Data & Analytics

Study: Consumers did half of their online spending on marketplaces in 2016
Marketplaces are taking an increasing share of business-to-consumer (B2C) online retail sales. Last year, shoppers did half of their online spending through marketplaces — a level that could rise to 66% by 2022, according to “Half of B2C Online Retail Spend Came from Marketplaces in 2016,” a report from Forrester.
CBL puts an eye on shoppers
CBL is launching a pilot program at two of its malls that will more closely measure the volume and the specific nature of traffic. The initiative, directed by RetailNext, will place cameras at various points on the properties that not only count heads, but determine shoppers’ genders and approximate their ages within five years. The test will take place at Hamilton Place in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Asheville Mall in Asheville, North Carolina.

Summer sales slump

Consumers were cautious in their spending during the summer months. Retail sales in August decreased by 0.2% from July on a seasonally adjusted basis, according to the National Retail Federation. (The NRF numbers exclude automobiles, gasoline stations and restaurants. Also, the Commerce Department said data for July was revised to show sales increasing 0.3% instead of the previously reported 0.6% jump.
Fair Scheduling Laws: Implications for retail, and navigating the changes

Oregon passed Senate Bill 828, known as the “Fair Work Week” law, last month. This law requires foodservice, retail and hospitality employers to give hourly workers reliable work week schedules upon hire, maintain a voluntary list of standby employees to address unanticipated customer needs or unexpected employee absences, and provide their workers with advance notice of schedule changes.
Study: Consumers growing uneasy about increasing access to personal data

Despite the ramping up of global data regulations, most consumers are concerned about how companies collect and use their information. In fact, an overwhelming 96% of consumers are "somewhat" to "extremely" concerned about data collection and usage. This is understandable, as more than 75% engage in digital payment transactions at least once a month.
Study: Amazon cashes in on sweet and salty snacks

Amazon has evolved into a destination for a variety of categories, and now it’s adding sweets and snacks to this portfolio. Out of $49 billion in total sales across sweets and snacks in 2016, Amazon rang up $240 million in 2016. And between January-August 2017, the online giant has already grabbed $215 million — a year-over-year (YoY) growth of 42%, according to “Sweets & Snacks: The Amazon Effect,” a report from One Click Retail.
Marie Claire dresses up first-ever pop-up store with technology innovations

An 80-year-old fashion magazine is using technology to bring the fashion, beauty and entertainment featured on its glossy pages to life.
Shoptalk 2018 reveals initial speaker lineup

The president and CEO of Macy's, Jeff Gennette, and Google's president of global partnerships, Daniel Alegre, will be among the headliners at Shoptalk 2018, the nex-gen retail and e-commerce event. Also on the bill: Alon Cohen, president and co-founder of Houzz, the home furnishings and design site. Shoptalk's final agenda will feature more than 400 speakers, an increase of 25% over 2017’s event.
Holiday hiring outlook for retail looks positive

Early signs from retailers indicate a hot job market for workers this holiday season. Despite store closures and consolidation within the industry, retailers are signaling that there might be high demand for seasonal jobs, according to a forecast from global outplacement and executive coaching firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas.
Office Depot names chief marketing officer

Office supply retailer Office Depot has tapped a 30-year marketing veteran to lead its marketing efforts. Office Depot announced that Jerri DeVard has been appointed executive VP and chief marketing officer. She will report directly to Office Depot CEO Gerry Smith.
Discounter swaps out Apple devices for Android on its sales floor

Target associates are using new devices to complete their daily tasks. After using iPod Touches for the last three years to manage stock, pull items, and handle other essential sales floor duties, Target is now putting Android devices into its associates’ hands, according to Gizmodo.
Online giant expands its fulfillment network in Michigan

Amazon is further bolstering its presence in The Wolverine State. The online giant will open a new, 1 million sq. ft. fulfillment center in Shelby, Michigan. The building is set to open in 2018. The warehouse will focus on picking, packing and shipping large items, like household decor, sporting equipment and gardening tools. These operations will be managed by approximately 1,000 associates, according to Amazon.