News

Study: E-commerce fraud is declining — but the battle continues
E-commerce fraud as a percent of sales dollars may be on the decline, however losses still account for billions of dollars. This was according to the “Q1 2017 Global Fraud Index,” a report from Pymnts.com and Signifyd. The study measures and benchmarks innovations and trends that are reshaping the payments and commerce ecosystem.
Dunkin’ Brands names new finance chief
The parent company of Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins has ended its hunt for a new chief financial officer. Following a comprehensive search for a permanent CFO, Dunkin’ Brands has promoted Kate Jaspon to the position, effective June 5, 2017. Jaspon was appointed the company’s interim CFO when Paul Carbone left the position in April to become COO at a specialty retail chain. She will report directly to Dunkin' Brands' CEO Nigel Travis.

Gifting retailer sells luxury sweets line, but keeps brand connection

1-800-Flowers.com has officially sold its premium chocolates business. The gifting retailer closed on the sale of Fannie May Confections Brands — including its subsidiaries Fannie May Confections and Harry London Candies — to Ferrero International on Tuesday, May 30. The deal, which is valued at $115.0 million, entitles Ferrero to all operations of Fannie May, the confectioner’s manufacturing facility in Ohio, and two warehouse and distribution facilities, located in Ohio and Illinois.
J.Jill’s comp sales soar in Q1

Despite a challenging retail landscape, J.Jill’s same-store sales growth and profits not only climbed, but topped analyst expectations. For the first quarter ended April 29, the mall-based women’s specialty chain’s overall revenue increased 12.5% to $166.1 million — a jump from $147.7 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2016. This also beat analyst estimates at $162 million.
Kitchen and bath products giant launches experiential retail concept

Kohler Co. is debuting a retail format designed to showcase its full offering of products and offer on-site product immersion — literally. The first-ever Kohler Experience Center (KEC), located in the Flatiron District of Manhattan, houses fully-functioning displays of Kohler's global product line — including showers, tubs, sinks and "intelligent" toilets — in what is a first for the brand. The center is open to trade design professionals and regular customers.
Michael Kors plans store closures as loss widens

In effort to dig out of its sales funk and rebuild its brand, Michael Kors plans to shutter more than 100 full-price stores.
Study: Innovative tools turn online customers into repeat shoppers

Attracting — and sustaining — loyal online customers is no easy task. However, retailers that offer innovative customer service tools, a variety of fulfillment options, and engagement solutions will successfully turn frequent browsers into loyal shoppers. These details were revealed in a new retail report from Radial and CFI Group.
Accenture launches new customer innovation center

Accenture is taking on its next innovation initiative. The company announced on Wednesday, May 31, that it opened an innovation hub dedicated to the retail, fashion and consumer goods industries. The Accenture Customer Innovation Network (ACIN), which resides in Milan, Italy, bolsters the company’s existing fleet of innovation facilities in Bangalore, Chicago, Manila and Singapore.
It’s official: Pet supplies giant acquires fast-growing online rival

PetSmart has been setting the stage to accelerate its digital offerings. Now it can.
Luxury retailer loses interim key executive

The interim CFO of Neiman Marcus has resigned after seven months on the job. Michael Fung will step down from his position as the luxury retailer’s interim CFO and COO, effective June 30. Fung temporarily left his retirement to join the company on an interim basis in November 2016.
And the Store of the Year is...

A premium brand born from the celebration of colder climates, Mackage (Yorkdale Shopping Centre, Toronto) was named Store in the Year in the Retail Design Institute’s 46th annual International Store Design Competition. The awards were presented during a gala celebration on Wednesday, May 24, in New York City.
Shopping must-haves for Generations Y and Z are…

New attitudes, behaviors and shopping preferences among Generation Z and Millennials are keeping retailers on their toes. Emerging in-store technologies and positive social media feedback are top priorities among both Generation Z and Millennial consumers. This is according to retail advisory firm HRC Retail Advisory (HRC), which surveyed 1,350 participants in North America about their shopping experiences.