News

Kroger partners with Detroit health system on better eating program
Henry Ford Health System, a six-hospital system headquartered here, and Kroger on Wednesday announced a new partnership designed to answer common dietary health questions and help consumers eat and shop healthier.

Henry Ford LiveWell Wednesdays debuts June 1 at all 126 Kroger stores throughout Michigan. Every Wednesday, Henry Ford will provide Kroger shoppers with a healthy recipe developed by registered dietitian nutritionists. Shoppers will receive a brochure including a list of all ingredients needed for the recipe and a link to a video cooking demonstration.
Simplification Can Help Retailers Adapt to the Mobile Movement
The story of the “mobile first” generation isn’t a new one. Retailers have been told for years that mobile should be at the forefront of business strategy in order to meet consumers’ evolving expectations.

Yet, there appears be a disconnect between existing mobile experiences and consumer sentiment.

Salesforce becomes e-commerce power with Demandware purchase

The e-commerce landscape just shifted with the announcement Salesforce will purchase Demandware for $2.8 billion.

Demandware’s recently enhanced flagship Commerce Cloud platform is one of the leading e-commerce solutions on the market. Notable retail Demandware users include Lands’ End, Marks & Spencer, Urban Decay, and True Religion. According to figures released by IHL in December 2015, Demandware is the number two retail SaaS company by installed revenue, trailing only Microsoft.
Focus on New York market helps boost Ahold USA Q1 sales by 4%

Ahold USA first quarter sales were up 4% to $8.2 billion. Excluding gas, sales increased 4.1% at constant exchange rates. The addition of 25 A&P stores in the New York Metro market in fourth quarter 2015 was the main contributor to the overall sales growth and resulted in an overall market share improvement in both dollars and volume, Ahold reported.
Un-Boxing Retail

Image Courtesy: Christopher Michel, CC by 2.0
Fred’s posts 8% total sales lift in Q1, 1% comps increase

Fred’s on Thursday reported its earnings for the first quarter ended April 30, posting an 8% increase in total sales and a net income of $1.3 million. The company saw comparable store sales increase 1% for the first quarter, which is slightly better than the 0.8% increase in comps it posted in Q1 2015.
Survey: A good fit makes all the difference

Incorrect fit is costing retailers billions of dollars — literally.

In 2015, $62.4 billion worth of global apparel and footwear purchases were returned due to incorrect sizing, according to a survey by digital body analysis technology provider Body Labs.

The survey found that that 23% of all clothing gets returned, with 64% of respondents claiming “incorrect fit” as the major reason for the return. And 77% of respondents who prefer shopping online stated that poor fit is the biggest reason for returning clothing.
Myrtle Beach Mall to launch $30 million redevelopment

A well-located, 30-year-old mall is about to undergo a major overhaul and add a much-needed shopping, dining and entertainment alternative in the Myrtle Beach marketplace.

According to Misuma Holdings and Peak Financial Partners, Myrtle Beach Mall will launch a full redevelopment in 2017.
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,
How E-commerce is eroding retail earnings

A new report from HRC Advisory finds that retailers’ online sales are eroding in-store sales and taking a big bite out of retail profitability. Chain Store Age editor Marianne Wilson spoke with Antony Karabus, CEO, HRC Advisory, about the study and its implications for retailers.

What did you find most surprising in the study findings?