Data & Analytics

Scottsdale, Ariz. – Specialty pet retailer PetSense has selected Shopatron as its inventory lookup and analytics partner to support its omnichannel operations, including a new e-commerce site that launched in November 2014. The Shopatron Retailer platform will support more than 3,000 PetSense product SKUs and allows the retailer to see which items were searched for at what location to help guide its merchandising decisions.

Quincy, Ill. - Niemann Foods, a regional independent grocer operating under the County Market banner, has selected Birdzi’s Shopper Engagement platform to provide its shoppers with new in-store services and personalized offers via the grocer’s branded mobile app. The Birdzi platform is currently deployed in eight County Market stores, but Niemann Foods plans to roll out the solution to all 45 of the grocer’s store locations in Iowa, Illinois and Missouri by second quarter 2015.

Target’s goal of becoming a leading omnichannel retailer will be led by Tesco veteran Mike McNamara who joins the company as executive vice president and chief information officer.

By Jim Crawford

In the 1990s, when the Internet and e-commerce created a tangible link between modes of shopping that had previously been isolated (stores and catalogs), retailers struggled with how to understand, measure, and connect with shoppers in multiple ways.

It was out of this confusion that the concept of “multichannel” was heralded as retail’s saving grace, and soon, retailers were all abuzz with cross-channel shoppers.

Framingham, Mass. – The office supply retail vertical may be in for more consolidation. According to the Wall Street Journal, Staples Inc. and Office Depot Inc. are in the “advanced stages” of negotiations to combine the two biggest U.S. office supply chains.

Woonsocket, R.I. - CVS/pharmacy today is transforming its mobile app with new features and an improved look and feel. With the goal of enhancing the customer experience, the CVS/pharmacy mobile app updates include:

• A home screen that is more personalized and user-friendly.

• An updated toolbar that makes features more readily accessible.

Reston, Va. – Despite the popular image of “showrooming” mobile shoppers using their devices to find better prices on in-store items, 85% of consumers actively shop with a mobile device from home, even if other devices are available. In addition, the “Mobile Spend in 2015” study from Contact Solutions shows that 26% of consumers do in fact showroom, while 27% will make mobile purchases from a store they are shopping in.

Other findings include:

Calgary, Canada – Shell Canada has signed a multi-year renewal with LoyaltyOne, the Canadian coalition loyalty business of Alliance Data Systems Corp., as a national sponsor of its Air Miles Reward Program. Shell Canada issues Air Miles reward miles for automotive fuel purchases made at its Shell-branded retail service locations across Canada.

Irvine, Calif. – Custom window covering retailer 3 Day Blinds is taking customization to a new level. The company has selected the engagement marketing platform from Marketo Inc. to create and deliver personalized content to new and existing customers, drive revenue increases and streamline marketing activities.

As more retailers embrace the growing opportunities in mobile technology, CVS has just announced an overhaul of its already top-rated app.