Data & Analytics

Active engagement is key on path to purchase
New research from global marketer Epsilon sheds fresh insight on how to influence shoppers on an increasingly convoluted path to purchase.

The firm surveyed 2,800 consumers for its “The Digital Shopping Tool Impact Study 2015” which examined how people are shopping, what’s guiding their purchasing decisions and what tools they are using before, during and after purchase. The research revealed a noticeable shift towards mobile and social digital tools that is changing the very nature of the shopping process.
Sports Authority kicks off summer with football clinic
The Sports Authority attracted more than 2,000 attendees to its free annual football clinic in Denver and helped educate parents and kids on player safety.

The event at Sports Authority Field at Mile High included on-field football training and a vendor expo. The football clinic, which had more than 670 participants between the ages of 6 and 14, allowed players to navigate through drill stations dedicated to specific skills such as passing, catching, running, defense, agility training, Heads Up Tackling and more.

Lowe's makes a change in finance team

Lowe's says it is making an investment in its long-term financial strategy with its latest move on its finance team.
Changing the world, one school supply at a time

Staples is shaking up the back-to-school aisle with an innovative promotion that makes a difference for children around the world.

The company is partnering with Me to We and Free The Children to help children around the world by allowing customers to digitally track how their purchase makes a difference.
Rite Aid creates risk management office

Rite Aid has named a 30-year company veteran to the newly created post of group VP of risk and controls.
Dollar Tree just created the nation's biggest dollar store chain

Dollar Tree's yearlong takeover saga, in which the retailer's offer to buy Family Dollar prompted a separate buyout attempt from Dollar General, is finally over.

Dollar Tree Inc. announced that it has completed its $8.5 billion acquisition of Family Dollar Stores Inc. Dollar Tree also named a new president and COO of Family Dollar. The combined company will operate about 13,000 stores, making it the largest dollar store chain in the U.S. by store count.
Beyond the buzz, personalization offer retailers real potential

An expanded relationship between IBM and Adobe promises to give retail marketers new dynamic personalization powers to increase sales.

Adobe announced an integration with IBM WebSphere Commerce that the companies believe give marketers the ability to create and deliver powerful experiences across all digital channels.
H&M feels pinch of strong dollar but keeps expanding

New York -- Swedish fast-fashion giant H&M isn’t letting the strong U.S. dollar hurt its expansion plans.

The chain plans to open about 400 new stores in 2015-2016. It is expanding into five new markets: Taiwan, Peru, Macau, South Africa and India. Other plans include the launch of H&M Beauty this July, starting in about 900 stores and online. The company also hinted at the development of a mysterious new brand.
Academy Sports hits store count landmark, supports growth

Katy, Texas – Academy Sports + Outdoors is hitting a landmark in its store count.

The sporting goods chain will open its 200th store in Tupelo, Mississippi on July 3.

The Tupelo store will be approximately 63,000-sq.-ft. and will bring 100 new jobs to the area. This will be the first location in Tupelo and the fifth store in Mississippi.
The next big thing in e-commerce?

U.S. grocery shopping habits appear to be changing as consumers increasingly seek out the convenience of online ordering when it comes to food, according to a new study.
Spotlight on three retailers who credit their business to eBay

San Jose, Calif. – Many consumers assume eBay is simply a place to sell or buy used merchandise. However, the online commerce platform is actually robust enough to support a thriving retail business selling new goods.
Whole Foods Market in mea culpa

New York -- The top executives at Whole Foods Market have issued a mea culpa via social media in regards to an investigation that found instances of incorrectly priced products at their stores in New York City.