Sephora Encourages Innovation In Mobile Beauty Market By Supporting Tech Startups March 11, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Sephora supports innovation in the beauty mobile market by backing several business startups focused on creating new roles for the smartphone in scheduling beauty appointments and attracting shoppers. As part of this initiative, Sephora launched the Sephora Accelerate, an incubation program for beauty startups. For the 2016 Sephora Accelerate Cohort, the company announced its lineup of women entrepreneurs who will participate in the business and innovation promotion program. Among the entrepreneurs are Candace Mitchell, Carolina Grove, and Danielle Cohen-Shohet. Brielle Jaekel, "Sephora sparks mobile beauty growth by supporting startups", Luxury Daily , March 11, 2016, © Napean LLC

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Instacart Gains Firmer Foothold In Whole Foods’ World March 10, 2016: 12:00 AM EST The 18-month, 17-city partnership between Whole Foods Market and the Instacart delivery service has been successful enough that the two companies are extending it. They will launch services in ”several” metropolitan areas this year, beginning with Orange County, Calif., and Baltimore, Md. The companies also expect to create new e-commerce and delivery solutions, while adding more stores that offer the Instacart delivery option. The extended relationship means Instacart is Whole Foods’ largest online ordering and delivery partner. "Whole Foods Market and Instacart announce new markets, growth plans", Whole Foods Market, March 10, 2016, © Whole Foods Market

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Alibaba-Tencent Rivalry Now Reaches China's Energy Industry March 10, 2016: 12:00 AM EST China’s largest Internet companies, Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. and Tencent Holdings Ltd., expanded their rivalry to include the country’s oil and gas industries. Alibaba agreed to provide China National Petroleum Corp., the local oil and gas production giant, with Internet-based services. Alibaba’s deal came after Tencent signed in August 2014 a collaboration deal with China Petroleum & Chemical Corp., which operates more than 30,000 fuel stations across the country, in areas including mobile payments and media marketing. Aibing Guo et al, "Alibaba and Tencent Extend Their Web Battle to the Gas Station", Bloomberg Business, March 10, 2016, © Bloomberg L.P.

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Amazon Gets Own Air-Freight Arm March 9, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Online retailer Amazon is leasing 20 Boeing 767 freighter planes, according to Air Transport Services Group. Part of Amazon’s efforts to gain more control of the delivery process, expand delivery capacities during peak season, and lower its freight costs, the deal comes with lease durations of 5–7 years for the planes. Also, the deal includes Amazon buying a 19.9 percent stake in ATSG. Leena Rao, "Amazon Is Leasing 20 Boeing Planes to Create an Air Cargo Network", Fortune, March 09, 2016, © Time Inc.

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Carrefour's Website Grabs Best Honors Among Supermarkets In Spain March 8, 2016: 12:00 AM EST French retailer Carrefour’s website www.carrefour.es was voted the best online store for the supermarkets and hypermarkets category in Spain. Based on input from consumers who voted for their favorite websites on www.webshopdelano.es, criteria for choosing the winners included value for money, promotions and special offers, product selection, and customer service. In 2015, Carrefour Spain’s website recorded 45.9 million page hits, with the online food store accounting for 9.7 million. "The website carrefour.es voted "Web Shop of the Year" in Spain", Carrefour, March 08, 2016, © Carrefour

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Walmart's E-Commerce Investments Fail To Boost Online Retail Business March 8, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Retail giant Walmart’s e-commerce business is seeing slower growth. According to the company, its e-commerce business grew 8 percent in its latest quarter, down from 22 percent in the fourth quarter of 2015, and 30 percent from two years ago. In contrast, rival Target expanded its e-commerce business 34 percent in its latest quarter. Also, Target has been able to post consistent growth in the last few years, with its e-commerce sales growing at least 20 percent on a quarterly basis for the past year. Walmart’s investments in its e-commerce business have so far failed to boost growth. For example, its Shipping Pass service, which offers unlimited three-day shipping for $50 a year, has failed to generate consumer interest. Walmart hopes to improve its e-commerce performance through its Walmart Pay mobile wallet service. Kate Taylor, "Walmart is getting killed in the most important category", Business Insider, March 08, 2016, © Business Insider Inc.

