Beauty Brands Adopt Guided Selling Tools To Connect With Customers Online April 13, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Beauty brands are adding guided selling tools to their e-commerce sites to encourage cosmetics shoppers to buy online. They need to do so because almost seven in 10 Internet users in the United States preferred to buy health and beauty products in-store, compared with 27 percent who chose to buy online, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers. Data from L2 Think Tank revealed 60 percent of respondents said they used guided selling tools' rating and reviews features. Diagnostic tools were used by more than one-third of respondents, while 17 percent used virtual makeovers, and 8 percent said they used standalone filters. "Beauty Brands Freshen Up Sites with Guided Selling Tools", eMarketer, April 13, 2015, © eMarketer Inc.

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Men Shop Online More Than Women Do, Survey Says April 10, 2015: 12:00 AM EST More men shop online than women do, according to a survey by Bronto Software. Results of the survey of 1,000 consumers revealed 30 percent of men shop online at least once a week, while only 18 percent of women admitted they do. Some factors, however, such as one's definition of online shopping, should be considered when looking at the study's conclusions. Stephanie Chon, "This Survey Says That Men Shop Online More Than Women", Bustle, April 10, 2015, © BDG Media Inc.

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Social Ads Combined With Email, Automation, Predictive Analytics Strengthen Social Marketing April 9, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Marketers can create a strong social marketing strategy by combining Facebook ads with email addresses, automation, and predictive analytics. According to managers of e-commerce businesses, Facebook is one of the best tools for acquiring new clients. Facebook Audiences, a tool that allows marketers to upload a list of customers and potential customers, lets marketers improve the effectiveness of their ads on the social networking site. By integrating automation, unified profiles, and predictive analysis of database, marketers can let the “audience create itself based on customer behavior.” Ohad Hecht, "Facebook Ads and Email – A Chance for the Perfect Fit", Click Z, April 09, 2015, © Incisive Interactive Marketing LLC

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Alibaba Launches E-commerce Stock Tracking Index April 9, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Alibaba Group Holding Ltd and its Ant Financial Services Group launched the CSI Taojin Big Data 100 Index, an e-commerce stock tracking index. Part of the company's efforts to become a full-fledged Internet financial services operator. Also, the company plans to launch MYbank online bank in June 2015, following the launch of rival Tencent Holdings Ltd's Internet bank WeBank in January 2015. Paul Carsten et al, "UPDATE 1-Alibaba steps up China online finance network push with new index, bank", Reuters, April 09, 2015, © Thomson Reuters

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Sexy Hair Adopts Powa Technologies' Mobile App For Cosmopolitan Ad April 8, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Professional hair care brand Sexy Hair partnered with mobile platform Powa Technologies to create a digital advertisement published in the May 2015 issue of the “Cosmopolitan” magazine. Using the PowaTag app, consumers can purchase Sexy Hair Spray & Play hairspray in seconds using their smartphones, by scanning the print ad. Readers can download the mobile application, which is designed to let them purchase a product from the magazine. "Sexy Hair Partners with PowaTag to Become the FIRST Professional Beauty Company to Debut One-Touch Shopping in a Major US publication ", PRNewswire, April 08, 2015, © PR Newswire Association LLC

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Big Box Online Retailers Take A Back Seat To Amazon Prime April 7, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Market researchers say online shoppers who subscribe to Amazon Prime are much less likely to shop at other online retailers like Target.com or Walmart.com. One researcher found that less than one percent of Prime members will cross-shop during the same online session. Though Amazon does not reveal information about its $99/year Prime service, Consumer Intelligence Research Partners estimates membership at around 40 million, a four-fold increase in two years. One study finds that 63 percent of Prime members make a purchase on the site during a visit. By contrast, only two percent of Target.com and five percent of Walmart.com shoppers purchase something during their online session. Clare O'Connor , "Walmart And Target Being Crowded Out Online By Amazon Prime", Forbes.com , April 07, 2015, © Forbes.com LLC

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Amazon Introduces Dash Urgent Order And Delivery Service April 1, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Online retailer Amazon began testing the Amazon Dash Button, a service that allows customers to immediately order household products, such as laundry detergent and baby food, without the need for a computer or smartphone. Equipped with an adhesive strip allowing it to be mounted anywhere, the Dash Button uses home WiFi networks to get in touch with Amazon and order the required product. Forrester Research analyst Sucharita Mulpuru expects the Dash, which is available by invitation only to select Amazon Prime members, to fail. Spencer Soper, "Amazon.com Unveils Dash Button for When You Need Detergent", Bloomberg.com, April 01, 2015, © Bloomberg LP

