News

Shakira to collaborate with Fisher-Price
Fisher-Price, Inc., has partnered with a global pop star mom and a philanthropist Shakira and the Barefoot Foundation to create a web series for moms and co-develop a new line of Babygear and toys.
“Once upon a time” ShoeBuy partnered with Cinderella
A shoe that once brought together Cinderella and Prince Charming has inspired a merchandizing fairy tale. ShoeBuy announced today its limited-time-only, exclusive collection "Once Upon a Time," inspired by Tony Award-winning musical Rodger and Hamerstein’s Cinderella.

Webinar: Learn how Dunkin’ Brands turns big data into a big advantage
Survey: Customers embrace mobile, seek improvements

Teaneck, N.J. –- Consumers have embraced the use of mobile devices for shopping, but are less than fully satisfied with the current mobile retail experience. According to a new survey of more than 5,000 shoppers in the U.S., U.K., Germany, and China from IT services and consulting firm Cognizant, 91% of shoppers have a mobile device, 78% have researched products on a mobile device before purchasing in the last year, and 42% of shoppers reported regularly researching products on a mobile device.
Digital Social Retail launches convergence platform for retail

Paris, France -- Digital Social Retail, a division of digital marketing agency Holosfind, is launching a digital convergence platform for the retail industry, integrating innovative technology and centralized management, for real-time streaming of audio and video content and personalized geolocation messaging. After 18 months of development and the signing of a joint venture for the acquisition of technology with the Israeli company Media TV, Digital Social Retail has introduced the Social Retail convergence platform.
Forrester: 90% of mobile users are “purchase holdouts”

New York -- Ninety percent of mobile phone users and 80% of tablet users are still “purchase holdouts” and have not made a purchase on these respective devices in the past three months, according to a Forrester survey of more than 4,000 respondents. Some 53% of holdouts cite that they avoid "checking out" on mobile devices simply because they are either used to buying, or find it easier to buy, on a PC.
Store of the Week: Bond No. 9, New York City

Bond No. 9 raises the bar for fragrance retailers with its redesigned flagship in downtown Manhattan. The space is transformed with glittering chandeliers, smoky mirrors and splashes of color. Read More
Ron Johnson launching start-up that helps online shoppers choose products

New York -- The cat is finally out of the bag. Former J.C. Penney CEO and Apple retail head Ron Johnson confirmed that he is launching a new company—but it’s not a tech-gadget delivery service as was widely rumored. Instead, the new initiative, set to launch in 2015, is designed to help online hoppers make the right product choices.
Commentary: Why The Big Hype Around Apple Pay?

By John Gessau, ACI Worldwide Wow. What a month in the world of mobile payments. So much has been said and written since Apple Pay was announced on Sept. 9th, up to its official launch on Monday, Oct. 20. If I had dollar for every time Apple Pay was mentioned in the press and in blogs, well… But Apple Pay isn’t the only thing that has happened since Sept. 9th. There has been a lot going on around the globe:
Expenses reduce Aaron’s net income; plans 142 new stores over next several years

Atlanta –- Aaron’s Inc.reported that its third quarter income fell 55% to $9.3 million, from $21.1 million the same quarter the prior year, amid expenses related to store closings, corporate realignment, executive retirements, the resolution of a regulatory investigation and the purchase of Progressive Finance Holdings. Revenues increased 32% to $707.6 million compared to $537.2 million, aided by the addition of Progressive revenue.
PayPal Canada launches Passport small business tool

Toronto -- PayPal Canada is launching PassPort, a website designed to help small businesses sell internationally. On the PassPort website, entrepreneurs can find export market specific guidance on seasonal sales peaks including holidays and events; cultural customs, taboos and trends; shipping and distribution logistics; currency exchange and fees; and customs procedures and taxes.
Tech Viewpoint: Responding to Online Shopping Store by Store

By Bill Bishop, Brick Meets Click Online food shopping has grown slowly until now, but it’s about to pick up speed. In fact, momentum is so strong, Brick Meets Click now projects online grocery will exceed 10% of total grocery sales in many larger markets by 2020. For some areas in the US, online grocery spending has already reached 6% or higher.