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More Digital Buyers In India Buy From Digital Stores Daily, Study Reveals March 7, 2016: 12:00 AM EST In India, 12 percent of digital buyers said they shop online or via digital channels on a daily basis in 2015, an increase of 33 percent compared with data from 2013, according to research from the Retailers Association of India and PricewaterhouseCoopers. Data also revealed 39 percent of respondents said they do digital shopping on a weekly basis, compared with 31 percent in 2013. Results of the survey revealed 16 percent of digital shoppers made in-store purchases daily, compared with 15 percent in 2013. "How Often Do India's Digital Buyers Shop?", eMarketer, March 07, 2016, © eMarketer Inc.

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India's Fast-Growing E-Commerce Has Major Impact On Local, International Markets March 5, 2016: 12:00 AM EST India’s $16 billion e-commerce market is the fastest growing in the world. Although smaller than other markets, India has attracted large e-commerce companies, including U.S.-based Amazon and China’s Alibaba, which compete with domestic  firms. Also, India’s e-commerce market is likely to cause three significant changes in socio-economic conditions: it can speed up financial development; e-commerce companies can help overcome the country’s infrastructure limitations and its vast geography; and it can have a big impact on the country’s retail segment. "India online: E-commerce in emerging markets", The Economist, March 05, 2016, © The Economist Newspaper Limited

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Technology Enables Customers To Create Personalized Beauty Buying Experience, Studies Reveal March 2, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Consumers prefer to use technology to create their own personalized experience when shopping for beauty products. Mintel said its latest study revealed 45 percent of beauty consumers saying they want to search for product information in-store using their mobile devices, according to Mintel. Beauty channels can help drugstore chains and mass market operators to attract millennial shoppers; however, they will have to compete with specialty retailers, such as Sephora and Ulta. Data from TABS showed Sephora and Ulta have the highest cosmetics penetration growth in 2015, with 41 percent for Ulta and 25 percent for Sephora. Lonni Delane, "What’s Next: The personalized beauty shopping experience", Drug Store News, March 02, 2016, © Drug Store News

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After Missing 2015 E-Commerce Goal, Target Pledges To Spend $2 Billion Each Year On Improving Online Operations March 2, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Retailer Target said that, starting in 2017, it plans to spend $2 billion a year on expanding its e-commerce operations. After reporting a 34 percent increase in online sales during the last holiday season, the company said it plans to invest $1.8 billion in 2016 on capital projects, mostly on e-commerce and supply chain improvements. For full-year 2015, Target’s e-commerce grew 31 percent, failing to reach CEO Brian Cornell’s promise to Wall Street to reach 40 percent. Its e-commerce investment announcement means the company intends to never miss the target again. Phil Wahba , "Target Lays Out Multi-Billion Dollar E-Commerce Plan", Fortune.com, March 02, 2016, © Time Inc

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Amazon Signs Deal To Sell Products From UK Retailer Morrison February 29, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Online retailer Amazon.com Inc. agreed to sell hundreds of products supplied by UK-based grocery chain Wm Morrison Supermarkets Plc. Marking a first of its kind in the country, the deal is expected to add more pressure on an already highly competitive grocery market. UK’s retail market has been dealing with the effects of increased minimum wage and a price war caused by the expansion of discount retailers. Paul Jarvis, "Amazon Steps Up U.K. Grocery Advance With Morrison Agreement", Bloomberg, February 29, 2016, © Bloomberg L.P.

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Sephora Opens Online Store In Malaysia February 24, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Beauty retailer Sephora opened its online store sephora.my in Malaysia. Sephora made the announcement of the store opening following its acquisition of local independent beauty online retailer Luxola. According to Sephora Asia president Anne-Veronique Bruel, by acquiring Luxola, Sephora gained access to an opportunity to expand into the local online beauty market and speed up the company’s growth in the country and in Southeast Asia. Bervin Cheong, "Sephora online store launches in Malaysia", star2.com, February 24, 2016, © Star Media Group Berhad

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Artisan Bread Community Thrives In “On-The-Go” World February 24, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Food writer Ashlie Stevens reports a steady rise in the amount of information available about artisan bread making on the Internet. That includes Instagram posts (43,000), searchable Twitter hashtags (#justbaked, #breakingbread, and #loafingaround), and scads of YouTube videos and blogs. It’s a remarkable phenomenon that is “increasingly anomalous in a world of fast food and microwave meals.” Making artisan bread is a process that requires huge amounts of time, because it is manual labor and “non-tech assisted.” It also uses quality ingredients. It is a social phenomenon – an online artisan bread community – that in the digital age helps bread makers of all types enhance their skills and even grow businesses. Ashlie Stevens, "The unexpected rise of artisan bread in the on-demand era", The Daily Dot, February 24, 2016, © The Daily Dot, LLC