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Membership Model Of Grocery Delivery Could Be A Game-Changer For Industry April 1, 2015: 12:00 AM EST A report from BI Intelligence says that the trick to succeeding as an online grocery delivery service is to make it membership-based. The membership strategy, based on Costco’s model, is being applied successfully by several companies, not the least of which is Amazon, and could prove a disruptive force in the $600 billion retail grocery industry. The main benefits of the membership model include (for the business): repeat customers and lower per-order delivery fees; and (for the consumer):  guaranteed fresh food from the local supermarket and less time spent in-store. The report looks at the grocery delivery services of Amazon, Instacart, Shipt and Thrive Market. Cooper Smith, "Membership-based delivery services are beginning to disrupt the $600 billion-a-year grocery industry", Business Insider, April 01, 2015, © Business Insider Inc.

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Carrefour Says To Give Customers At-Home Scanners For Online Ordering March 30, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Carrefour Belgium plans to supply its customers with a device for scanning items in their homes and ordering them online. Designed to also detect products offered by rival retailers, the scanner will offer product suggestions from Carrefour. Featuring a database of 1.3 million barcodes, the scanning system will also feature voice-enabled controls. "Carrefour Belgium to provide its customers with a facility for scanning items in their homes so they can then order them online", EPR Retail News, March 30, 2015, © EPR Retail News

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Macy's Buys Spa And Beauty Chain Blue Mercury March 25, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Macy's agreed to acquire high-end spa and beauty chain Blue Mercury. Some market analysts are wondering whether the deal, which could bring Blue Mercury's Diptyque candles, Phyto hair products, and La Mer face creams to Macy's stores, would affect search results on the retailer's website. Department stores account for significant portions of beauty brands' sales. At present, Estee Lauder's beauty brands are among the top results in Macy's search visibility. Homa Zaryouni, "Will Macy’s Acquisition of Blue Mercury Change Beauty Search?", L2 The Daily, March 25, 2015, © L2 Think Tank

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Study Reveals 6 Online Shopping Trends To Affect Ecommerce March 23, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Six online shopping trends are expected to influence ecommerce business practices, according to management consulting firm iVentures Consulting. Data from the latest edition of the report “eShopper Index” revealed these trends include personalization, inclusion of videos on product information pages, and content marketing. Also likely to affect online retailers' operations are the need to offer consumers significantly faster delivery options, mobile commerce, and integration of omnichannel platforms. Covering the period September to December 2014, the study aimed to provide an impartial analysis of the online buying experience and processes at each of the 111 online retail sites included in the report. Armando Roggio, "6 Global, Online Shopping Trends that Could Impact Your Business", Practical Ecommerce, March 23, 2015, © Practical Ecommerce

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Birchbox Launches Beauty Box Subscription Business In Canada March 23, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Birchbox launched its online beauty box subscription service in Canada, after achieving market success in the United States and launching limited distribution in European markets. Shipping consumers a beauty box that contains sample-sized premium cosmetics, skincare, and haircare products monthly, Birchbox also allows customers to buy full-size products from its online store. Birchbox aims to differentiate itself from other beauty box subscription service providers in Canada by allowing local consumers to pay in Canadian dollars and offering a Canadian-market-dedicated website that highlights products from local beauty and personal care companies. Emmanuelle Bouvier, "Birchbox Brings Its Winning Beauty Box Formula To Canada", Mintel, March 23, 2015, © Mintel Group Ltd.

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Flipkart Holds Biggest Slice Of India's Online Retail Market, Study Shows March 21, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Flipkart accounts for 44 percent of India's online retail market, according a report by Morgan Stanley. Data from the market research firm revealed Snapdeal holds 32 percent of the market, while US-based Amazon, which first came to India in 2013, is third at 15 percent. According to Morgan Stanley, other e-commerce firms account for the remaining 9 percent of the market. Also, data revealed that the fashion segment makes up 30 percent of the e-commerce market. Flipkart expanded its fashion business by acquiring Myntra in a $300 million deal in May 2014. Seeking to close the gap with Flipkart, Snapdeal plans to spend about $1 billion to acquire at least six fashion companies. Digbijay Mishra, "Flipkart has biggest piece of Indian e-tail pie", Business Standard, March 21, 2015, © Business Standard Ltd.

