Data & Analytics

In the last 12 months the buzz around omnichannel has become the most consistently discussed trend for major retailers. It’s always noteworthy when a trend emerges and becomes a part of the mainstream conversation so quickly, but what is even more noteworthy is how fast omnichannel has become standard operating procedure.

Luxury brand Burberry has opened a new, tech-savvy flagship in Shanghai, its largest in China to date. Inspired by Burberry’s Regent Street flagship in London, the three-level store seamlessly blends digital and physical displays, immersing customers in the Burberry brand.  

Leading online grocer FreshDirect has selected Single Touch Systems to leverage the technology-based mobile media solutions provider’s Reminder Messaging Product.

The messaging program includes implementing order status, delivery status and service notifications.

Woonsocket, R.I. — Rob Price, senior VP marketing and advertising and chief marketing officer for CVS/pharmacy, has left the company to pursue a new role.   

“Rob led the retail marketing team during a period of tremendous growth and strong financial performance and brought numerous positive changes to the business. We thank Rob for his important contributions and wish him the best of luck in the next phase of his career,” the company stated.

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. – AutoNation Inc. reported net income of $91 million during the first quarter of fiscal 2014, about 10% higher than $83 million in the same period a year earlier. Revenue totaled $4.4 billion, up 7% from $4.1 billion.

Revenue increases resulted from stronger performance in all business sectors, including new vehicles, used vehicles, parts and service, and finance and insurance.

Bentonville, Ark. – Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and money transfer provider Ria Money Transfer, a subsidiary of EFT provider Euronet, are launching Walmart-2-Walmart Money Transfer Service. Available April 24, the new service allows customers to transfer money to and from more than 4,000 Wal-Mart stores nationwide for what Wal-Mart says is up to 50% less than similar offerings on the market.

William Blair & Company analyst Mark Miller has followed Walmart for a long time, but he didn’t have much good to say about the company when he issued a downgrade this week.

Miller lowered his rating on Walmart to underperform from market perform and cited some familiar and unfamiliar concerns. For example, one of his main concerns related to Walmart’s size and complexity which he contends reduces dynamism and growth.

Jersey City, N.J. -- Single Touch Systems, technology-based mobile media solutions provider, announced that it has signed on FreshDirect, a leading online fresh food grocer, for its “Reminder Messaging Product.”

The messaging program includes implementing order status, delivery status and service notifications.

The technology provides companies with the opportunity to establish a more trusted relationship with its customers by direct mobile messaging.