Data & Analytics

The Retail Industry Leaders Alliance (RILA) is refuting public claims about retailers lagging behind banks and card networks in transitioning to EMV compliance. Randy Vanderhook, executive director of the Smart Card Alliance, said in a San Diego Union Tribune article that although consumers have largely been issued EMV-compliant chip cards, retailers have not been activating terminals or completing chip migration.

Learn how Saks Fifth Avenue reduced its energy use by 23% and saved millions of dollars—with no adverse impact on the customer experience — at a Webinar on Thursday, September 24, 2015, at 2 p.m. (EST). Hear first-hand how Saks is adding to its bottom line by reduced energy consumption.

Gary Levitan, senior manager of energy and utilities for Saks’ parent Hudson’s Bay Company will explain how the retailer used data to win budget approval for energy efficiency projects — and build longer-term energy plans.



In the 1970s, Saturday Night Live had a cast of comedians that were called the “Not Ready for Prime Time Players.” In 2015, U.S. retailers have a cast of customers that could be called the “Not Ready for EMV Payers.”

In a retail world focused on omnichannel strategies, product and service innovations, IT investments and technology-enabled stores of the future, winning retailers are taking a new look at their store labor models and budgets. Store associates represent one of the biggest contributors to the success or failure of brick-and-mortar stores. In many ways, they are a retailer’s most powerful asset.

Redesigned Hhgregg stores in Orlando and Tampa, Florida, offer new growth possibilities for the 226 store appliance, electronics and furniture retailer.

Hhgregg, on the heels of weak first quarter and 2014 results, unveiled new store designs in several Florida markets over the weekend with locations in Orlando and Tampa leading the way.

Usually retailers are not pleased when hackers get into their systems, but Walmart Stores Inc. is very happy with three hackers in particular. Walmart will test a new SMS-based customer service tool that won a recent Walmart Labs-sponsored “hackathon.”

A new survey reinforces what many already know: EMV makes in-store fraud much harder, but it drives would-be criminals online.

Based on the experience of other predominantly English-speaking nations that switched to EMV-compliant payment cards, terminals and processors, online retail fraud will more than double in the U.S.

According to a new infographic from online fraud prevention technology provider Trustev, online retail fraud will rise 106% in the U.S. in the first three years after the Oct. 1 EMV compliance deadline.

Target Corp., which has operated a proprietary innovation lab in San Francisco since 2013, is eyeing a more outward-focused approach to innovation. Target is partnering with startup accelerator Techstars to open a new retail accelerator program in its hometown of Minneapolis.