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Aldi Says It Has No Ecommerce Plans In UK March 20, 2015: 12:00 AM EST German discount retailer Aldi denied newspaper reports that it is planning to launch an online grocery business in the UK. According to reports, Aldi was readying its first online retail venture in Europe. Other markets the company is reportedly eyeing include Spain, Portugal, and Germany, the reports also said. Luke Tugby, "Aldi denies reports it is poised for an online launch in the UK", Retail Week, March 20, 2015, © EMAP Publishing Limited

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Russian And Chinese Online Payment Systems Join Forces To Offer Cross-Border Payment Service March 20, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Russia-based online payment system Yandex.Money partnered with China's online platform TradeEase to launch a cross-border e-commerce platform for consumers in the two countries. Expected to achieve a turnover of $830,000 in the first three months after its launch in summer 2015, the online service will be introduced by China's PayEase payment system, Bank of China, the Chinese province of Heilongjiang, and the border city of Suifenhe. Chinese stores near the Russian border will be able to sell their goods online using the planned platform. Trade between Heilongjiang and Russia grew to over $23 billion in 2014, accounting for about one-fourth of total Russia-China trade. "Russia and China to open joint e-commerce platform in summer", RT, March 20, 2015, © Autonomous Nonprofit Organization “TV-Novosti”

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Chinese Search Engine Plans U.S. IPO In 2015 March 20, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Sohu.com Inc.'s web search engine business Sogou Inc. is preparing a $3 billion initial public offering in the United States. According to unidentified sources, the company could sell shares by the second half of 2015. Sogou reported revenue rose 70 percent to $119 million in the fourth quarter of 2014, compared with the same period in the previous year. It accounted for 6.9 percent of web search queries in China during the same period, compared with rival Baidu's 74.4 percent. Fox Hu, Lulu Yilun Chen et al, "China’s ‘Search Dog’ Said to Plan IPO at $3 Billion Value", Bloomberg Business, March 20, 2015, © Bloomberg L.P.

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Cellarmaster Wines Puts Up Virtual Store In Hong Kong Subway Station March 19, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Online wine retailer Cellarmaster Wines used a virtual pop-up store in Hong Kong's Tsim Sha Tsui subway station to evaluate engagement and mobile commerce services. Created by marketing agency The Daylight Partnership, the 12-meter store featured virtual vending machines highlighting collections of wine, beers, spirits, and mixers. Subway passengers can buy directly from their mobile phones by using QR codes. To promote the store and its offerings, the company employed social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Sophie Loras, "Cellarmaster Wines Trials Virtual Pop-Up Store in Hong Kong Subway", Click Z, March 19, 2015, © Incisive Interactive Marketing LLC

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Rakuten Acquires Automated Ad-Buying Firm Deep Forest Media March 19, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Japan-based e-commerce company Rakuten, through its Rakuten Marketing division, acquired Deep Forest Media, a provider of automated advertisement-buying service. Using Rakuten's e-commerce data, Deep Forest Media will connect user identity across digital devices. This will help marketers implement the same set of targeting strategies on both mobile and desktop settings. Also, the company is planning to use data from other Rakuten properties, including mobile apps. Alex Kantrowitz, "Rakuten Acquires Programmatic-Buying Tool, Will Integrate E-Commerce Data", Advertising Age, March 19, 2015, © Crain Communications

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Facebook Transforms Messenger App Into A Money Transfer Tool March 18, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Social networking site Facebook added a feature to its Messenger app that lets people transfer money to their friends. To be introduced in the United States for Android, iOS, and desktop computers, the feature will let consumers send money in real time. Depending on bank clearing times, the money can take up to three days to be available. Facebook processes more than 1 million transactions daily, as well as manages all payments processed on Messenger, which has been used by game players and advertisers since 2007. Karl Flinders, "Facebook introduces friend-to-friend payment system", ComputerWeekly.com, March 18, 2015, © TechTarget

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Walmart India Expands Online Wholesale Operations March 16, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Walmart India expanded the coverage of its online wholesale business to include members in Zirakpur and Bhatinda in Punjab. Operating 20 wholesale stores in nine states in India, Walmart runs an e-commerce platform at seven of its stores, including those located in Lucknow, Hyderabad, and Guntur. This enables the company to offer business-to-business e-commerce in four of its five wholesale stores in Punjab. "Walmart extends reach of online wholesale platform", Business Standard, March 16, 2015, © Business Standard Ltd.

