News

Office Depot regrouping
Office Depot Inc. is regrouping less than a month after a federal judge blocked the chain’s planned acquisition by rival Staples Inc., causing the two companies to abandon the deal.

On Tuesday, Office Depot announced its board had approved a $100 million stock buyback program. The retailer also said it is finalizing its comprehensive strategic review, which includes capital structure and return of capital alternatives.
Study: Retail personalization efforts not connecting with shoppers
Despite all the attention being given to retail customization and personalization, most consumers see their shopping journeys as marred by inconsistency and impersonal service offerings.

Although 93% of retail executives say service personalization is a strategic focus, only one-quarter of consumers feel they receive a consistent, personal experience across channels, according to findings from personalization technology provider TimeTrade,

Three Retailers Who Threaten Amazon

Amazon.com is starting to appear like the ‘Teflon e-tailer.”
Chargebacks 101: What E-Commerce merchants should know

Credit card chargebacks are a costly reality for online merchants. Chargebacks occur when customers contact their credit card issuers to dispute charges. If an issuer deems a dispute valid, the e-commerce merchant is required to pay the amount owed for the transaction plus a chargeback fee from the processer – which can range from $15 to $100.
Study: How to boost store conversion and traffic

Retailers are always asking how they can increase the numbers of shoppers who visit and buy goods at their stores. According to a study from store traffic and conversion measurement provider HeadCount, “In-store Traffic and Conversion Study: Retailers Find Keys to Impressive ROI,” the answer lies in combining data-driven coaching with analytics.
Gap exec moving over to specialty athletic retailer

A store development executive from Gap Inc. has been tapped to head up real estate for Foot Locker. Foot Locker announced the appointment of Scott Martin as senior VP – real estate, effective June 13. Martin succeeds Jeffrey Berk, who retired in April after almost 20 years with the company.
Big Lots makes big splash with profit growth, healthy sales

Another value retailer has posted a stellar first quarter, outshining traditional department stores and many specialty stores. Big Lots Inc. surpassed Wall Street expectations with net income and revenue performance that one major presidential candidate might term “huge.”
Today's Consumer is Smarter - Is Your Board?

Today, when it comes to adding new members to your board of directors, creating a balance between industry experience and innovation is extraordinarily important. Filling board seats with industry veterans and compliance experts may feel comfortable in the short term. But, to adapt to today's savvy and demanding consumer, companies must be more forward thinking.
Online jeweler continues offline expansion

Blue Nile is expanding its fledgling store portfolio. The online jewelry retailer has opened its second physical location, at The Westchester mall in White Plains, New York. Blue Nile opened its first store in June 2015, at Roosevelt Field mall in Garden City, New York. Two additional locations will open later this summer: one at Tysons Corner Center mall in Fairfax County, Virginia, and one at the Washington Square mall in Portland, Oregon.
Leases for 320 Sports Authority stores to go to auction

Sports Authority’s remaining 320 store leases will be auctioned in June.
Report: Twitter says ‘bye bye’ to buy button

Twitter, which has been piloting an embedded buy button in tweets since September 2014, is reportedly pulling the plug on the idea.
Forrester: Four steps to mobile loyalty

Consumers who use mobile devices for shopping are prime targets for retailer loyalty programs. According to a new study from Forrester Research, “Master Your Mobile Loyalty Moments,” customers who participate in loyalty programs are more likely to be mobile. Forrester data shows 31% of loyalty program members, but only 15% of all U.S. online adults, will use a brand’s mobile app.