Data & Analytics

NRF: When chips are down, you need a PIN
Chip-and-signature credit cards without a PIN won’t stop data breaches, at least not according to the National Retail Federation.

Although the new U.S. mandate for EMV-compliant chip-and-signature payment cards is now in effect, the NRF on Oct. 7 told Congress that new chip-and-signature credit cards without a PIN will not stop data breaches. What’s more, small businesses should not be pressured to install the equipment to accept them at the expense of more effective technology, according to the organization.
Report: Retailers of digital goods spend $10 million annually on fraud
Everyone knows fraud is costly, but it be more expensive than you think.

In addition to typical fraud costs, such as the loss of goods and chargeback fees, merchants that sell digital goods, such as MP3 files and streamed movies, each spend an average of $10.1 million every year on fraud-related costs.

Survey: Consumers like new ‘shoppable media’ trend

Not only is a picture worth 1,000 words, but it may be worth $1,000.

A new survey from Adobe shows that consumers have a very positive response to “shoppable media” – online images and videos that serve as direct transactional tools.
Study: Out-of-stocks — in store and online — a growing problem

Consumers are experiencing frequent out-of-stocks, and retailers will be out of luck if they don’t do something about it.

According to a new survey from GT Nexus and YouGov, 75% of U.S. adults have suffered from an unavailable product in-store in the last 12 months.
IDC: Omnichannel retailers must go along with the journey

Omnichannel retailing means a lot more than offering a consistent customer experience across channels.

According to a new report from IDC Retail Insights, “Omni-Channel Retail Execution Platforms for Now and the Future,” omnichannel retailing requires investing in technology that engages consumers in “customer-centric journeys.”
The Silver Lining of Recent Data Breaches

Retailers have always experienced a tension between investing to grow and investing to improve security. Not surprisingly, we’ve seen vulnerabilities arise when marketing and sales initiatives have trumped less sexy initiatives around security. In 2013, 61 million people had their personal data stolen from Target. One year later, 56 million credit and debit card numbers were exposed in Home Depot’s breach.
Lowe's helps communities devastated by flooding

Lowe's is coming to the aid of the communities it serves with a donation to help provide relief in the wake of massive flooding in the Southeast.

The retailer plans to donate $500,000 to American Red Cross Disaster Relief and work to provide both immediate and long-term support to local communities in the Southeast.
4 shopping lessons for a strong holiday season

Every year, it seems, summer and the “back to school” shopping season go by in a flash.
The world’s most valuable brands are …

For the third consecutive year, Apple and Google came out on top in a ranking of the 100 most valuable brands in the world.
Walmart Canada makes online shopping easier

Walmart Canada is looking to make online shopping as convenient as possible by partnering with 7-Eleven Canada Inc. to expand Walmart Canada’s Grab & Go locker network in six 7-Eleven stores in the greater Toronto area.

The service offers customers using Walmart.ca a free shipping option where they can pick up their order, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at no cost. This partnership expands on Walmart Canada’s current Grab & Go Locker service, which offers free shipping to 45 Grab & Go lockers in the GTA.
Shoptalk takes shape, new event focused on next-gen commerce

A new event for retailers and consumer package goods executives is taking shape called Shoptalk and the successful entrepreneurs behind its creation have big plans and funding to make it happen.
A change in leadership for off-price stalwart TJX

One of the strongest performing retailers in the past few years will be getting a new CEO in January.

The company announced that current CEO and Chairman Carol Meyrowitz will step down and be succeeded by Ernie Herrman, 54, who will retain his current title as president of the company.