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Whole Foods Invests In Instacart; Makes Startup Exclusive Delivery Provider February 23, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Whole Foods agreed to invest in delivery startup Instacart. Also, the companies signed a five-year delivery partnership deal, making Instacart the exclusive delivery service provider for Whole Foods’ perishables business. Instacart’s deal with Whole Foods provides the startup with improved stability and credibility; however, its other grocery partners could have issues with the deal. Jason Del Rey, "Whole Foods to Invest in Instacart, Signs New Multi-Year Delivery Deal", Re/Code, February 23, 2016, © Vox Media, Inc.

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To Succeed In The Mobile Wallet Arena, Walmart Needs A Loyalty Component February 22, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Walmart’s venture into mcommerce – the mobile wallet Walmart Pay – is a good start, but it lacks a customer loyalty component that would keep it competitive with Apple Pay and retail competitors’ mobile payment platforms. The key to winning mobile shoppers is to emphasize the benefits of Walmart Pay. That means initially the simple convenience of paying with a phone, but also the offer of added value, such as a well-structured in-app loyalty program that would include the ability to redeem offers and earn loyalty points in one transaction. Alex Samuely, "How Walmart Pay could help the mass merchant compete against Amazon", Mobile Commerce Daily, February 22, 2016, © Napean LLC.

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Wal-Mart Suffers Setback In Bid To Catch Up With Online Rival Amazon February 18, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Wal-Mart’s global e-commerce sales grew 8 percent in the fourth quarter, which covered the months of November 2015 to January 2016. Despite the retailer’s efforts to ramp up online sales and narrow the gap with rival Amazon, growth was at its slowest during the quarter. To help boost online sales, Wal-Mart plans to expand its online offerings and increase the number of stores where online shoppers can pick up their orders. Phil Wahba, "Walmart Loses Ground To Amazon in E-Commerce Battle", Fortune, February 18, 2016, © Time Inc.

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MNC Launches BrandOutlet Online Store In Indonesia February 18, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Investment company MNC Group launched BrandOutlet, an online store for high-end beauty and fashion products in Indonesia. Highlighting the potential of Internet-based retail in the country, the online store comes with a product lineup that is 60 percent made up of local brands. Operating on a multi-channel basis across mobile and desktop, the store also comes with a dedicated blog. Lucy Whitehouse, "Premium beauty and fashion e-commerce site launched in Indonesia", CosmeticDesign-Asia.com, February 18, 2016, © William Reed Business Media SAS

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Digital-Enabled Beauty Shoppers Not Likely To Seek Help From Sales Associates, Study Reveals February 10, 2016: 12:00 AM EST In the United States, 16 percent of consumers shopping for beauty products prefer to buy at stores where sales associates will not bother them until assistance is sought, according to Mintel. Data from the market research firm revealed 45 percent of beauty shoppers like to search for product information in-store using their own mobile device rather than seek help from a sales associate. Also, 39 percent of respondents said they are interested in using, or have used, a store-provided tablet to look for available beauty products. Data also showed 58 percent of consumers are interested in mobile apps that feature product offers to redeem in-store. "45% of US beauty consumers prefer mobile devices over sales associates for in-store assistance", Mintel, February 10, 2016, © Mintel Group Ltd.

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Amazon's Physical-Store Plans Create Seismic Shocks For Brick-And-Mortar Retail Market February 9, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Reports of Amazon’s plan to open 300 to 400 brick-and-mortar stores caused significant speculation on the online retailer’s future business strategies and their implications for the retail market. Discussion among market observers focused on how Amazon could use technology and data analytics to innovate in the physical-stores sector. Wharton management professor Daniel Raff said Amazon’s brick-and-mortar bookstore in Seattle offers some insights into the online retailer’s future plans. "How Amazon Could Reinvent the Brick-and-mortar Store Experience", Wharton University of Pennsylvania, February 09, 2016, © Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania

