News

Survey: Many retailers fail to target new customers
Every retailer wants to acquire new customers, but apparently not every retailer knows how to draw them in. New data from loyalty intelligence provider Colloquy and sponsored by Chase Merchant Services show that a whopping 60% of retailers admitted they don't have a good process in place for effectively targeting new customers.

In addition, 85% of retailers are in search of ways to add value to their retail offering outside of discounts, promotions and /or loyalty programs.
Kohl’s promotes “We’re Open Non-Stop” Dec. 19 through Christmas Eve
Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin - Kohl’s Department Stores has gotten in on the non-stop holiday shopping action by promoting itself as the place to be for “A Sale So Big We’re Open Non-Stop” beginning 6 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 19 through 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve, Wednesday, Dec. 24.

Walmart unveils new poultry rules

Walmart is instituting new rules on poultry safety as the company looks to protect customers from foodborne illness.

Walmart’s enhanced poultry safety measures will require poultry suppliers to achieve prevention-based certification by one of the Global Food Safety Initiative's recognized standards. Walmart said poultry suppliers must implement "holistic controls" from farm to fork; the controls must significantly reduce potential contamination levels, including chicken parts.
Meijer makes holiday magic for customers

Meijer has made the holidays a lot merrier for 213 very special customers.

The retailer picked 213 customers at random to get a big surprise at checkout: their entire shopping cart filled with gifts and groceries was given to them as a holiday gift.
Starbucks anticipates record gift card purchases Dec. 24

Seattle - Starbucks Corp. anticipates record purchases of Starbucks gift cards on Dec. 24, citing the trend for customers to push their gift card purchases later and later. In 2013, more than 2 million Starbucks Cards were purchased in the U.S. and Canada on Christmas Eve, representing nearly 1,500 cards purchased per minute.
Chinese search engine Baidu invests in Uber

Beijing – Baidu, China’s leading search engine, is investing an unspecified amount of money in U.S. online transportation service Uber. Under the terms of the agreement, Baidu will invest in Uber and enable users of Baidu Map and Mobile Baidu, Baidu’s flagship mobile search app, to connect easily with Uber driver-partners.
Shopping app Piccing launches with $3.6M

Piccing, a “social-shopping” platform, has raised $3.62 million from undisclosed investors, the company announced.

The company’s web and iOS app lets users upload or bookmark images — the latter, Pinterest-style — wherein they can add up to five hotspots tied to items found in each image, thereby helping to make those images “shoppable.”

Users browsing or searching via the platform can click on any image’s hotspots — dubbed “piccs” — to buy the product or see similar items.
Kidswear retailer Souris Mini maxes omnichannel CRM with Raymark

Montreal, Canada – Specialty childrenswear retailer Souris Mini has selected Raymark's omni-channel customer relationship management (CRM) solution to support strategic initiatives in streamlining marketing activities and improving customer communications. The retailer, with more than 30 locations on two continents, is modernizing the way it engages with customers across all channels, with the project currently underway.
Ex-Toys chief to run Hudson's Bay Co.

Hudson’s Bay Co. has looked to a Toys “R” Us veteran as its pick for its next CEO effective Jan. 5, although current CEO Richard Baker will stay on as governor and executive chairman of the retailing company.

Gerald Storch, an industry veteran with over 30 years of experience, oversaw the expansion of Toys “R” Us online and international business. Prior to joining the toy giant, he was vice chairman of Target Corp., where he founded Target.com, and ran the chain’s grocery business.
CVS offers omnichannel holiday promotion

Woonsocket, R.I. – CVS/pharmacy is making it an omnichannel holiday for its customers this year. Consumers can follow @CVS_Extra on Twitter to learn about upcoming promotions and ways to win a variety of gift items through special contests.