News

Report: Online returns are a big problem
Retailers wondering how much of an issue e-commerce returns are may not like the answer.

According to a new infographic from returns management software provider TrueShip, E-commerce returns are both prevalent and frequently the fault of the retailer.

TrueShip data shows that about one-third of all products purchased online are returned by consumers. Of these returns, almost one-quarter (23%) are due to the wrong item being shipped. Another 22% of e-commerce returns results from a product looking and appearing different when it arrives than it did online.
Cross-channel consistency
The digital and physical selling environments are converging. Whether this phenomenon is called “cross-channel”, “omnichannel”, or given some other label, consumers now routinely use their Internet-enabled (and frequently mobile) devices to find information about potential purchases, even when they are in the store. So as far as consumers are concerned, the selling channels have already converged. As a result, retailers are now forced to catch up.

Study: Don’t overestimate social marketing

Consumers have made it clear what type of marketing influences their purchase decisions, and it’s not always high-tech. According to a new study from branding network Experticity, 82% of marketers believe social media is extremely or somewhat effective in influencing buyer decisions, yet only 49% of consumers reported that they trust brand social media campaigns.

In addition, 83% of marketers believe traditional advertising is the most effective means of influencing buying decisions, but only 47% of consumers say they trust it.
True Religion believes in omnichannel

Specialty apparel retailer True Religion has found something to connect the physical to the virtual. The Manhattan Beach, California-based chain, which operates about 900 stores globally, has launched an e-commerce site that links its customer experience across channels.
Home Depot honors its innovators

The big winner in The Home Depot’s innovation award program goes to a line of cordless outdoor power equipment fueled by a 58-volt battery.

The Atlanta-based retail giant says the annual award recognizes, in its words: “the most revolutionary new products that provide true benefits to consumers and the companies that exceeded expectations in sales, service and program execution.”
Dollar General touts digital savings

Dollar General is looking to drive increased participation in its digital coupon program by featuring several enhanced benefits during the month of October.
HBC realigns business, IT

Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) is launching a wide-ranging corporate growth and efficiency initiative, with omnichannel technology at the center. Building on its purchase of Saks Inc. in 2013, HBC seeks to deliver an enhanced omnichannel customer experience, accelerate financial performance and drive future success.
Amazon tests crowd-sourced delivery model

The online giant is launching an Uber-like program, called Flex, that uses on-demand independent contractors to deliver Amazon packages. The service is now available only in Seattle (and only to members of Amazon’s Prime Now same-day delivery service), but the company expects to roll it out to other cities where Prime Now is offered, including Manhattan, Baltimore, Miami, Dallas, and Chicago.
Old Navy exec sets sail for Ralph Lauren

Jill Stanton was named interim president of Old Navy after the top executive at Gap Inc.’s fastest growing division left the company to become CEO of Ralph Lauren.
Five mistakes retailers will make this holiday shopping season

The 2015 holiday shopping season will soon be here and consumer expectations have never been higher.

Being prepared to accept payments any way and anywhere your customers want to pay, and taking a proactive approach to your business operations can help you avoid the following five mistakes and ultimately win the sale.
Five retail IT trends for holiday 2015

The holiday season is rapidly approaching, so of course everyone is thinking about the latest trends in... retail IT. Okay, nobody outside of the industry has visions of technology solutions dancing in their heads, but retailers do need to know what is developing on the IT front as their busiest season arrives.
Another mobile payment solution launches in U.S.

Hot on the heels of Google’s official launch of Android Pay, Samsung is officially entering the U.S. mobile payment market. Samsung Pay, which launched in South Korea in August, is now available for use by U.S. consumers.

Samsung Pay functionality is built into the hardware of Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge mobile devices. Samsung says Samsung Pay is the first and only mobile payment service that works with both near field communication (NFC) and card readers with magnetic secure transmission (MST) technologies, which means it is already compatible with most POS terminals.