News

Report: Another player to enter digital payment game
Boston – The increasingly crowded digital payment field will soon have a new player. According to Bloomberg, the retailer-backed Merchant Customer Exchange (MCX) is preparing to launch a trial of its CurrentC digital payment solution in stores.
Tech Bytes: Data Security: Two Don’ts and One Do
Data security has been a hot topic in the world of retail IT lately. Based on some recent retail data security-related news items, I have compiled a list of two don’ts and one do when it comes to securing your data.

Don’t outsource whole portions of your e-commerce platform

Walmart hatches an exceptional partnership

Months after urging its food producers to improve their animal welfare practices, Walmart has decided to expand distribution of the leading free range egg brand in the U.S.

The happy egg co. is the only U.S. egg brand that is 100% free range with a hen welfare program that covers everything from living conditions to feed to the expertise of the caregivers. To continue its mission of providing humanely produced eggs at an affordable price to consumers nationwide, the happy egg co. says it will now be available in 1,600 Walmart retail locations throughout the U.S.
Report: Another digital giant overtakes Wal-Mart

Seattle – Last month Facebook overtook Wal-Mart in valuation, and now another digital giant has reportedly achieved the same feat. According to the Associated Press, after intense after-hours trading, which followed Amazon’s rare report of a second quarter fiscal 2015 profit, Amazon now has market capitalization of about $264 billion.
West Elm eyes downtown Charleston, S.C.

West Elm plans to open a 10,000-square-foot shop in one of the most up and comng urban centers in the South.

The store will open with West Elm’s fall 2015 product assortment, a suite of complimentary design services and feature crafted goods by nine local artists and makers as part of West Elm’s “Local” initiative. The new store is expected to bring an estimated 25-30 jobs to the Charleston community.
Lowe’s Canada keeps growing

Lowe's Canada announced that in addition to completing the acquisition of 12 former Target sites, the company also plans to open two more locations in Ontario. Construction is currently underway in Ancaster and Mississauga, representing an additional investment in excess of approximately $38 million (C$50 million.)
Report: Major new player may enter grocery vertical

Seattle – Everyone from mass merchandisers to dollar stores has been getting into the grocery business in recent years, and the vertical may soon have a new and very large participant.
The Clymb minds members, merchandise

Portland, Ore. – Specialty membership-based outdoor retailer The Clymb targets active consumers with an active, content-driven marketing strategy. The Clymb drives people to its e-commerce site with content such as photos of outdoor activities on social networks like Instagram.
Starbucks and Lyft teach retailers a lesson

A unique arrangement between Starbucks and ride-sharing service Lyft should serve as a blueprint for the rest of the retail industry when it comes to developing unconventional partnerships that lead to new growth possibilities.
Report: Amazon gets the fashion picture in U.K.

Seattle – Amazon.com is always trying to improve its overseas operations, and now the e-commerce titan is “getting the picture” in the U.K. market. According to TechCrunch, Amazon has opened a 46,000-sq.-ft. photography studio in London.