Data & Analytics

The surge in fraudulent e-commerce transactions which was predicted in the wake of U.S. EMV compliance may already be happening.

According to the new Online Fraud Index from payment platform provider Pymnts.com and security technology vendor Forster, fraud attacks on U.S. online retailers rose 163% during the first three quarters of 2015. Interestingly, this large increase in online fraud preceded the Oct. 1, 2015 EMV mandate, although many retailers had already begun or even completed EMV compliance efforts during that time.

Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores has named a new leader for its loyalty and customer relationship management programs.

Steve Miller joins Jo-Ann Fabrics from McKinsey & Company, where he served global clients as an engagement manager within the premier consulting firm’s marketing and sales practice. His work as a project manager afforded him the opportunity to gain experience across all functional areas in leading retail and consumer organizations, which includes building CRM and loyalty programs for Fortune 500 companies.

The nation’s top Internet retailer is also tops in corporate reputation.

A modest increase in fourth quarter same store sales at Walmart’s U.S. stores marked a sixth consecutive period of growth and helped the company exceed analysts’ profit targets, but a reduced 2016 sales outlook caught some investors by surprise.

Google is testing a new range of products for its Google Express online delivery service.

Google is now offering fresh grocery items, such as milk and bread, for delivery through Google Express in the San Francisco and Los Angeles markets. The company is partnering with local outlets of retailers including Costco, Whole Foods and Smart & Final in San Francisco and Costco, Whole Foods and Vincente Foods in Los Angeles to fulfill orders, which can include alcohol and frozen items.

Increased expenses and shrinking margins hurt Nordstrom profitability in the fourth quarter, but the leading department store and off-price retailer delivered on the e-commerce front.

Nordstrom said sales for the fourth quarter increased 5.2% to $4.1 billion and same store sales increased 1%. The company’s full price stores and Nordstrom.com grew sales 0.7% and same stores sales increased 0.2%. However, the growth was largely driven by Nordstrom.com sales which increased 11% and offset a 3.2% decline at physical stores.

The CEO of Cabela’s, Tommy Millner, said warm winter weather hampered same-store sales in the fourth quarter, but he did not provide details about any potential sale of the company.

Chain Store Age recently spoke with Vishwa Chandra, VP of retail accounts for Instacart, to get a better sense of the current and future state of online delivery.

What is driving growing consumer interest in online delivery?