Data & Analytics

PayPal gives retailers something to think about
PayPal has revised its disclosure practices for material information in a way that could serve as a blueprint for retailers in the wake of a major insider trading bust that took down 32 hackers and brokers who allegedly reaped $100 million during a five year scheme to steal press releases.
Why retailers shouldn't depend on apps for sales
When it comes to the rapidly changing retail landscape and how retailers should respond to engage shoppers, it turns out that it's not all about the app.

A new study by Forrester Consulting commissioned by RetailMeNot Inc. shows that while today's consumers overwhelmingly prefer to access the Internet on their mobile devices, only 30% use retailer applications to purchase products. In fact, 60% of consumers have two or fewer retailer apps on their phones, and 21% have none.

Stein Mart targets discount shoppers in N.Y., Mich.

Off-price retailer Stein Mart is accelerating the implementation of its store growth strategy just as thrifty shoppers increasingly flock to discounters.
Cabela's adds Coors Brewing veteran to its board

Nebraska-based sportings goods retailer Cabela’s has appointed the former CEO of Coors to its board.

The company announced that Peter S. Swinburn has been named to its board of directors.
New titan in the mobile payment wars

Move over Apple and Google — and make way for Samsung.
Kroger looks to Liberty Mutual for loyalty program

Kroger is partnering with Liberty Mutual on a new loyalty card program for shoppers, Loyalty360 reported Thursday.
Nordstrom avoids the department store doldrums

In a week in which many of the nation's major department stores reported disappointing financial results, Nordstrom showed once again how to drive sales growth.

The Washington-based retailer reported that total sales rose 9.2% from the same quarter in 2014, while same store sales rose 4.9%. The company posted a profit of $211 million, or $1.09 a share, compared with $183 million, or 95 cents a share, a year earlier. Revenue, which includes revenue from its credit cards, rose 9% to $3.7 billion.
REI names former Nordstrom exec as first-ever CIO; recruiting tech talent

Seattle -- REI has named its first-ever CIO. The outdoor specialty retailer company is also on the hunt for talented techies to join its ranks.

REI promoted Julie Averill to CIO, where she will continue to lead REI’s technology organization. A 25-year technology veteran, Averill joined REI in 2014 and most recently served as VP of information technology.
Sporting goods retailer wants to get more personal with shoppers

San Diego, Calif. -- Sports Authority is making good on its promise to make its online site more robust and engaging.

The retailer announced it is renewing its relationship with personalization solutions provider Certona for the fifth consecutive year. By creating rich online experiences for customers, Certona has been a critical component of Sports Authority’s personalization strategy since 2010.
Online retailer Wayfair narrows loss on growing sales

Boston -- Online home furnishings retailer Wayfair is losing less money than before and gaining new customers at a rapid pace.

The retailer reported a loss of $19.3 million for the second quarter, ended June 30, down from a loss of $28 million, in the year-ago period.

Revenue increased to $491.8 million, up 66.4% year over year. Direct retail revenue, consisting of sales generated primarily through the sites of Wayfair’s five brands, increased to $440.3 million, up 80.8% year over year.
Report: Impulsive, thrifty millennials a tricky group to court

Seattle — A new report from MSLGROUP and the Hartman Group is underscoring grocers’ need to appeal to millennial shoppers in unique ways. The report, Food Shopping in America found that one of the youngest and constantly connected consumer groups is also a tough nut to crack — simultaneously impulsive, thrifty and wary of inauthentic marketing.
Consumers rate the most helpful in-store technology

Pittsburgh -- Consumers love their smartphones, but retailers shouldn’t count out the “old tech” yet in terms of customer appeal. And merchants will have to put some effort into getting consumers to accept some of the new high-tech bells and whistles.