it would be working toward eight new sustainability commitments. The company has had success so far when it comes to sustainability, reducing its greenhouse gas emissions 9% since 2012 and eliminating more than half a million metric tons of carbon dioxide from its buildings.

The commitments are for the company to achieve the following benchmarks by 2020:
Target plans a very social Halloween

Target is reaching out directly where consumers digitally congregate for its new Halloween promotion.

Target has launched a six-part YouTube interactive video series, “The House on Hallow Hill,” for Halloween this year. The interactive videos will take viewers through a haunted house and give them options to visit different themed rooms, such as “The Ghoulish Graveyard.”
DirectBuy: Mobile is everywhere

Mobile devices are becoming the norm for every facet of consumers’ lives, including shopping.

According to a new infographic from membership-based retailer DirectBuy, 29% of U.S. adults describe their smartphone as something they can’t live without, 44% sleep with a smartphone by their bed to avoid missing notifications, and 67% check smartphones for notifications even without receiving some type of notification.
Amazon gets into the restaurant delivery biz in Oregon

Hungry consumers in Portland just got a new option for convenient eating.

Amazon.com is enabling Prime Now customers in Portland to obtain free delivery from local restaurants and food carts. Using the Prime Now mobile app, Portland customers can view participating restaurants, browse menus, place orders, track the status of their delivery, and watch as the driver travels from the restaurant to the delivery address in real time.

Once an order is placed, Amazon delivery drivers pick up and deliver the food within an hour or less.
Infographic: Mobile is everywhere

Mobile devices are becoming the norm for every facet of consumers’ lives, including shopping.

According to a new infographic from membership-based retailer DirectBuy, 29% of U.S. adults describe their smartphone as something they can’t live without, 44% sleep with a smartphone by their bed to avoid missing notifications, and 67% check smartphones for notifications even without receiving some type of notification.
Express curates menswear site

Express is partnering with 17 specialty men’s apparel brands to launch a new e-commerce site.

The exclusive online-only shop will launch on express.com beginning October 2015 and will feature brands including Creative Recreation, Havaianas, Timex, Robert Mason and more. Product categories will include footwear, watches, bags & small leather accessories, electronics, small accessories & giftables and jewelry.