News

IDC: Omnichannel retailers must go along with the journey
Omnichannel retailing means a lot more than offering a consistent customer experience across channels.

According to a new report from IDC Retail Insights, “Omni-Channel Retail Execution Platforms for Now and the Future,” omnichannel retailing requires investing in technology that engages consumers in “customer-centric journeys.”
The Silver Lining of Recent Data Breaches
Retailers have always experienced a tension between investing to grow and investing to improve security. Not surprisingly, we’ve seen vulnerabilities arise when marketing and sales initiatives have trumped less sexy initiatives around security. In 2013, 61 million people had their personal data stolen from Target. One year later, 56 million credit and debit card numbers were exposed in Home Depot’s breach.

Lowe's helps communities devastated by flooding

Lowe's is coming to the aid of the communities it serves with a donation to help provide relief in the wake of massive flooding in the Southeast.

The retailer plans to donate $500,000 to American Red Cross Disaster Relief and work to provide both immediate and long-term support to local communities in the Southeast.
Kurt Salmon adds digital tech agency

Global management consultancy Kurt Salmon is acquiring digital retail technology agency Mobispoke LLC, the engine behind such technologies as smart fitting rooms, integrated mobile apps and other leading-edge, interactive shopping experience technologies.<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; max-height: 100000px; color: rgb(54, 54, 54); font-family: open_sansregular, Arial, Helvetica, sans-
4 shopping lessons for a strong holiday season

Every year, it seems, summer and the “back to school” shopping season go by in a flash.
The world’s most valuable brands are …

For the third consecutive year, Apple and Google came out on top in a ranking of the 100 most valuable brands in the world.
Tommy Bahama CEO says it's time to retire

There will be a change at the top of lifestyle apparel retailer Tommy Bahama.
Walmart Canada makes online shopping easier

Walmart Canada is looking to make online shopping as convenient as possible by partnering with 7-Eleven Canada Inc. to expand Walmart Canada’s Grab & Go locker network in six 7-Eleven stores in the greater Toronto area.

The service offers customers using Walmart.ca a free shipping option where they can pick up their order, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at no cost. This partnership expands on Walmart Canada’s current Grab & Go Locker service, which offers free shipping to 45 Grab & Go lockers in the GTA.
Shoptalk takes shape, new event focused on next-gen commerce

A new event for retailers and consumer package goods executives is taking shape called Shoptalk and the successful entrepreneurs behind its creation have big plans and funding to make it happen.
A change in leadership for off-price stalwart TJX

One of the strongest performing retailers in the past few years will be getting a new CEO in January.

The company announced that current CEO and Chairman Carol Meyrowitz will step down and be succeeded by Ernie Herrman, 54, who will retain his current title as president of the company.
Ex-Walgreens exec to lead Fred's store operations

Fred’s Super Dollar has turned to an operational executive from Walgreens to take over as executive VP of store operations.

red's announced that John Foley has been appointed to the new role. Mike Holligan, who formerly served in this capacity, will move to the open position of regional VP store operations.
Survey: Smartphones transcend age

When it comes to a primary device, consumers of all ages make the same choice by a clear margin.

According to a new survey of 4,000 consumers from Adobe, 92% of millennials consider the smartphone as their primary device.

Tablets, however, show opposite age trends. While 72% of all consumers say they own tablets, baby boomers and 70 and over report higher usage. 87% of respondents use tablets at home, with 66% using it every day. Top activities include reading emails (72%), playing games (60%), sending emails (60%) and shopping (55%)