TECHNOLOGY

Study: Most consumers believe their payment data is at risk
Consumers across the globe agree that volume of criminals trying to steal their credit and debit card data is increasing — and retailers aren’t equipped to fight back. This was according to “Consumer Payment Card Data Security Perceptions, from Transaction Network Services (TNS). The study interviewed 1,037 U.S. adults, 1,002 Australian adults, and 1,010 U.K. adults between May 4-May 8.
Walmart marketplace expands breadth of merchandise
Walmart is streamlining how its third-party suppliers connect with its marketplace. Acenda announced Wednesday that it has integrated with Walmart.com's global marketplace, connecting Acenda store owners and third-party sellers with Walmart's significant customer base. Acenda now helps retailers and brands optimize their product listings across major marketplaces including Walmart, Amazon, Google and eBay as well as leading retailers.

Toy retailer’s concept store steps up digital game

Toys “R” Us is pulling out the stops to engage its in-store shoppers. The toy retailer describes its concept store in Langley, British Columbia, as “the evolution of our digital future.” To maintain this reputation, Toys “R” Us is partnering with Cineplex Digital Media, and adding an in-store digital signage and kiosk network.
Study: Consumers are reigning in back-to-school budgets, visits

Families are keeping back-to-school shopping — and spending — simple. Nearly two-thirds of families budgeted $250 or less for all their back-to-school needs, with only a quarter indicating they will spend between $251 and $500. With tight budgets, families are focusing on price and selection when it comes to buying goods for their youngsters.
J.C. Penney ups the ante with Apple Pay

A department store retailer is stepping up its mobile game — in more ways than one. J.C Penney now accepts Apple Pay across all of its stores nationwide. This addition enables customers to electronically pay with multiple versions of the iPhone and the Apple Watch.
Luxury retailer launches online in China

Louis Vuitton is making a move to grab its share of the booming online shopping market in China. The French fashion brand quietly debuted an e-commerce website that sells leather goods, small leather goods, shoes, accessories, watch and jewelry, luggage, and perfume. The site marks Louis Vuitton’s 11th e-commerce market since it launched its first site in France in 2005, according to CNBC.
Study: Optimistic buzz connected to Amazon, Whole Foods Market deal

Customers that shop at both Amazon and Whole Foods Market are the most upbeat about the online giant’s purchase of the natural foods grocer. This was according to a new GfK report that was conducted among 1,000 US adults (ages 18 and above) using KnowledgePanel, the company’s probability-based online panel that represents the adult U.S. population. Responses were collected from June 23-26.
Sprint mocks rival in pop-up store stunt
Amazon’s fulfillment arm will pay full price to bolster global inventory

Amazon is making its marketplace sellers an offer that is hard to refuse. The online giant’s Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) division is rolling out a new program that will buy products from third-party merchants at full price, then sell them to consumers across the globe. The program is a move to build Amazon’s global inventory, according to CNBC.
Fast-food giant automates development strategy

Subway is more accurately planning new locations. The fast-causal restaurant chain is partnering with location intelligence provider SiteZues, to augment its development strategy. The company’s data-driven solution will combine advanced geospatial technology and visualization with Subway’s market data. The result will be more thorough and accurate insights — the foundation Subway needs to plan and expand its market growth.