Omnichannel

As shoppers use more devices to shop their favorite brands, it is not surprising that digital shopping will drive retail holiday sales.   This message was delivered in Nielsen's 2016 holiday trend report, which tapped 1,159 adults aged 18 years and older. As of Nov. 11, online shopping was outpacing in-store visits, with 58% of shoppers already purchasing their holiday gifts online compared to 40% that went to big-box retail stores, and 25% who visited department stores.  

Consumers are warming up their fingers as they prepare to shop on Cyber Monday.   As more of these shoppers (63%) flock online for Cyber Monday, 54% will use a desktop or laptop. Twenty five percent (25%) of shoppers plan to use a smart phone or tablet, but 21% will use a combination of all of these devices, according to “Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Thanksgiving 2016,” a report from Perk, an engagement platform provider. The study is based on responses from 670 Perk users between Nov. 1-8, 2016.   

A majority of shoppers, 81%, intend to do most of their spending in physical stores during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend (Nov. 24-27). This total increases to 95% when you include consumers who will shop at those same physical retailers’ online channels (omnichannel retailers).   These are among the findings of the “2016 Black Friday Consumer Survey” from International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC).   

Changes are afoot at McDonald's.   The company is launching self-service ordering kiosk ordering with table service, the New York Times reported.    

Google is expanding its brick-and-mortar presence.     Following the opening of its New York City pop-up store last month,  Google has partnered with Best Buy to amp up its retail presence.     

Folks were lined up down the block for the opening of The Lego Group’s largest – and most ambitious – store in the world.  

Retailers had better watch out, as ’tis the season for fraud — especially in an age of omnichannel retail.    Omnichannel retailing opens up new avenues for fraudsters — especially during the holidays, according to the “Annual Holiday Fraud Index” from Radial. The study, based on data from hundreds of clients and billions of data elements, reveals Europay, Mastercard, Visa (EMV), cross-border, and digital gift card trends that could put retailers’ bottom lines at risk.  

Walmart on Thursday posted third-quarter earnings that managed to beat analysts' expectations even as net sales fell short.     The retailer also lifted the lower end of its full-year guidance and expressed confidence going into the holiday season.    Walmart’s net income fell to $3.03 billion, or 98 cents per share, in the quarter ended Oct. 31, which was two cents more than the Wall Street consensus according to Bloomberg.