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Millennials Will Drive Consumption Trends In 2016, Webinar Reveals February 8, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Millennial consumers are expected to have significant influence on consumption trends in 2016, according to the “Top 10 Global Consumer Trends for 2016” webinar. Consumers are likely to continue using social media to rant against greenwashing, or brands’ insincere displays of caring for the environment. Also, demand for recycled and pre-owned products is forecast to gain strength. For millennials, owning an automobile is no longer an “icon of freedom” but more of a “strain on their finances and the environment.” Daphne Kasriel-Alexander , "Top 10 Global Consumer Trends for 2016: Webinar Q&As", Euromonitor International, February 08, 2016, © Euromonitor

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Wal-Mart Shutters Express Concept; Finds Urban Expansion Dream Elusive February 4, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Wal-Mart’s move to close its Wal-Mart Express stores highlights the retailer’s preference to operate large-format stores. In 2011, Wal-Mart designed its Express stores as a means to launch its business in urban centers. Wal-Mart’s efforts to open locations in major cities, such as New York and Washington, D.C., have faced opposition. Sharon Edelson , "Bigger Is Still Better at Wal-Mart", Women’s Wear Daily, February 04, 2016, © Fairchild Fashion Media

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Younger Consumers Prefer Mobile Shopping, Study Reveals February 4, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Generation Z consumers are four times more likely to use their mobile phones to buy online, compared with Baby Boomers, according to the “GfK FutureBuy 2015” report. Results of the study revealed women are more likely to use mobile devices at 32 percent share of shopping, compared with men at 22 percent share. Data also revealed younger generations tend to use mobile devices when making online purchases, compared with consumers from the older age groups. Also, consumers’ previous experience and in-store environment are the most important factors influencing online buying behavior. "GfK FutureBuy 2015 Select US Market Findings Highlights", GfK FutureBuy, February 04, 2016, © GfK

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Amazon Reports Strong Sales And Revenue Growths In 4Q And Full-Year 2015 January 28, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Online retailer Amazon.com, Inc., said operating cash flow jumped 74 percent to $11.9 billion for the year ending December 31, 2015, compared with the previous year. Free cash flow increased to $7.3 billion, compared with $1.9 billion for the year ending December 31, 2014. For the quarter ending December 31, 2015, net sales rose 22 percent to $35.7 billion, compared with $29.3 billion in the same quarter of 2014. Net sales grew 26 percent, excluding the $1.2 billion unfavorable impact of year-over-year charges in foreign exchange rates during the quarter. Net income was $482 million, or $1 per diluted share, compared with net income of $214 million, or $0.45 per diluted share in the fourth quarter of 2014. "Amazon.com Announces Fourth Quarter Sales up 22% to $35.7 Billion", Amazon, January 28, 2016, © Amazon.com, Inc.

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Brazil's Online Retail Market Forecast To Reach $40.8 Billion By 2019, Market Analysts Say January 26, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Online sales in Brazil are forecast to rise from $17.8 billion in 2014 to $40.8 billion by 2019, according to data presented by Costs Advogados partner Marcio Cots at a panel presentation hosted by the Brazilian American Chamber of Commerce in New York City. According to AD. Dialeto founding partner Leonardo Cid Ferreira, Brazilian consumers use online resources and social media to gather information, buy, and keep up with fashion and beauty trends. Consumers use e-commerce for “easy replenishment,” lower prices, and convenience of delivery. Deanna Utroske, "Brazil’s recession is an e-commerce opportunity for personal care brands", CosmeticsDesign.com | USA, January 26, 2016, © William Reed Business Media SAS

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China's E-Commerce Market Grows 37 Percent In 2015, Study Reveals January 25, 2016: 12:00 AM EST China’s e-commerce market grew 37 percent in terms of gross merchandise value in 2015 to 3.8 trillion yuan, or $578 billion, according to iResearch. Data from the market research firm’s “2015 China E-commerce & O2O Summary Report” revealed mobile and online-to-offline markets drove the market’s overall growth. O2O gross merchandising volume rose 38 percent year-on-year in 2015, with sales reaching 335 billion yuan, or $51 billion. According to iResearch, the country’s O2O sector is forecast to grow to almost double its size in the next three years to 626 billion yuan, or $95 billion. Casey Hall, "Chinese E-commerce Growth Continues", Women’s Wear Daily, January 25, 2016, © Fairchild Fashion Media

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Wal-Mart, Amazon Plan To Invest Over Rs 2,000 Crore In India January 23, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Retailer Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and online retailer Amazon plan to invest more than Rs 2,000 crore to build their respective networks and expand their shares of India’s retail market. Expected to reach over $1 trillion in size in 2020, India’s retail sector will see Amazon investing Rs 1,696 crore in its Amazon Seller Services business. This raises Amazon’s total investment in the business to about Rs 4,800 crore. Wal-Mart Stores will invest Rs 360 crore to expand its lineup of wholesale stores in the country. Sagar Malviya, "Retail giants Amazon, Walmart to invest more than Rs 2,000 crore in India", Economic Times, January 23, 2016, © Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd.

