News

Retail loyalty is big business
Customers who belong to a retailer’s loyalty program spend more — significantly more — than those who do not. That’s according to a new study by Accenture Interactive, which found that members of retailers’ loyalty programs generate between 12% and 18% more revenue for retailers than those who do not belong. The report was based on a survey of U.S. retailers across specialty, big-box, department, drug and convenience stores.
The critical factor for consumers when shopping online is…
When it comes to providing a satisfactory customer experience, online retailers have to deliver on their promises. Sixty-six percent of e-commerce shoppers consider delivery a decisive factor when shopping online, according to a new study by enterprise delivery experience solution provider Convey. In addition, 70% of consumers report they are unlikely to return after a poor delivery experience.

ADA Litigation: Website Accessibility Claims on the Rise

Photo: Colin Calvert (Left) and Caroline Pham (Right)
Target rolls forward with Cartwheel

The Cartwheel couponing app from Target, which launched in 2013, is getting its biggest makeover yet. Having been used by more than 25 million customers to create a total savings of more than $500 million, Cartwheel will now offer a more personalized experience, among other upgrades.
Walmart cutting 1,500 back-office jobs — but associates not being laid off

Walmart is trimming administrative positions in some 500 stores in the West. According to multiple media reports, the discount giant will cut three backroom accounting and invoicing positions at each store, for a total of 1,500 jobs. Affected employees will not be laid off, but instead offered front-of-store roles such as pharmacy technician or assisting pickups of online orders. Invoicing tasks will be shifted to corporate headquarters in Arkansas, while accounting functions will be automated.
Father’s Day spending: Eight need-to-know items

Father’s Day is Sunday, June 18, and retailers and dads alike will have reason to smile, according to the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC). American adults who plan to consume this holiday will do so in a big way, spending an average of $169.60 at predominantly at physical retailers, according to ICSC’s most recent consumer survey. Here are eight specific findings:
Plenty of room for women at the top in retail

A Swedish retail giant that excels in fast-fashion is also a leader when it comes to breaking the glass ceiling. But a U.S. merchant is not that far behind.
Last-minute deal averts strike at landmark store

Macy’s has managed to avert what would have been the first strike at its most valuable property — its flagship in Manhattan — in over 40 years.
Simply Fresh by McCaffrey’s, Doylestown, Pennsylvania

A new, small-format grocery concept from McCaffrey's Food Markets — Simply Fresh by McCaffrey’s — has opened in a restored 1928 industrial deco building in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, that originally housed a Ford dealership.
Bed Bath & Beyond acquires home décor site — probably for a steal

Bed Bath & Beyond made another move to boost its online offerings by acquiring a home furnishings and home décor flash-sales site.