Data & Analytics

The term “omnichannel” has been bandied about so much that some feel it is simply a buzzword, but retailers are taking it seriously and working to implement omnichannel solutions and practices.

According to a new survey of executives at tier one and two retailers by digital technology provider Happiest Minds, 64% of retailers are putting an omnichannel strategy in place and there seems to be a widespread acknowledgement of omnichannel as a key strategy lever.

Minneapolis – Target Corp. is reportedly bringing a sunny approach to energy at its store in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

According to the Fayetteville Observer, Target will install solar panels that can generate 432 KwH of electricity per year on the store’s roof. There is no firm launch date yet for the store’s solar panels, which will likely generate 15%-30% of its total electricity needs.   

This year’s annual fall Apple event did not offer retailers anything quite as dramatic as last year’s introduction of Apple Pay and Apple Watch. However, there were still a few announcements with potential impact on the omnichannel landscape.

TV, or Not TV

Vancouver – Despite a healthy increase in net revenue, net income slipped at Lululemon Athletica during the second quarter of fiscal 2015.

Net income dropped 2% to $47.67 million from $48.75 million, with higher costs and expenses driving down profits.

Net revenue grew 16% to $453.01 million from $390.7 million, aided by an 11% increase in total comparable sales. This encompassed a 6% increase in same-store sales and 35% increase in direct-to-consumer sales.

Nike has opened a soaring, one-of-kind flagship to spotlight some of its most innovative merchandise.

The three-level 31,000-sq.-ft. store, at The Grove in Los Angeles, is one of the largest in the company’s portfolio. It features a number of elements designed to celebrate the City of Angles and to serve athletes, starting with a huge “We are LA” mural that spans all three floors and is made up of thousands of icons reflecting Nike’s heritage, local sports teams and California-centric imagery.

New York -- Dollar General is giving major financial support to a cause that may appeal to many value-oriented shoppers.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation announced that it has awarded over $4 million to approximately 870 schools, nonprofits and literacy organizations to enhance and support youth literacy and education across the 43 states Dollar General serves.

Armonk, N.Y. – Although email has reached the point it is often considered a “legacy” technology, email marketing efforts still provide substantial ROI.