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Store Closures Show Walmart's Tough Enough To Make Hard Decisions January 21, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Walmart’s decision to close 269 stores worldwide, 154 in the United States, highlights changes in both how the company operates and in the retail market. Walmart’s move is based on a “clear-eyed, uncompromising, even unsentimental decision-making,” highlighting the company’s newly found discipline under its CEO Doug McMillon. These store closings, however, could also be a sign that Walmart moved too late even though it has all the needed resources to adapt to changes in the market. Walmart has failed to innovate. For example, it has all the data on consumer buying habits, but failed to create an easy, automated shopping process using such information. Charles Fishman, "This Is What It Looks Like When Walmart Tries To Get Its Mojo Back", Fast Company, January 21, 2016, © Mansueto Ventures LLC

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Aldi’s First Online Store In U.K. Sells Wine In Cases January 20, 2016: 12:00 AM EST German discount grocer Aldi has opened an online store in the U.K. selling, for now at least, only wine in cases. The company offers 90 wines on its website with home delivery available except in Northern Ireland for the time being. Customers who buy at least ₤50 ($71.00) worth earn free shipping. The company said it would add non-food products to the website, including cycling gear, power tools and Halloween outfits, somewhere beginning in the second quarter of this year. "Aldi opens its first online store in the UK", Ecommerce News, January 20, 2016, © Zietuwel

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New MasterCard Groceries App Will Work With Samsung’s IoT Refrigerator January 20, 2016: 12:00 AM EST MyWebGrocer, a provider of e-commerce and digital marketing solutions to the grocery industry, says it is working with MasterCard to introduce grocers to a new shopping app, dubbed Groceries by MasterCard. Consumers can use the app to buy groceries via the Samsung Family Hub refrigerator, an implementation of “Internet of Things” (IoT) technologies. The Groceries app will help consumers build, share, manage and modify shopping lists, place orders and make payments through a seamless, collaborative interface. The refrigerator was introduced at the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show and will be available for purchase in the U.S. in May of 2016. "MyWebGrocer Partners with MasterCard to Connect Consumers and Grocers via Smart Fridge", News release, MyWebGrocer, January 20, 2016, © MyWebGrocer

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Mix Of Paper Versus Mobile Retail Coupons Shifts January 19, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Kantar Media’s report on the use of freestanding advertising inserts (FSI) by the top ten U.S. retailers – who account for 81 percent of such advertising – finds Walmart remains the heaviest user, even though it has trimmed pages by a third. In second place was Target, which cut its FSI pages by 25 percent, while Walgreens was third, with a 38.4 percent decrease. The declines in paper couponing may be due to increased use of mobile coupons. Nearly 45 percent of U.S. companies will use mobile coupons this year. Meanwhile, Dollar General and CVS increased their FSI pages. "Down by a Third, Wal-Mart Still Distributes Most Freestanding Inserts", eMarketer, January 19, 2016, © eMarketer Inc

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WeChat Launches Service Allowing Consumers To Share Coupons In China January 17, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Mobile and web messaging company WeChat launched its shared coupons service for retailers in China. Designed to let users of the messaging service share coupons for dining, shopping, or entertaining, the service also lets consumers receive coupons at offline stores. Shared coupons will be classified based on location to let users gain access to wide range choices. Participating retailers can distribute shared coupons with consumers offline and can monitor consumers’ usage of the coupons. "WeChat Offering “Friends-Shared Coupons” for Retailers", China Internet Watch, January 17, 2016, © Incitez Pte. Ltd.

