TECHNOLOGY

Report: Big increase in holiday offers — and related costs
Retailers continue to launch digital deals this holiday season to snag new customers — but these efforts come at a price. Retailers’ promotional offers are eclipsing 2015 efforts. Customer orders using a promotion are up 34% versus 2015, and up 52% over the holiday season (Nov. 1-Dec. 5) versus 2015 in North America.
Fitch Ratings: U.S. retail sales to grow 3% to 4% in 2017
Retailers and restaurants in the United States won’t get any relief in 2017 in the battle to win customers. That’s according to Fitch Ratings' Outlook report, which says that retailers will continue to face a competitive environment in 2017 as they navigate changing customer preferences.

Six disruptive digital trends for 2017

Retailers will engage new channels, “geek up” their stores, and use technology to refine inventory management and anticipate customer desires in 2017. That’s according to Software AG, which released a list of six disruptive digital trends retailers must address in 2017. Here’s a recap:
Sales and Coupons Remain Most Successful Tactic in Driving Holiday Shoppers to the Store

Holiday 2016 is proving to be both an opportunity and a challenge for retailers, as they’re faced with catering to the behaviors and preferences of multiple generations of shoppers. It’s becoming increasingly clear that Generation Z (children ages 10-17) consumers have a significant and growing influence on household spending. And as a result, new trends are emerging this holiday season, including the record mobile app purchases we saw on Black Friday/Thanksgiving weekend.
Publix comes out on top again

A Florida-based supermarket company tops J.D. Power’s 2016 U.S. Pharmacy Study. Publix Pharmacy, the in-store pharmacy at Publix Super Markets, came out on top in the J.D. Power report, a customer satisfaction benchmark study that provides pharmacy-specific performance comparisons among brick-and-mortar pharmacies.
Neiman Marcus mirror helps shoppers ‘reflect’ on makeup applications

Women have long struggled with how to recreate a look from a department store’s makeup artist. Neiman Marcus is now streamlining the task through its newest interactive mirror.
Coffee giant brings social gifting to China

On the heels of announcing its ambitious expansion strategy, Starbucks is putting another project on its plate.
Lowe’s looks to evolve with customer

At analyst and investor conference, the retailer says it will expand its home improvement reach. Lowe’s CEO Robert Niblock kicked off his presentation at the chain’s analyst and investor conference with the phrase: “To help people love where they live.”
Kantar Study: Dollar General and Walmart least expensive

It’s a draw. Dollar General and Walmart tied for the least expensive overall basket, at $27 each, in Kantar Retail's Opening Price Point Study, which seeks to determine how select retailers meet the grocery and consumable needs of shoppers looking for the lowest absolute shelf prices.
Ten Brands to Watch in 2017

Brand-building consultant Denise Lee Yohn has released her annual “Brands to Watch” list for 2017. There are 26 companies on the list, with retail and social media brands accounting for 10 of the spots. Here’s a review: Barnes & Noble. The venerable bookstore chain has let its CEO go, lowered sales expectations, and shrunk its footprint by dozens of stores. Meanwhile Amazon Books is opening stores. Is 2017 the year B&N’s death will become imminent?!