Data & Analytics

A major U.S. retailer has launched preorders for the Pebble Time, just days after the Apple Watch became available at Apple's own retail stores.

Best Buy is selling red, white and black versions of the Time for $200 each. The retailer has yet to say when the watch will be available for in-store shopping. The smartwatch is available for sale only through the manufacturer and Best Buy.

A study of 10,000 U.S. consumers revealed H-E-B, Publix and Trader Joe's are tops when it comes to making customers feel delighted.

The trajectory of gift card sales is a true testament to their importance at given points in the calendar. Smart retailers have ramped up their gift card offerings both in the store and online; and from the recipients’ point of view, we know from our consumer research that gift cards rank as the No. 1 preferred holiday gift, and have done so for the last eight years — above and beyond any other gift — because they offer customers unlimited selection, pure convenience and personal choice.

Enter promotions

Hangzhou, China – Alibaba Holding Group Inc. is reportedly planning to boost its investment in Russia. According to the China Want Times, Alibaba chairman Jack Ma said expanded e-commerce operations in Russia would be part of a broader effort called “One Belt One Road” that would electronically connect China with countries in Eastern Europe for trading.

San Francisco - Instacart, is giving some contract workers the opportunity to become part-time employees. After a successful pilot Boston, the company is now giving its personal shoppers in some cities the option to convert from contractor to employee status.

Whether buying online or in the store, consumers today want more control over their shopping experience. If they could have greater control, the number one aspect that consumers would change is the frustration of waiting in a long checkout line in store. In fact, industry research has shown that 52% of consumers say they would actually take their business elsewhere if their checkout wait times exceed five to 10 minutes.

Chelmsford, Mass. -- There is a disconnect between IT and loss prevention departments when it comes to budgets, focus and staffing, according to a study by IHL Group and Axis Communications.

Last week, my retail technology-related travels took me closer to home than usual – to Boston, the city where I was born and still live within a reasonable drive. I visited the old homestead to attend the official opening of the CVS Health’s new Digital Innovation Lab. CVS officials did a fine job explaining the mission of the lab and giving the audience a sneak peek at some of their work.

In a little over three years as a public company, Facebook may now be worth more than Walmart.

The question is, will the social network's surge last?

According to Quartz, over the last year, Facebook’s stock has jumped roughly 30% as the broader S&P 500 has barely managed to keep its head above water. The climb has added more than $65 billion to Facebook’s market value, bringing it to more than $236 billion, just above Walmart’s $235 billion.

Walnut Creek, Calif. – Retailers are increasingly placing a high value on competitive price intelligence.

A new survey of 123 retailers from RSR Research co-sponsored by 360pi, “Pricing 2015,” indicates 59% of respondents reported competitive price intelligence as very valuable.

The survey also shows that competitive price intelligence was cited as the top intent for change at 34% of “retail winners” and 50% of “retail laggards.” Additional takeaways include: