Data & Analytics

Developer: Stop trying to be Amazon and start being inspiring
Uncertainty has always been a part of the retail industry, but today it is reaching unprecedented levels. Far too many retailers have let that online monster that’s under the bed get into their heads and influence their strategic decision and resource allocation. But is that monster really vicious?
Study: Mobile drove back-to-school e-commerce sales
Mobile commerce made the grade this back-to-school season, contributing to a 3% increase in overall e-commerce sales. This was according to research from retail search marketing company NetElixir. The firm said mobile orders were up by 44%, and revenue was up by 64%. Mobile average order value (AOV) increased by 13%, indicating that consumers are now more comfortable using mobile devices for more expensive purchases.

Study: Hispanic customers going online for holiday shopping

With access to more disposable income, Hispanic consumers will up their holiday spending this year — especially through e-commerce.
Study: Cash-free society could be here sooner than you think

A cash-free economy could be here sooner than expected — and American consumers are leading the charge. Slightly more than half (54%) of consumers in the United States expect to stop using cash for shopping by 2020, according to “Lost in Transaction,” a report from payments provider Paysafe. The study, conducted among 3,038 consumers in the United States, United Kingdom and Canada, examines how cash is merging with digital formats.
Home furnishings giant launches augmented reality design app

Ikea is allowing its shoppers to virtually test drive merchandise before making a purchase. The home furnishings giant is preparing to launch a new augmented reality (AR) app. Called Ikea Place, the app allows customers to virtually place furniture in any space in their home, office, school or studio — and share the images. The app, which will be supported by Apple’s iOS 11 platform, will launch in late September.
Study: Amazon influences how shoppers research merchandise online

Amazon is expanding into one of the go-to destinations for product discovery. This was according to “Amazon: The Big E-Commerce Marketing Opportunity for Brands,” a report from Kenshoo. The study is based on 3,100 consumers in the United States, Germany, United Kingdom and France.
On heels of Equifax incident, retailers cite need for uniform data breach law

The National Retail Federation is once again making the case for a new federal law on data breach notifications. Citing the recent breach at the Equifax credit reporting agency, National Retail Federation and other industry associations are telling Congress that any new federal law on data breach notification should apply to all industries that handle consumer data.
Done deal: Staples goes private

Staples is done trading on Nasdaq. Sycamore Partners announced that it has completed its acquisition of the office supply giant. Under the terms of the deal, which was announced in June, Staples was acquired by the private equity firm in a transaction valued at approximately $6.9 billion.
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Study: Majority of grocery sales are digitally driven

Digital's influence on grocery overall has nearly doubled year over year, and is now impacting the in-store experience.
Study: Marketers fear data quality is hurting digital ads

Relevant, personalized messages are key to driving engagement, yet the quality of sourced data is negatively impacting results. This was according to “More Data, More Problems: Trust, Transparency & Targeting in 2017.” The report from Bazaarvoice and Ad Age, is based on interviews of more than 300 agency and brand marketers.
Restaurant lets customers pay using their face

A new restaurant concept gives customers an easy — and high-tech way — to pay for their meal without having to take out their wallet or even their smartphone.