News

New York — More than half of consumers are either unsure or not confident at all in the security of their personal information when shopping both in-store (58%) and online (63%), which could impact holiday shopping, according to a new survey by KPMG.  Twenty-seven percent of of respondents indicate they will only shop at a store that previously experienced a cyberattack if they cannot find the product elsewhere, with 8% refusing to shop at these stores all together. 
 

Cambridge, Mass. — New customers whose first transaction involves a discount or special offer are 50% less likely to return to make a second purchase. According to a new study from loyalty technology provider Coherent Path Inc., customers who visit an e-commerce site for the first time and make a purchase at full-price are more than twice as likely to make a second visit.   

Retail maintenance work isn’t what it used to be. For one thing, it started to turn eco-friendly several years ago. The trend remains strong, and the good news is that green is finally becoming affordable, thanks to growing demand.

When it comes to facility maintenance, going green starts with the purchase of environmentally sensitive cleaning supplies, agents and equipment. The materials must be disposed of or recycled, and the tools needed may be different from traditional ones.

Atlanta - The Home Depot Inc. faces at least 44 lawsuits connected with a data breach that affected the retailer from April-September 2014. In a regulatory filing, the retailer said state and federal agencies are investigating the breach and more legal action is possible. The Home Depot also said ongoing breach-related investigation and litigation could affect operations and distract management, as well as incur additional unspecified costs and fines.

Columbus, Ohio – DSW Inc. exceeded Wall Street expectations for net income and sales in the third quarter of fiscal 2014. Net income fell a less than expected 10% to $49.55 million from $54.96 million the same quarter a year earlier, with higher operating expenses and lower pretax income contributing to the decline. Sales totaled $670 million compared to $633 million and same-store sales rose 2.6%.

Few retailers have as much at stake this holiday season as RadioShack which explains why the company made the high risk move of relaunching its Web site just days before the busiest shopping weekend of the year.

The struggling retailer said the redesign of RadioShack.com offers an easier user experience and comes just in time for the holiday season and kicks off a week of free shipping offers on promotionally priced goods.

Washington - The Conference Board said Tuesday that consumer confidence in November fell to a reading of 88.7, down from a revised 94.1 in October. The drop, which surprised analysts, put the index at its lowest level since June.   "Consumer confidence retreated in November, primarily due to reduced optimism in the short-term outlook,” said Lynn Franco, director of economic indicators, Conference Board.  

New York has unseated Hong Kong for the dubious distinction as the world’s most expensive shopping destination, according to a fascinating new report examining 330 markets worldwide.