Omnichannel

Emeryville, Calif. – Consumers in the U.S. and U.K. feel overwhelmed by targeted apparel marketing messages, but are responsive to messaging that includes genuinely personalized information. A new study of 409 U.S. and U.K. consumers from the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) indicates that 66% of consumers say that many personalized apparel messages are annoying because attempts at personalization are superficial.

Sandy Springs, Ga. -- Online consumers in the United States are motivated by the ability to conduct transactions across multiple channels with convenience and positive shipping experiences. These are two of the key findings of a new study from UPS and comScore, “Pulse of the Online Shopper.”

By Tom Friedman, [email protected]

Seattle -- Nordstrom said it plans to open a Nordstrom Rack at 505 Fulton Street in Brooklyn, N.Y. The approximately 41,000-sq.-ft. store is scheduled to open in spring 2014.  The developer for the project is United American Land LLC.

The store will feature a unique design that will blend the architecture of the site — the landmark Offerman building — with the contemporary style of an adjacent, newly built structure. The single-level store will occupy the second floor retail space.

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. — Kohl’s is planning to hold a nationwide Win Great Things sweepstakes from Sunday, August 4 through Monday, September 2 — the final weeks before the school year starts for many students. 

BURLINGTON, Mass. — 89 Degrees, a customer engagement agency that leverages data and analytically driven strategy for maximum ROI, has named Rosie Poultney VP, analytics.

“Rosie is a key hire in our evolution as a customer engagement agency, linking digital technology and analytics to drive omnichannel marketing in powerful new ways,” said Phil Hussey, president of 89 Degrees. “Adding Bill Pena recently as VP of technology services was another major step in this direction, as we bring world class talent to our technology solutions.”

Armonk, N.Y. -- Online consumer spending rose a healthy 15% in the second quarter of this year compared to the second quarter of last year. The IBM Online Retail Sales Index shows that mobile sales reached 19.4% of total online sales, up 28% from last year. Online shopping growth substantially outpaced the 4.6% year-over-year increase of in-store sales during the second quarter.

New York -- Consumers continue to hold tight to their purse strings and will rely heavily on online and mobile channels while they shop, according to Deloitte’s annual “Back-to-School” and “Back-to-College” surveys. 

Shoppers are far more optimistic about the economy than this time last year. Nearly four in 10 (37%) are more confident in the economy’s prospects, compared with just one-quarter (26%) a year ago.