News

Study: Online fraud soars
The surge in fraudulent e-commerce transactions which was predicted in the wake of U.S. EMV compliance may already be happening.

According to the new Online Fraud Index from payment platform provider Pymnts.com and security technology vendor Forster, fraud attacks on U.S. online retailers rose 163% during the first three quarters of 2015. Interestingly, this large increase in online fraud preceded the Oct. 1, 2015 EMV mandate, although many retailers had already begun or even completed EMV compliance efforts during that time.
Nordstrom shows digital strength amid difficult Q4
Increased expenses and shrinking margins hurt Nordstrom profitability in the fourth quarter, but the leading department store and off-price retailer delivered on the e-commerce front.

Nordstrom said sales for the fourth quarter increased 5.2% to $4.1 billion and same store sales increased 1%. The company’s full price stores and Nordstrom.com grew sales 0.7% and same stores sales increased 0.2%. However, the growth was largely driven by Nordstrom.com sales which increased 11% and offset a 3.2% decline at physical stores.

New Shopify partnership turns influencers into retailers

E-commerce platform Shopify wants to help social media content creators expand into the world of online sales.

Shopify is partnering with FameBit, a Santa Monica, California-based platform that allows social media influencers and brands to collaborate for product and service endorsements. The new partnership will allow more than 31,000 of FameBit’s influencers to leverage Shopify’s VIP program and technology to expand into e-commerce.
Hhgregg names interim CEO; vows to continue transformation

Hhgregg CFO Robert Riesbeck is acting as interim CEO at the appliance, electronics and furniture retailer following the abrupt departure of longtime executive Dennis May.
Study: How quickly are retailers implementing EMV?

It has been roughly four months since the Oct. 1, 2015 liability mandate for U.S. retailers to adopt EMV – how much progress has been made?
Ollie’s owners ready to reduce interest in outlet chain

The majority owner of Ollie’s Bargain Outlet is looking to reduce its stake in the company following a holiday season sales performance CEO Mark Butler characterized as thrilling.
Study: Mobile commerce is going in one direction

The results are in, and there is no question about what is happening with mobile retail.

According to a new study of 1.4 billion online transactions during fourth quarter 2015 from performance marketing technology provider Criteo, mobile transaction share grew 15% from the same quarter the prior year. Mobile transactions accounted for 30% of all online transactions in the quarter.
Scandinavian retail concept makes its way to London

A Nordic lifestyle store has made its London debut.

Inspired by the hybrid café and retail concepts commonly found in Scandinavia, Blåbär features homeware and accessories from up and coming designers, vintage furniture and its own branded products all in a café environment serving Swedish foods and drinks.
Z Gallerie gets personal with style

There are a lot of options in decorating a home, and Los Angeles-based specialty home furnishings retailer Z Gallerie wants to match its offerings to customer tastes.

“We’ve been known for one particular style which our customers love and that we’ve done quite well with,” said Chris Nicklo, VP of customer and chief marketing officer of Z Gallerie, during an interview with Chain Store Age. “But to grow, we knew we would need to appeal to a broader spectrum of customers.”
New luxury retail project planned for Las Vegas

The nation’s gambling capital is getting another high-end retail center, this one with Paris accents.

Wynn Las Vegas announced the development of Wynn Plaza, a 75,518-sq.-ft. luxury retail center. Debuting fall 2017, the complex will support the existing luxury retail collection at Wynn Las Vegas and Encore, as well as bring the shopping experience to the high traffic area bordering Las Vegas Boulevard.