TECHNOLOGY

Report: Online sales alter trade and brand marketing
As retail sales shift from offline to e-commerce, marketers must learn to adjust trade strategies and budgets to be successful in a digital world.
Regional supermarket chain steps up promotional game
Weis Markets knows the key to driving loyalty is to deliver value. In a move that will improve its marketing and promotions operations, the regional grocer has partnered with dunnhumby and Aptaris. By integrating an enterprise promotional planning, price optimization, modeling and forecasting system, Weis is one step closer to increasing sales, improving customer loyalty and building a more profitable and competitive market position.

Ikea expands breadth through third-party sales

Ikea is getting in on the online marketplace game. The home furnishings giant is embarking on a test that will focus on selling its products on websites other than its own. This move will get merchandise in front of more online customers, according to Reuters.
Study: The most popular store credit card is...

A retailer that does nearly all of its transactions online has the most popular store credit card. Amazon wins the store card battle, ranking as the top choice among consumers with store cards (32%), followed closely by Target (30%) and then Macy’s (24%).
Analyst: Across the board adoption of Amazon Prime not imminent

Approximately 80% of low-income households will not opt for Amazon's new discounted Prime program. That's according to a broadlines and hardlines retail report by Gordon Haskett Research Advisors analyst Chuck Grom, which looks at Amazon, Walmart, Dollar General and Dollar Tree as Amazon announced discounted Prime membership for those on federal assistance. Here are excerpts from Grom's report:
Harris: Retailers take top spots in social responsibility poll

Consumers rank Wegmans, Publix Super Markets, and Amazon.com as the top three companies when it comes to corporate social responsibility efforts.
J.C. Penney concept targets collegiates

J.C. Penney is determined to become college-bound co-eds’ shopping destination for all of their dorm room needs.
Study: Fulfillment costs erode up to 70% of brands’ order value

Complexities associated with online shipping and fulfillment are eating into retailers’ profitability. This was according to “Strategies for Agile, Profitable and Secure Omnichannel Execution.” The report, from Radial, revealed that more than 55% of customers are using multiple channels, such as online and mobile to shop.
Study: Shoppers drawn to smart devices stay abreast of security

A majority of Americans want to use connected devices to make purchases, yet they are keeping a keen eye on securing personal data.
Beauty retailer steps up augmented reality offering

Sephora is upgrading its app-based digital makeover experience. The beauty chain is expanding the functionality of its Sephora Virtual Artist, an augmented reality-based feature on its mobile app that enables shoppers to digitally try on make-up. The app’s new Cheek Try On service allows users to virtually try on over 1,000 shades of cheek color, including blush, bronzer, contour, and highlighter shades available in single colors and palettes.