News

Study: Delivery providers stumble in key metric
In the first part of December, delivery providers experienced difficulties that probably left some holiday shoppers less than merry.

According to analysis of what more than 130,000 shoppers said in surveys about on-time deliveries of their full orders between Dec. 1 - Dec. 10 by Bizrate Insights, a division of Connexity, the timeliness trend is clearly downward.
Fujitsu: Major changes in store for retail by 2020
The next five years will see continued consumer adoption of advanced technology drastically alter how retail is conducted.

According to a new study from Fujitsu Americas, 50% of retail will be automated by 2020. Advancements in enterprise technology, supported by Big Data playing a larger behind-the-scenes role, will allow retailers to offer enhanced front-end experiences using mobile platforms, smart sensors and social media.

Focused on flawless, Toys “R” Us ready for stretch run

With the financial picture improving modestly at Toys “R” Us, CEO Dave Brandon said the company is ready to build on third quarter successes during the final days of the holiday season.
Phishing attack hits Pandora customers

Shoppers making purchases from specialty jewelry retailer Pandora may find an unwelcome holiday greeting in their inbox.

According to a new advisory from cybersecurity firm Comodo’s Antispam Labs team, a malware attack is specifically targeting businesses and consumers who make purchases from Pandora, which is headquartered in Denmark but conducts operations globally, including in the U.S.
Perfumania has a stinky third quarter

The value proposition of Perfumania stores is under scrutiny after the retailer reported dismal same store sale for the third quarter.

For the 13-week period ended Oct. 31, net sales at Perfumania decreased 8% to $142 million, compared to $154.3 million in the prior year. Same store sales decreased 22.1%. Net income was $3 million, or net income per diluted share of 20 cents, compared to a net income of $7.5 million, or a net income per diluted share of 48 cents during last year’s third quarter.
J.C. Penney brings new meaning to ‘mall Santa’

Mallgoers who need to see what’s happening at the North Pole before they believe in Santa Claus will have their doubts erased, thanks to J.C. Penney. According to Advertising Age, Penney is using Oculus virtual reality headsets in an immersive holiday promotional experience called “Twas the Flight before Christmas” at four select malls. Customers will be able to interact with a virtual “Santa’s Workshop” environment.
Target phases out Pharmacy Rewards program

This month, Target began contacting its Pharmacy Rewards members to informing them that the company was ending the rewards program because CVS/pharmacy will bring its own program when it replaces the pharmacies in Target stores as part of a deal between the two companies announced this summer.
Perfumania's Q3 doesn't smell so nice

The value proposition of Perfumania stores is under scrutiny after the retailer reported dismal same store sale for the third quarter.

For the 13-week period ended Oct. 31, net sales at Perfumania decreased 8% to $142 million, compared to $154.3 million in the prior year. Same-store sales decreased 22.1%. Net income was $3 million, or net income per diluted share of 20 cents, compared to a net income of $7.5 million, or a net income per diluted share of 48 cents during last year’s third quarter.
Valeant extends savings in new fulfillment agreement with Walgreens

Valeant Pharmaceuticals is forming new fulfillment agreements with Walgreens while indicating it intends to extend this distribution model to additional participating independent retail pharmacies.
Food Lion plays mobile savings tune

Food Lion is launching an omnichannel coupon initiative that combines fun with savings.

Now through Jan. 1, customers can access digital coupons through the Shazam smartphone app while shopping in Food Lion stores. Food Lion has partnered with interactive marketing firm Mood Media Corp. on the campaign.