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Walmart Eyes Partnerships With Local E-Commerce Firms In India January 14, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Walmart is reportedly planning to partner with India’s leading e-commerce companies, including Flipkart, Snapdeal, and ShopClues. Seen as part of the U.S. retailer’s efforts to take advantage of the growing online retail market in the country, Walmart’s e-commerce move follows its failed attempt at launching its local consumer retail business. India allows 100 percent foreign direct investment in cash-and-carry or wholesale businesses; however, FDI is limited at 51 percent in multi-brand retail. Nivedita Mookerji & Dilasha Seth , "Walmart plans tie-ups with online retailers", Business Standard, January 14, 2016, © Business Standard Private Ltd.

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Sephora Launches Online Store In Malaysia January 14, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Beauty retailer Sephora announced the launch of its online store in Malaysia on February 1, 2016. Aimed at Malaysian consumers who have gotten accustomed to the convenience of online shopping, the online store will offer hundreds of beauty brands and products, including makeup, bath and body, and nail care. Andrea Tim , "Sephora is going to end your shopping abstinence with its Malaysian online store", Elle, January 14, 2016, © MONGOOSE PUBLISHING

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Euromonitor Presents Forecasts For Markets And Consumers In 2016 January 14, 2016: 12:00 AM EST In 2016, the migrant crisis is forecast to continue, while the working-age population in China is expected to decline for the first time, according to Euromonitor. Other forecasts for the year made by the market research firm include an increase in integration of loyalty programs with mobile wallets and the continued expansion of S-commerce, driven by social media platforms’ integration of buy-now buttons into their sites. Also, Euromonitor predicts an increase in calls for more time away from digital devices and increase in consumer demand for healthy food, with fastfood chains offering greener, healthier, and more local food products. Carrie Lennard, "Economies and Consumers Expert Predictions for 2016", Euromonitor International, January 14, 2016, © Euromonitor

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Amazon Finds Need To Rethink Marketing Deal With India's Future Group January 13, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Online retailer Amazon’s exclusive online marketing deal with India-based fashion and retail conglomerate Future Group is facing some significant challenges. According to sources, disagreements between the business partners focus on funding of discounts on Future Group’s fashion brands sold on Amazon. Amazon reportedly asked Future Group to shoulder part of the discounts offered to online shoppers or end the exclusive deal with the online retailer and list its products the way any other vendors would. Rasul Bailay & Chaitali Chakravarty, "Amazon and Future Group partnership on rocks over funding of discounts", Economic Times, January 13, 2016, © Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd.

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Mobile Shopping For 2015 Holiday Season Jumps 59 Percent January 8, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Mobile shopping grew 59 percent to $12.7 billion during the holiday shopping season in the United States, according to Comscore Inc. Consumers using their smartphones and tablet computers spent significantly more than the $11.7 billion forecast by the market research firm. Discount deals and shipping options offered by online retailers made the growth possible, according to Comscore data. Mobile commerce accounted for 18 percent of total digital retail revenue during the holiday season, up from 13 percent in 2014. Yashaswini Swamynathan, "Mobile shopping soars during holiday season : Comscore data", Reuters, January 08, 2016, © Thomson Reuters

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Women Outnumber Men In Mobile Shopping, Study Reveals January 7, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Women account for 53.4 percent of mobile shoppers in the United States, with men making up 46.6 percent, according to Y&R. Data from the advertising firm revealed consumers between the ages 18 and 29 accounted for 31.7 percent of shoppers who prefer to use their mobile devices when doing research and purchasing products. Those who are in their 30 to 44 years made up 36.3 percent. "For Many Shoppers, Mobile Is Essential When Researching and Purchasing Products", eMarketer, January 07, 2016, © eMarketer Inc.

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Sephora Looks At Amazon And Prestige Beauty Market For Growth Ideas January 7, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Beauty retailer Sephora Americas president and CEO Calvin McDonald said his company aims to further grow its business by integrating lessons it has learned from online retailer Amazon and the prestige beauty market. Stating that Sephora’s success depends on balancing exclusive, limited, and broad brands, McDonald said Amazon’s success as a mass merchant poses a threat to the beauty retail market. Sephora’s Beauty Tip Workshop strategy, which combines brick-and-mortar, mobile, and digital channels aims to help the company compete with the online retail giant. Jeb Gleason-Allured, "How Amazon and Prestige Beauty Are Reshaping Sephora", GCI Magazine, January 07, 2016, © Allured Business Media

