News

TechBytes: Three Retailers Who Threaten Amazon
Amazon.com is starting to appear like the ‘Teflon e-tailer.” According to eMarketer data, Amazon captured $79.3 billion in U.S. e-commerce sales between April 2015 and April 2016, growing 13% year-over-year. Its next-closest rival, Walmart, took in just $13.5 billion online in that period. However, Amazon may not be invincible. Here are three retailers who could pose a real challenge to Amazon’s e-commerce dominance:
Chargebacks 101: What E-Commerce merchants should know
Credit card chargebacks are a costly reality for online merchants. Chargebacks occur when customers contact their credit card issuers to dispute charges. If an issuer deems a dispute valid, the e-commerce merchant is required to pay the amount owed for the transaction plus a chargeback fee from the processer – which can range from $15 to $100.

Study: How to boost store conversion and traffic

Retailers are always asking how they can increase the numbers of shoppers who visit and buy goods at their stores. According to a study from store traffic and conversion measurement provider HeadCount, “In-store Traffic and Conversion Study: Retailers Find Keys to Impressive ROI,” the answer lies in combining data-driven coaching with analytics.
Ulta soars — online and in store

Ulta Beauty turned in what could be the best retail performance of the first quarter, posting strong brick-and-mortar and online growth and results that easily topped estimates. The company boosted its guidance for the year. Ulta’s net sales for the quarter, ended May 2, surged 23.7% to $1.07 billion, up from $868.1 million in the year-ago period, and surpassing estimates for $1.03 billion. E-commerce sales shot up 38.8% to $61.0 million from $44.0 million last year.
Today's Consumer is Smarter - Is Your Board?

Today, when it comes to adding new members to your board of directors, creating a balance between industry experience and innovation is extraordinarily important. Filling board seats with industry veterans and compliance experts may feel comfortable in the short term. But, to adapt to today's savvy and demanding consumer, companies must be more forward thinking.
Chargebacks 101: What E-Commerce merchants should know

Credit card chargebacks are a costly reality for online merchants. Chargebacks occur when customers contact their credit card issuers to dispute charges. If an issuer deems a dispute valid, the e-commerce merchant is required to pay the amount owed for the transaction plus a chargeback fee from the processer – which can range from $15 to $100.
Report: Twitter says ‘bye bye’ to buy button

Twitter, which has been piloting an embedded buy button in tweets since September 2014, is reportedly pulling the plug on the idea.
Leases for 320 Sports Authority stores to go to auction

Sports Authority’s remaining 320 store leases will be auctioned in June.
Big Lots makes big splash with profit growth, healthy sales

Another value retailer has posted a stellar first quarter, outshining traditional department stores and many specialty stores. Big Lots Inc. surpassed Wall Street expectations with net income and revenue performance that one major presidential candidate might term “huge.”
Gap exec moving over to specialty athletic retailer

A store development executive from Gap Inc. has been tapped to head up real estate for Foot Locker. Foot Locker announced the appointment of Scott Martin as senior VP – real estate, effective June 13. Martin succeeds Jeffrey Berk, who retired in April after almost 20 years with the company.