News

Appriss acquires The Retail Equation
Louisville, Ky. -- Appriss Inc., a provider of data, risk assessment and analytic solutions for government, health information and consumer industries, has acquired The Retail Equation, Irvine, California, a provider of predictive analytics for retail businesses. The Retail Equation will become the retail division of Appriss and will operate as a separate company within the Appriss corporate structure.
Holiday Planning
For consumers, “holiday planning” means creating shopping lists and perhaps deciding whether to invite your annoying uncle to the family festivities. For retailers, holiday planning means organizing and optimizing the entire enterprise to adequately handle a sustained period of increased consumer demand.

Teens eschewing logos, looking for deals

New York -- As if retailers didn’t have enough to worry about, teens are shopping more like their parents.

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Getting Smart About Product Information

When a retailer includes the word “brain” right in its name, a certain level of operational intelligence is expected.
Overtime Pay to Get Overhaul

Proposed changes to overtime exemptions could make store managers eligible

The Department of Labor’s long-awaited proposed revisions to the “white collar” overtime exemptions are finally here — at least, in part. On June 30, 2015, the DOL unveiled its proposed revisions to the required salary levels for many of the “white collar” exemptions to the FLSA’s overtime requirements.
Macy's asks consumers to give back while shopping

Macy’s is appealing to customers with a favorite cause by asking shoppers to participate in the retailer's marquee charity event.

The retailer will hold its annual “Shop For A Cause” event, a unique, one-day-only shopping event created to support local charities’ fundraising efforts, on Aug. 29. Since 2006, the program has helped raise tens of millions of dollars for thousands of charities across the country.
eMarketer: Low gas prices will help fuel big jump in holiday sales

New York -- It’s almost September, which can only mean one thing: The annual blizzard of holiday sales forecasts is about to begin, and this year eMarketer is one of the first out of the gate.

The firm predicts a shiny and bright holiday season for U.S. retailers, with an assist from falling gas prices and online growth. eMarketer forecasts that U.S. retail sales in the months of November and December 2015 will increase 5.7% year-over-year, reaching $885.7 billion (includes online and physical store sales).
Tech Guest Viewpoint: Using Technology to Tackle Your Liquidation Program

Between buyer’s remorse, relaxed return policies and the substantial increase in online purchases (which come with an average return rate of 12%-15%), 3.5 billion items are returned to retailers each year. This adds up to around $260 billion of merchandise.
Miami Home Centers joins the True Value family

The newest addition to the True Value Company cooperative is a 60-year-old hardware chain based in South Florida.
Comcast’s New Prototype High on Engagement

Comcast has unveiled a futuristic-looking, tech-savvy store prototype aimed at enhancing the cable giant’s brand reputation and service experience. Focused on the customer, the new Studio Xfinity in Chicago aims to entertain, engage and inform shoppers with hands-on experiences.

Comcast partnered with ESI Design, New York City, on the 9,000-sq.-ft. store, which is also serving as a showcase for the company to debut and test new service initiatives.