News

Survey: Retailers will love Valentine’s spending
Austin, Texas – Retailers should love the latest predictions for consumer spending on the upcoming Valentine’s Day holiday. According to a recent survey of about 1,000 U.S. adults by digital offers destination RetailMeNot, those surveyed who are in relationships are planning to spend an average of $148 on their significant other, up 30% from $114 in 2014.
Rent-A-Center posts a weak Q4
Rent-A-Center's Acceptance Now program has been a big hit with consumers, but the kiosks weren't enough to lift the company in the fourth quarter. The company reported a 28% increase in same store sales at the Acceptance Now kiosks, which allow customers to pick out items from certain retailers partnering with RAC. Rent-A-Center will buy the item and lease it to the customer with no credit check needed.

Report: Amazon, Sprint eye RadioShack stores

Fort Worth, Texas – As the New York Stock Exchange delists trading of its shares, beleaguered consumer electronics retailer RadioShack Corp. reportedly has at least two suitors interested in buying some of its stores. According to Bloomberg, both Amazon.com Inc. and Sprint Corp. are in discussions with RadioShack about possibly acquiring some stores, with RadioShack shuttering whatever stores were left.
Niemann Foods gives shoppers Birdzi mobile view

Quincy, Ill. - Niemann Foods, a regional independent grocer operating under the County Market banner, has selected Birdzi’s Shopper Engagement platform to provide its shoppers with new in-store services and personalized offers via the grocer’s branded mobile app. The Birdzi platform is currently deployed in eight County Market stores, but Niemann Foods plans to roll out the solution to all 45 of the grocer’s store locations in Iowa, Illinois and Missouri by second quarter 2015.
CVS overhauls its mobile apps

As more retailers embrace the growing opportunities in mobile technology, CVS has just announced an overhaul of its already top-rated app.
Survey: Majority of retailers plan to boost customer experience spend in 2015

WAKEFIELD, Mass. — More than 80% of retailers plan to increase their customer experience spending in 2015, according to a new survey from SDL, a provider of global customer experience, and Econsultancy.

Findings from the online survey, called The Retailer’s Imperative: A Strategic Approach to Customer Experience, reveal that North American retailers are past the stage of debating the importance of customer experience management and are now trying to master it.
3 Day Blinds personalizes content with Marketo

Irvine, Calif. – Custom window covering retailer 3 Day Blinds is taking customization to a new level. The company has selected the engagement marketing platform from Marketo Inc. to create and deliver personalized content to new and existing customers, drive revenue increases and streamline marketing activities.
Everything retailers need to know about minimum wage

Wage and hour issues are ever present in the retail industry. Retailers are under constant pressure to control expenses, the largest component of which is labor. In 2015, local, state and federal officials are poised to take actions that will likely increase the cost of labor for retailers. Retailers must remain alert for these coming changes and begin planning for their impact long before their effective dates.
CVS enhances mobile app

Woonsocket, R.I. - CVS/pharmacy today is transforming its mobile app with new features and an improved look and feel. With the goal of enhancing the customer experience, the CVS/pharmacy mobile app updates include:

• A home screen that is more personalized and user-friendly.

• An updated toolbar that makes features more readily accessible.
Feet and chocolate winning combination for Valentine’s Day

The phrase “two great tastes that taste great together,” is synonymous with the Reeses brand, but a new line of chocolates shaped like feet gives new meaning to that expression. A company called Toe-Rific Chocolates & Candy has introduced Valentoes, individually wrapped chocolate feet for those looking for a gifting alternative to flowers, jewelry and more conventional box chocolates.