Data & Analytics

Indianapolis -- Simon Property Group has launched the Simon Mobile Shopper Club. More than 180 Simon malls will now interact with shoppers who want to receive news of special deals and events on their mobile device via text messaging (SMS).

When a shopper opts-in to the Simon Mobile Shopper Club at their favorite Simon mall, they will receive alerts on special retailer sales or events, such as Santa's arrival. While at the mall, shoppers will be encouraged to interact via SMS and even play text-in games for a chance to win great prizes.

By Carsten Thoma, [email protected]

Mobile is not just another customer communications channel; it is rapidly evolving into an effective commerce channel. Strengthening the link between existing channels such as physical and online stores, mobile now enables customers to start shopping using their mobile devices and finish the process online, via a contact center, in the brick-and-mortar store, or even on the mobile device itself.

New York City -- Belk is investing $150 million to boost online sales and upgrade its IT systems, The Charlotte Observer reported.

The department store operator plans to focus on improving its e-commerce functions and replace its current systems for ordering and allocating merchandise, according to the report.

Belk has sought to boost its online presence in recent years to keep up with competitors in a marketplace where online sales are growing rapidly.

San Francisco -- SolutionSet, the fourth largest independent digital, data, direct and local marketing services company nationwide, announced it has been selected by Performance Bicycle to be its direct and digital marketing partner. SolutionSet will provide Performance Bicycle with database management and catalog marketing services.

Lewisville, Texas -- Consumers can expect a record-breaking availability of rebates this holiday shopping season, according to Parago, a leading provider of reward programs.

With 2010 rebate performance to-date at blockbuster levels, (Parago has seen a more than 20% increase over the same time last year) more companies are rebating and more products are being sold with robust rebate offers. This momentum of great deals will carry through the holiday season, with more offers and rebate promotions being marketed than previous seasons.

Retailers and developers from around the country are preparing to attend the International Council of Shopping Centers’ New York deal-making convention in New York City on Dec. 6 and Dec. 7. Chain Store Age talked with Ivan L. Friedman, president and CEO of New York City-based retail real estate advisory firm RCS Real Estate Advisors, about what the industry has in store for the New York show and beyond.

As retailers prepare to attend the New York deal-making show in early December, how would you describe the current state of retail?