News

Dollar General adds to fulfillment network
Photo: Dollar General executives and local leaders cut the ribbon to celebrate the grand opening celebration of the company's new San Antonio Distribution Center. (L to R, Steve Sunderland; Wayne Peacock, Chairman, San Antonio Economic Development Foundation; Bexar County Judge, Nelson Wolff; Mike Kindy; Mario Tort; Todd Vasos, Dollar General CEO; Jeff Owen; Alan Warrick, San Antonio City Council; Jeff Owen; Bob Ravener; Jim Thorpe)
Online fraud losses skyrocket
While online retailers generally understand that fraud can significantly cut into profits, they may not be aware of its full cost — or the different ways it can impact a business. A new infographic from fraud and risk management technology provider Kount drives home the boomerang impact fraud has on e-commerce. Called “The 10 Deadly Costs of Fraud” for e-commerce retailers, here is a brief summary of its findings:

Small chain thinks big with personalized promotions

Marc’s, a 58-store deep-discounter of grocery, health and beauty products and other items, is providing targeted recommendations with help from national partners. The Cleveland-based retailer is teaming up with Allrecipes to introduce in-store beacon-triggered experiences that provide shoppers with personalized meal recommendations through the Allrecipes Dinner Spinner app. In-store notifications are triggered on shoppers’ smartphones by a Verifone beacon system running on the Footmarks SmartConnect proximity platform.
The Store of Today

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Hip European brand expanding in U.S.

Photo by Ola Wilk/Wilk Marketing Communications

Liebeskind Berlin, a trendy leather accessories and fashion brand from Germany, has opened a second location in the United States.
Study: Consumers want personalization, but most companies not on board

Customers know what prompts them to make purchases, but the companies doing the selling may not be aware.

A global, cross-industry study released by technology services provider Mindtree, “Winning in the Age of Personalization,” shows that 78% of consumers indicate that personalized promotions encourage them to buy products and services they have purchased before. Almost as many (74%) say personalized promotions encourage them buy relevant products and services they have never purchased.
Signet Jewelers fires back on ‘diamond swapping’ controversy

Signet Jewelers Ltd., whose store banners include Kay Jewelers and Zales, issued a strong rebuttal against charges that its stores swapped customers’ gems for lesser-quality stones while they were in for service. The controversy started with an article by BuzzFeed about a Maryland woman who said her engagement ring — purchased at a Kay Jewelers store — had its diamond swapped out for a lower-quality manmade stone while in for service. The story quickly went viral on social media.
Walmart taking on Amazon with same-day delivery pilot

Walmart is teaming up with a few third-party partners — including two names very familiar to consumers — to take on its biggest rival in the competitive in the area of online delivery.
Wal-Mart looks to future at annual meeting

The CEO of Wal-Mart Stores called on associates to reimage the chain’s future at the company’s 46th annual shareholders meeting. “We have the opportunity to reimagine retail again,” said president and CEO Doug McMillon.
Home furnishings retailer entering new state

West Elm will open its first Idaho store, in downtown Boise, on Thursday, June 9.

The 14,158-sq.-ft. -store incorporated wooden “Tater Blocks” salvaged from the renovation of Simplot’s Caldwell-based potato storage facility into the store’s custom interior design. The blocks, once used as industrial flooring for potato storage facilities, have been repurposed to create a unique art installation at the new store.