Data & Analytics

New York -- Supply Chain Optimization, a special online report by Chain Store Age, looks at how changing demand, multiple channels and increased consumer expectations are redefining the retail landscape and putting increased emphasis on supply chain infrastructures.

Learn how to gain a competitive advantage by having a more efficient, flexible and, responsive supply chain.

Download the report.

By Nathan Needel, PRD International

For years, surveillance systems have recorded thefts and other incidences, including those at POS location, for future investigation. Now, video can be used to stop incidences as they happen. To do this, users need to quit thinking of surveillance systems as simply repositories of what’s been seen and recorded and, instead, think of cameras as sensors in a system. Why should you have to search through recordings to locate the incident when, if fact, they can stop it as it happens?

Sydney, Australia -- Island Pacific has announced the deployment of its point-of-sale technology in Topshop’s Sydney and Melbourne stores.

Island Pacific’s software solutions are being used by the British fashion retailer to standardize its IT solutions. As a new business venture in Australia, Topshop wanted the day-to-day business of its retail divisions to be streamlined with receipting, sales and reporting functionality.

Santa Monica, Calif. -- Global e-commerce sales are expected to rise 17.5% this year to $963 billion, up from $820.5 billion last year, according to a study by Siemer & Associates.

Currently, online accounts for just 6.5% of all retail sales worldwide but is growing four times faster than traditional retail. E-commerce sales are expected to account for 9.3% of retail sales by 2016.

PAWTUCKET, R.I. — Hasbro has acquired a majority stake in Backflip Studios, a company that develops mobile games such as DragonVale, NinJump and Paper Toss.

DENVER — Junction Solutions, a leading provider of hosted and cloud-based software and services for the multichannel retail and food and beverage sectors, has appointed John Bonati as SVP of sales. 

Bonati will manage the global sales activities for the company’s industry-specific software and service solutions. 

FAIRFAX, Va. — ThinkGeek.com is taking the merchandise it offers on its e-commerce site to Booth #5541 at the San Diego Comic-Con, from July 17-21.

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Kid Brands' EVP and COO Kerry Carr is about to take on a third title at the company as its new CFO. The news comes amid the company's announcement that it has sold the Russ and Applause brands to Larsen and Bowman Holdings for $1.25 million.

Carr replaces James Christl, whose resignation for personal reasons from his position as SVP and CFO has been accepted by the company.

CHELMSFORD, Mass. — Multichannel home furnishings specialty retailer has tapped Kewill, a leading provider of software for supply chain execution, to help it consistently manage domestic and international shipments from multiple shipping locations across North America.

Crate and Barrel will utilize Kewill's Flagship parcel shipping and Netship expense management software to streamline its supply chain and integrate a roster of carriers to ensure it selects the best available rate and service every time.

VeriFone and Lenovo teamed up to develop a mobile point of sale platform that promises to meet retail needs for Windows-based systems compatible with existing retail store systems.

The platform integrates a ThinkPad Tablet 2 based on the Intel Atom Z2760 processor with VeriFone's secure PAYware Mobile technology designed exclusively for the Lenovo tablet.