News

Convenience chain eases data management
West Des Moines, Iowa - Midwestern convenience retailer Kum & Go is streamlining the coming and going of data.

The chain has selected G.O.L.D. Space Optimization software with centralized data management from Symphony EYC to simplify the merchandising process across its stores.
Study: Consumers give data, but for what?
Toronto – Consumers are willing share their personal data with brands — even though they feel they aren’t getting much value in return.

According to a new study from marketing loyalty and analytics provider Aimia, 80% of consumers around the world are willing to share key pieces of personal information with brands.

Yet only 8% of consumers around the world feel as though they are actually receiving better offers from companies as a result of sharing their details.

Starbucks, Panama City, Panama

Starbucks Coffee Company's first store in Panama is located in Panama City, in the Street Mall shopping center. With a 28-ft. high ceiling, the focal point of the 3,304-sq.-ft. store is a one-of-a-kind custom made hanging mobile, designed to represent the Geisha coffee plant, which signifies the birth of the coffee industry in Panama.
HSN teams up with a fashion (and omnichannel) ace

Multi-channel retailer HSN is parterning with a tennis legend and fashion icon for an innovative shopping event during New York Fashion Week.

HSN Inc. has announced that Williams will be live-streaming her fall Signature Statement Collection during a special HSN.com "Front Row" event during New York Fashion Week on Sept. 15. The retailer aims to transform the way designers bring their collection to market by allowing fans of Williams's fall collection to shop the runway online immediately after the show.
Aerosoles picks footwear veteran as CEO

New Jersey-based women's shoe company Aerosoles has named a retail and footwear industry veteran as its next CEO.
Tech Guest Viewpoint: Your most valuable customers aren’t buying

It’s a commonly held belief among retailers that their most valuable customer is the one that is a brand advocate, has the loyalty card, and makes purchases on a regular basis. But there is a problem with that assumption.

While the patterns of behavior from your most loyal customer can show you what is working, they can’t tell you anything about what isn’t working -- or how to fix it. In truth, a retailer’s most valuable customer is the one that comes into your store, browses, but then leaves before buying.
Macy’s testing Best Buy departments in 10 stores

A limited assortment of consumer electronics products will be offered in Best Buy branded departments inside 10 Macy’s stores this holiday season.
Exclusive: Retailers Need to Stop the Shipping Bloodbath

Recently an investment banking colleague from HT Capital Advisors mentioned to me that Bombfell, an online men’s clothing subscription service, received $1 million in venture capital funding. Under the business model, an online personal stylist personally selects each member’s items and sends them to the shopper, with free shipping. The shopper only pays for what he keeps (he has 10 days to decide) and then returns the rest, also with no shipping charge. On the heels of that chat, I read about MM.LaFleur, a similar model for women.
Kohl's aims to be the place for holiday toys

Kohl’s is looking to get a leg up on the competition this holiday season with an early lineup of the hottest toys this December.

The retailer’s top toys for the holiday season include an exclusive assortment from Star Wars and trusted national brands, including Barbie, Fisher-Price and Melissa & Doug.
Have an omnichannel holiday at Kohl’s

Menomonee Falls, Wis. – Kohl’s Department Stores is helping consumers have a very omnichannel holiday season.

The retailer will provide the option to buy items online and pick up in store at all stores nationwide with premier, designated parking for customers picking up their purchases.