Data & Analytics

Boston - Gordon Brothers Group’s Valuation & Advisory Services Division and AccuVal-LiquiTec have entered into a merger to form Gordon Brothers-AccuVal.  The new group will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Gordon Brothers Group.

Washington, D.C. – President Barack Obama has signed an executive order creating sanctions for cybercriminals who engage in crimes against the U.S. from foreign locations. The order allows the U.S. to impose sanctions on individuals who harm critical infrastructure, damage computer systems, or steal trade secrets, and sensitive information through cyberattacks based outside the U.S.

The order does not specify what type of sanctions can be imposed.

Seattle – Some observers thought it might be an April Fools prank, but Amazon.com has officially released its Amazon Dash mobile ordering device for AmazonFresh customers. Chain Store Age readers had no confusion as we first reported the pilot of Dash in April 2014, but here is a brief primer of how Dash works.

The PGA Tour Superstore is looking to leverage the popularity of golfer Rickie Fowler with a new marketing campaign.

Fowler, one of the PGA Tour’s rising young stars, will help the retailer introduce a multi-faceted Custom Fit Campaign and Meet Rickie promotion.

Armonk, N.Y. – There is a significant perception gap between how well businesses think they are marketing and the actual customer's experience. A U.S. study of 276 marketers and more than 1,100 consumers, developed by Econsultancy for IBM found that almost 90% of marketers agree that personalizing the customer experience is critical to their success.

Despite this widespread agreement, nearly 80% of consumers stated that the average brand doesn't understand them as an individual.

Hosuton - Fashion accessories retailer Charming Charlie recently expanded its relationship with Stored Value Solutions (SVS) to offer e-commerce distribution of digital gift cards. Charming Charlie originally associated with SVS in 2012 for gift card processing in their more than 340 stores across the U.S.

Since introducing online access to digital eCards to complement the availability of physical cards, Charming Charlie gift cards purchased online during the winter holiday season grew by an exponential rate year-over-year.

New York – Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is reportedly asking suppliers to cut their product costs and also seeking to expand its grocery business. According to the Wall Street Journal, Wal-Mart is recommending that suppliers forego investing in joint marketing programs with the retailer and use that savings to reduce the price Wal-Mart pays for their goods.
 

Decatur, Ill. - Decatur Earthmover Credit Union has selected the Buzz Points merchant-funded loyalty program. Buzz Points is free for consumers and allows credit union members to earn rewards by using their debit cards for everyday shopping.