Data & Analytics

San Francisco -- Over two-thirds (68%) of women are more likely to buy from a company that uses models of varying sizes, according to a new study by online fashion retailer ModCloth. And only 13% of women agree that "real women" are accurately portrayed in the fashion industry.

San Francisco -- Costco Wholesale Corp. agreed to pay a $335,000 in penalties federal Clean Air Act violations, according to a settlement announced Wednesday by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Justice. In addition, the retailer will fix refrigerant leaks and make other improvements at 274 of its stores, which EPA estimates will cost about $2 million over the next three years.

Columbus, Ohio -- Chute Gerdeman, a global design consultancy, announced an expanded executive team, including the appointment of Brian Shafley as CEO.

“We are in one of the most productive and innovative periods of Chute Gerdeman’s 25-year history,” said Chute Gerdeman Co-chairman Denny Gerdeman. “With these promotions, we have assembled a highly-talented leadership team that is building on the exciting opportunities at hand.”

Ventura, Calif. – Outdoor apparel retailer Patagonia has been awarded the Supply Chain Innovation Award from supply chain management technology provider GT Nexus for continued efforts in creating a responsible supply chain. The Supply Chain Innovation Award recognizes Patagonia's commitment to partnering with its suppliers as it improves supply chain processes.

Naples, Fla. -- ACI Worldwide, a leading global provider of electronic payment and banking solutions, announced that Auchan Group, one of the world’s largest food retailers, has selected the company to deliver its new SEPA-compliant European card payments platform, the first of its kind in Europe.

Austin, Texas - RetailMeNot Inc. has named Michael Jones was named senior VP, retailer and brand solutions. Jones joins RetailMeNot after spending the prior four years serving as VP of merchant development at eBay.

While at eBay, Jones’ responsibilities included sales, business development, merchant relations and operations for eBay's marketplace business. In his new role at RetailMeNot, he will lead the company's efforts to deepen its relationships with the largest retailers and brands.

Sterling, Va. - Neustar Inc, a provider of real-time information services and analytics, is releasing AK Media Insights Pro, a service that gives brands and agencies the ability to model and analyze their own media and audience data to uncover campaign insights that go beyond standard reports and dashboards.

Nashville, Tenn. - Asurion Retail Solutions has rolled out Solution Hub, an online platform providing consumers transparency and control of the post-purchase service experience. Solution Hub, customizable to reflect retail brands, offers consumers an end-to-end solution for filing claims, scheduling in-home repairs, and choosing the best fulfillment option for certain product categories.

By Chris Stoneff, Lieberman Software

My experience in cyber security tells me that the retail sector probably represents the most fertile ground for cyber criminals. That's because professional hackers understand that retail has never focused on IT security to the extent seen in other industries (like banks or payment processors) that handle customer payment card data.

New York -- Amazon said that senior VP and CFO Thomas J. Szkutak plans to retire in June 2015. Brian T. Olsavsky, VP finance for Amazon’s global consumer business, will succeed Szkutak. Szkutak and Olsavsky will work together during the next 10 months as part of the transition.

Szkutak joined Amazon in 2002 as CFO, and oversees the controller, treasury, investor relations, tax, internal audit and facilities functions as well as financial management of the company’s business units.