News

Armonk, N.Y. -- IBM has introduced comprehensive new security software and services to help organizations protect their critical data in an environment where advanced persistent threats, zero day attacks, breaches, and the financial impact on an organization continue to rise.

According to two IBM-commission studies, the average cost of a data breach increased by 15%, reaching an average of $3.5 million. The majority of companies surveyed say targeted attacks are the greatest threat, costing them on average $9.4 million in brand equity alone.

New York -- Amazon has entered into a partnership with Twitter whereby Twitter users can link their accounts to an Amazon account, and add items to the shopping cart by responding to any tweet with an Amazon product link that has the hashtag #AmazonCart.

In order to take advantage of the service, customers have to connect their Amazon account to their Twitter account, which they can do via amazon.com/AmazonCart.

Office Depot said it plans to close 400 of its 2,000 stores as it looks to realize efficiencies related to its merger with OfficeMax.

An estimated 150 of the stores will close this year, according to company, which reported first quarter results and continued weakness in same store sales. The company anticipates that the closures will generate annual run-rate synergies of at least $75 million by the end of 2016 and will begin to be accretive to earnings in 2015.

Appliance, electronics and furniture retailer Hhgregg is getting a makeover. The brand transformation will encompass all customer touchpoints, including its 228 store locations and online presence. The first phase of hhgregg’s brand transformation launches this week.

Cooking Light, Time Inc.’s leading epicurean brand, has expanded its prepared-foods line and co-branded SodaStream flavors to Target and Walmart.

Thanks to a partnership between Amazon and Twitter, people can now link their Twitter accounts to their Amazon accounts and shop for items by responding to any tweet with an Amazon product link and hashtag #AmazonCart.

Customers can link their accounts by going to Amazon.com/AmazonCart.

The tweet only adds an item to a consumer’s shopping cart, but consumers must log into Amazon to complete their purchases.

Duane Reade has released the first update to its app for iPhone including the integration of iBeacon for 10 select Duane Reade locations active as of May 1.

ECRM compared retail circular advertising in April 2013 versus April 2014 and noted trends occurring across top retail chains. Toys “R” Us experienced a massive 350% increase in page count year-over-year due to its release of three circulars this April versus one last year. Only a short eight-page “Bike & Trike Trade-in” circular was run last year. This year, the bicycle circular ran in the last week of the month again, but the other two circulars appeared to be a response to the late Easter this year, with a focus on $5 or less basket-fillers.

Eddie Bauer is expanding into footwear territory. The new brand’s new footwear collection is set to debut online and in store July 28.

Belk has entered into a three-year partnership agreement with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC). The agreement includes endorsements, appearances and numerous co-branded marketing initiatives.

During October, Belk will also be the exclusive provider of the iPromise clothing line for the benefit of Susan G. Komen outside of the Dallas Cowboys Pro Shops.