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Southeast Asia's Online Retail Market Expected To Explode, Analysts Say January 6, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Southeast Asia, with a population of 600 million people, is expected to see a boom in its e-commerce market. Beauty brands are expected to benefit from such a market trend if they are willing to create online retail operations in the region. For example, Unilever Thailand, established its e-commerce division with revenue targets for 2016. Brands without online presence are predicted to create online retail operations in 2016, according to tech media firm techcrunch.com. "Southeast Asia's on the cusp of an 'e-commerce golden age'", Cosmetics Design, January 06, 2016, © William Reed Business Media SAS

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Sephora Comes To New Zealand January 6, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Cosmetics retailer Sephora plans to launch its business in New Zealand. By acquiring the beauty website Luxola New Zealand, and transforming it to Sephora NZ, the company will be able to ship products to their local consumers. While Sephora’s acquisition of the website means consumers can now access other brands, such as Kat Von D, Marc Jacobs, and BECCA, the online store will now stop selling Maybelline and L’Oreal Paris products. "Sephora is coming to New Zealand", nzherald.co.nz, January 06, 2016, © NZME. Publishing Limited

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Key Data Technology And Mergers Put Kroger Ahead Of Competition in Online Sales January 5, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Thanks in part to its 2014 mergers with Harris Teeter and Vitacost.com, supermarket chain Kroger gained valuable insights into click-and-pick-up and home delivery technologies, and is best positioned to succeed in online grocery sales. Morgan Stanley research found that Kroger is likely to beat out Walmart, Target, and Whole Foods. A key factor is the company’s ability to gather and analyze customer data through its 84.51 division. The merger with Harris Teeter, however, gave Kroger access to technology that allows customers to order online and pick up their purchases at stores. The merger with Vitacost provided the technology and insights into home delivery that accelerated Kroger’s ecommerce growth by two to three years. Kate Taylor, "Kroger is going to become Amazon and Walmart's biggest threat", Business Insider, January 05, 2016, © Allure Media

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Brands Use Image-Based Online Networks To Engage Customers January 5, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Three online image-based networks targeting distinctly different audiences are working well as informal ad media for brand marketers because they engage customers, drive sales and enhance product awareness. Among the brands that have used Snapchat, Pinterest or Instagram into their content marketing strategies are Taco Bell, Sephora, and Ben & Jerry’s. Taco Bell uses Snapchat to create engaging, energetic, and entertaining stories that announce contests or new menu items, and capture moments from sponsored events. Sephora knows that Pinterest users to be inspired and entertained by its sales promotions, makeup tutorials, and new products. A Ben & Jerry’s brand imagery campaign on Instagram reached 10 million users who had a 33-point increase in ad recall. It also boosted awareness of a new ice cream flavor by 17 percent. Jasmine Sandler, "Brands drive engagement in Snapchat, Pinterest, and Instagram", ClickZ, January 05, 2016, © ClickZ

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Walmart Adopts MasterCard's MasterPass Digital Payments Service January 4, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Walmart plans to allow U.S. consumers to use MasterCard’s MasterPass digital payments platform when paying for their online and mobile purchases across the country in 2016. MasterCard describes the payments system as a “simple, convenient, trusted digital platform” that offers shoppers a quick and safe way of paying for their online purchases. Shoppers across the country can set up a MasterPass account by visiting the service’s website or by signing up with a participating bank. "Walmart Adds MasterPass™ by MasterCard to Online and Mobile Checkout", Business Wire, January 04, 2016, © Business Wire

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Carrefour Completes Purchase Of E-Commerce Firm Rue Du Commerce January 4, 2016: 12:00 AM EST French retailer Carrefour revealed it has acquired 100 percent of the share capital of Rue du Commerce from Altarea Cogedim. Part of the retailer’s implementation of its omni-channel strategy in France, the deal is expected to benefit in-store and online shoppers. Rue du Commerce is a leading non-food e-commerce operator in the country, with almost 5 million unique visitors per month. "Carrefour completes the acquisition of Rue du Commerce", Carrefour, January 04, 2016, © Carrefour

