News

Study: Amazon prices can be beat
New York – Amazon.com provides a customer value proposition of convenience and the lowest prices. According to new analysis from managed analytics provider Ugam, competitors at least have a chance to beat Amazon on prices of some items.

Ugam conducted assortment intelligence analysis of two key sporting goods categories, identifying gaps in Amazon’s merchandising assortment and confirming that the retail giant doesn’t always have the lowest price on the most sought-after products.
Dick’s Sporting Goods plans stores-within-stores from major brands
Pittsburgh – Dick’s Sporting Goods Inc. is partnering with two top brands to open specialty stores-within-a-store at select Dick’s locations. In a conference call with investors, Dick’s CEO Ed Stack said the retailer will pilot stores-within-a-store from Nike Air Jordan and Polo Sport later this year and next year.

Stores fail to deliver the goods

Oakland, Calif. – Stores are apparently failing to deliver the goods when it comes to providing customers the products they want, when they want them. New research from supply chain technology provider GT Nexus shows that 75% of U.S. adults have found a product unavailable in a store in the past 12 months.

And 38% of U.S. adults experienced in-store stock-outs often or very often in the past 12 months.
Walgreens' Wasson receives lifetime achievement accolade

Former Walgreens president and CEO Greg Wasson became the chain drug industry’s first executive to receive the Grocery Manufacturers Association’s highest honor.
Three Thoughts on Real-Time Consumer Product Interactions

I recently participated in an SAP-sponsored panel discussion on Game-Changers Radio about how consumer product companies are using real-time consumer insights and engagement. Buoyed by constant customer connectivity, consumer product firms are gaining a much clearer and timelier picture of their end customers, and also directly engaging them near or in real time.
Kohl's is hitting the runway at New York Fashion Week

A week after reporting disappointing sales growth for the second quarter, Kohl’s launching another exclusive celebrity fashion collection that aims to appeal to the millennial shopper.
Domino’s promotes omnichannel ordering across channels
Grants help kids cross the Finish Line

Athletic wear retailer the Finish Line is investing in the health, well-being and special needs of children with thousands of dollars in grants.

The Finish Line Youth Foundation is awarding $77,258 in grants to help organizations that focus on healthy lifestyles, youth development and special needs.
Report: Amazon considering yet another delivery method

Seattle – Amazon.com has no shortage of innovative ideas on connecting customers to the products they buy, and reportedly is considering yet another new delivery method. According to GeekWire, Amazon has filed a patent application to use public transportation to help get goods to customers.
Cornell's revamp of Target leadership continues

CEO Brian Cornell isn't done retooling the executive leadership team at Target Corp.: The retailer now has a new COO and CFO.

Target has promoted current CFO John Mulligan to the newly created role of executive vice president and chief operating officer, effective Sept. 1. Mulligan will assume oversight of stores, supply chain and properties. Joining Target as executive vice president and chief financial officer will be Cathy Smith, a seasoned retail business leader. Both Mulligan and Smith will report to Cornell.