News

Study: Optimistic buzz connected to Amazon, Whole Foods Market deal
Customers that shop at both Amazon and Whole Foods Market are the most upbeat about the online giant’s purchase of the natural foods grocer. This was according to a new GfK report that was conducted among 1,000 US adults (ages 18 and above) using KnowledgePanel, the company’s probability-based online panel that represents the adult U.S. population. Responses were collected from June 23-26.
Subway, multiple locations
The largest restaurant chain in the world has unveiled a tech-savvy, makeover that seeks to reinvent its customer experience for a digital age.

Abercrombie expanding in a big way in China

Abercrombie & Fitch is setting its sights on Chinese teens in a new partnership with China's online giant. The retailer will start selling its namesake brand and Abercrombie kids line on Alibaba Group's Tmall website, starting on July 26. Tmall, which is China's largest consumer website for brands and retailers, has carried Abercrombie's Hollister brand since 2014.
Is the athleisure market overcrowded?

The hottest trend in the apparel market may be at risk of over-supply. While athleisure remains popular with consumers, too many retailers have entered the category, reported CNBC.
Study: Online glitches jeopardize customer trust

Websites with technical difficulties do more than frustrate shoppers — they damage a brand’s reputation. This was according to a new survey from QualiTest Group. The report, which was conducted with Google Consumer Surveys in June 2017, was based on a sample of more than 1,000 respondents from the United States between the ages of 18 and 54.
Teen apparel retailer names new finance chief

The search is over. The Buckle named Thomas B. Heacock as VP of finance, treasurer and CFO, effective July 20. As CFO, he replaces Karen B. Rhoads, who in May announced her intention to retire. Rhoads will assist in the transfer of her duties and responsibilities to Heacock, and will continue to serve as a member of the company’s board.
Study: Brick-and-mortar retailers feel Prime Day fallout

Prime Day 2017 was Amazon’s biggest event yet. But the shopping marathon took a significant toll on brick-and-mortar traffic.
Digital Gifting Solutions: Unlocking a blind spot in digital commerce

Consumers shopping for others bring different expectations and needs than those shopping for themselves. Until now, retailers have turned a blind eye to the enormous sales opportunities in digital gifting, which is estimated to represent $200 billion-300 billion in sales annually. Leading retailers and brands such as Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Coach, Lilly Pulitzer, Vera Bradley, and others have begun to embrace innovative, new digital gifting solutions and monetize the emerging digital gifting category.
First Look: Beauty giant launches new store concept

Sephora continues to experiment with store formats, and this time it's going smaller.
Fast-food giant automates development strategy

Subway is more accurately planning new locations. The fast-causal restaurant chain is partnering with location intelligence provider SiteZues, to augment its development strategy. The company’s data-driven solution will combine advanced geospatial technology and visualization with Subway’s market data. The result will be more thorough and accurate insights — the foundation Subway needs to plan and expand its market growth.