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Innovation Is The Watchword For Today’s Supermarkets January 1, 2016: 12:00 AM EST The key word for supermarkets these days is innovation, and many changes are in store, as it were, as we head into the New Year. Chief among them is the supermarket “experience” for shoppers: the creation of little events such as wine tasting, meat or veggie grilling, cooking classes, and food festivals. Special sections in some supermarkets will be devoted to brands, e.g., the Starbucks Signature Aisle, where sales have been shown to triple where installed.  And lastly, look for more drive-up or drive-thru offerings, where customers order groceries on their PC or smartphone, then pick them up at the curb, or perhaps in a drive-through aisle. Geoff Williams, "Meet the Supermarket of the Future", U.S. News & World Report, January 01, 2016, © U.S. News & World Report LP

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India's E-Commerce Market To Hit $38 Billion In 2016, Study Forecasts January 1, 2016: 12:00 AM EST India’s e-commerce market is forecast to grow 67 percent to $38 billion in 2016, compared with $23 billion in 2015, according to industry group Assocham. Growth is expected to be driven by the increase in number of Internet and mobile users. In 2015, online purchases grew significantly due to online retailers’ aggressive discounts, with higher fuel prices and wider choices pushing further growth in 2016. Besta Shankar, "India's e-commerce sector likely to grow by 67% to Rs 2.51 lakh crore in 2016: Assocham", International Business Times, January 01, 2016, © International Business Times, India Edition

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As Mobile Payments Soar, So Does Competition Among Retailers, Banks, Tech Giants December 31, 2015: 12:00 AM EST The ability to pay for purchases via  smartphone is becoming more widespread, as payment solution competition among banks, retailers and smartphone technology pioneers heats up. Market watchers predict that check-out transactions using smartphones will hit $210 billion within three years, up from $9 billion last year. That’s big business, and a lot of companies want a piece of the pie. There’s another incentive: retailers hate paying credit and debit card fees, and banks hate paying fees for Apple Pay transactions. So the biggest retailers and banks are all expected to have mobile-payment solutions to compete with Apple Pay, Google’s Android Pay, and Samsung Pay. These include JPMorgan Chase (Chase Pay), Walmart Pay, MCX’s CurrentC, and PayPal. Olga Kharif, "Disrupt Mobile Payments Business in 2016", Bloomberg, December 31, 2015, © Bloomberg L.P.

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ShopAdvisor Service Helps Consumers Buy Products They Actually Want December 30, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Retailers are aware that online shopping and smartphone technology are here to stay. They are also acutely aware of the continued importance of the brick-and-mortar store: 92 percent of purchases are made there. Connecting the two phenomena is ShopAdvisor, an online service where consumers can download apps that take advantage of location-based beacon technology alerting them to store promotions while their out shopping. Beacon technology has been around for a while, but ShopAdvisor offers a helpful twist. Using data analytics, the service allows retailers to alert consumers who have downloaded a particular product’s app. The alert announces discounts, sales, and reviews that might spark an immediate purchase of a product that a consumer actually wants. Glenn Rifkin, "ShopAdvisor Lets Retailers Target Shoppers by Location and Interests", The New York Times, December 30, 2015, © The New York Times Company

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Amazon UK Plans Expansion Of Pantry Food Business In 2016 December 30, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Online retailer Amazon plans to expand its Pantry food department in the UK in 2016. Launched in November 2015, the service offers more than 4,000 branded food and drink products, including health and beauty products. Part of Amazon’s expansion plans include adding thousands more items to its current lineup. Customers can have their purchases delivered for £2.99 using the company’s Pantry box service, according to Amazon UK chief Christopher North. Clare Hutchison, "Amazon takes aim at supermarkets with plans to expand food department", Independent, December 30, 2015, © Independent Digital News and Media Limited

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Grocery Shopping Trends To Watch For In 2016 December 29, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Grocery shoppers in 2016 will see ever more digitizing of their stores and more opportunities to buy online, a trend that will “surge.” Online shopping will be paired with online delivery services that will also offer personal shoppers who visit several stores to fill grocery orders. More stores will add Bluetooth-enabled beacon technology that pushes digital info (ads, coupons, product details, etc.) to smartphone shoppers equipped with special apps. Look for more stores equipped with electronic shelf labels (ESLs) that display prices, ads and even nutritional information. Expect more small-format stores in urban areas – think Aldi and Trader Joe’s – catering to singles and small families. Larger supermarkets, meanwhile, will be offering more product sampling, cooking demos, nutritional tours, and even in-store dining. John Karolefski, "Top trends in grocery shopping for 2016", Grocery Stories, December 29, 2015, © Primary Communications

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