News

ComScore: Digital spending rises 18% in Q4
Digital shoppers across the United States outdid themselves in the fourth quarter. Shoppers spent $109.3 billion online during fourth quarter 2016, according to comScore. Overall, this marked an 18% increase compared to the same quarter in 2015. The majority of this online spending — $86.6 billion — occurred on desktop computers, a 13% increase compared to a year ago.
Profit Hunting: How to use analytic insights to drive profitable growth
Consumers in recent years have shown a seemingly insatiable appetite for special offers and discounts. During the holiday season, retailers generated billions of dollars by rolling-out high-profile promotional strategies – but was this activity actually profitable? For many retailers, the holiday season lead to significant profit erosion. According to DynamicAction’s Retail Index, 44% of all orders last year were sold on promotion. At the same time, however, retailers saw a 24% reduction in margins.

And the 10 most innovative companies in retail are…

A cloud computing/e-commerce giant heads up Fast Company’s annual ranking of the 10 most innovative companies in retail. Amazon not only topped the retail sector category, it also came in number one in the overall World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies listing. (Rounding out the top five: Google, Uber, Apple and Snap.)
Regional grocer launches online shopping across five states

One independent grocer is making a move to compete with larger chains.
Report: Another sporting goods retailer eyes Chapter 11

These are tough times for outdoor/sporting goods retailers. Gander Mountain is reportedly considering filing Chapter11 bankruptcy protection, according to Reuters. Founded in 1960, Gander Mountain specializes in fishing, camping and hunting gear and accessories, and bills itself as “America’s firearms superstore.”
Crate and Barrel puts mobile BI in associates’ hands

The best way to drive a top-notch in-store experience is to give associates insight into as many real-time data sources as possible.
Dollar General enters new territory

The ever-expanding Dollar General has entered its 44th state. The discounter opened a store in Hankinson, North Dakota. The company plans to open six additional locations in the state through spring 2017.
Department store chain gets local with in-store shop strategy

The Bon-Ton Stores is expanding an initiative that gives its network of stores a more local flavor. The department store retailer will add "Close to Home in-store shops to at least 100 stores this year after a successful launch in 45 stores in fall 2016.
Report: E-commerce giant eying intimate apparel

Watch out Victoria’s Secret — Amazon is moving onto your turf. The online retail giant plans to launch a line of inexpensive bras in the United States, reported The Wall Street Journal. The bras will be priced around $10, according to the report, which is significantly lower than the bras sold by Victoria's Secret and other lingerie retailers.
Neiman Marcus, Fort Worth, Texas

Neiman Marcus blends a modern, luxurious design with state-of-the art technology and amenities at The Shops at Clearfork, a new open-air center in Fort Worth, Texas. Alamo Architects took special care to ensure the exterior of store drew upon the surrounding area’s natural features and climate. The building façade, which draws inspiration from woven fabric patterns, was created with artisanal pre-cast concrete, sustainable panels.
Women’s apparel retailer files IPO

J.Jill Group is looking at a return to the public markets. The apparel retailer, which is owned by private-equity firm TowerBrook Capital Partners LP, announced that it has filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to a proposed initial public offering of its common stock. TowerBrook acquired J.Jill from Arcapita and Golden Gate Capital in 2015. The chain was previously owned by The Talbots.
Women’s apparel retailer files IPO

J.Jill Group is looking at a return to the public markets. The apparel retailer, which is owned by private-equity firm TowerBrook Capital Partners LP, announced that it has filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to a proposed initial public offering of its common stock. TowerBrook acquired J.Jill from Arcapita and Golden Gate Capital in 2015. The chain was previously owned by The Talbots.