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L'Oreal USA Adopts PowaTag Mobile E-Commerce Technology March 12, 2015: 12:00 AM EST L'Oreal USA partnered with PowaTag, a mobile e-commerce technology provider. PowaTag's mobile technology can transform a wide range of consumer mobile and online contact points into a “platform for mobile transactions.” In addition to interactive digital marketing, the technology can also help online retailers in providing consumers with mobile and desktop e-commerce options, the company said. "L'Oreal USA Announces Strategic Partnership with Powa to Deploy PowaTag's Mobile Technology", PR Newswire, March 12, 2015, © PR Newswire Association LLC

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Sephora Implements CashStar's Prepaid Commerce Solutions March 11, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Sephora adopted CashStar's prepaid commerce solutions as part of the beauty retailer's online retail and omni-channel marketing efforts. According to CashStar, its technology has enabled Sephora to grow its digital gifting revenue eight times faster. Also, it has helped the retailer leverage mobile technology to consolidate its gifting program across all its retail channels and provide consumers with the “omini-channel experience” they expect, CashStar said. Sephora reported redemption rate reached 51 percent during the first month of implementing the prepaid commerce solutions, as well as initial purchase value 30 percent higher than what it has achieved with plastic gift cards. "Sephora Drives Faster Growth with Prepaid Commerce Solutions from CashStar", Business Wire, March 11, 2015, © Business Wire

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Sephora Launches Flash Delivery Service In US Market March 10, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Beauty retailer Sephora launched its Flash membership-based two-day delivery service in the United States. By paying a $10 annual membership fee, Sephora customers in the continental US and Puerto Rico can avail of unlimited two-day delivery, with no minimum purchase. Also, consumers can opt for overnight delivery by paying $5.95, a bargain compared with the usual $16.95 overnight charge. Sephora also opened its Innovation Lab in San Francisco for developing and testing technologies. Christine Kern, "Sephora's Flash Delivery, Innovation Lab Exceed Customer Expectations", retailsolutionsonline, March 10, 2015, © Vert Markets, Inc.

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Subway Launches Wi-Fi Customer Loyalty Program In Canada March 6, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Subway Restaurants partnered with Wi-Fi monetization services provider Turnstyle Solutions to launch a rewards system at locations in Northern Ontario, Canada. Designed as a replacement for the retailer's previous loyalty program that included punch cards, the Wi-Fi-enabled customer loyalty program encourages customers to opt-in to wireless networks to gain access to free items and extra customized rewards. Subway aims to differentiate its loyalty program from those of its rivals, such as Starbucks and Dunkin' Donuts, while driving more customers to its bricks-and-mortar stores at the same time. Alex Samuely, "Subway wraps up consumer loyalty with location-based Wi-Fi rewards", Mobile Commerce Daily, March 06, 2015, © Napean LLC

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Selfie-Based Digital Contouring Advice Service Helps Sephora Customers March 5, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Sephora has launched a service on its mobile Web site that allows smartphone users to upload a selfie for automatic analysis and subsequent personalized makeup application tips. The service was created for use with Sephora’s Pocket Contour Class app with help from startup company Map My Beauty. Sephora recently identified contouring as a trend taking hold, but the technique is difficult to master. The new service resulted from Sephora’s recognition of a need to "educate and empower" customers to create the contoured look themselves. Chantal Tode, "Sephora shapes mobile personalization with tailored, step-by-step experience", Mobile Commerce Daily, March 05, 2015, © Napean LLC

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Beacon Technology Test Is Encouraging For Unilever March 4, 2015: 12:00 AM EST A Unilever beta test involving beacon and smartphone technology and Knorr soup brand and food vans proved successful enough for the company to investigate expanding the availability of the app to other media outlets. For the test, Unilever deployed branded food vans in Sweden where people could sample Knorr soups. When shoppers were within ten meters of the vans, the beacon devices picked up their smartphone IDs. The next day they were sent a personal message referring to the taste test and providing a discount coupon redeemable in-store. The results were encouraging enough for the company to ponder a mass rollout across all brands. Jessica Davies, "Unilever eyes iBeacons trials extension across brand portfolio", The Drum, March 04, 2015, © Carnyx Group Ltd

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Wal-Mart Sees Shoppers Adopting Mobile Payments March 4, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. said it expects its shoppers to adopt mobile payment systems in the future. At present, the retailer is working with the CurrentC mobile payment system developed by the Merchant Customer Exchange, a consortium of several large retailers, including Target Corp. and Best Buy Co. Although MCX members are not accepting mobile payments from other platforms for the meantime, Wal-Mart said it is open to different mobile payment options, including Apple Pay. Paul Ziobro, "Wal-Mart Expects Customers to Adopt Mobile Payments", Wall Street Journal, March 04, 2015, © Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

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Starbucks Partner With Journalist To Launch Digital Media Firm March 4, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Starbucks partnered with former The Washington Post journalist Rajiv Chandrasekaran to launch a social-impact media production company. According to the Columbia Journalism Review, the project will first focus on issues related to veterans and will be in a tie-up with the book “For Love of Country,” co-authored by Chandrasekaran and Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz. The book also focuses on concerns and issues affecting veterans. Yuyu Chen, "Starbucks Is Brewing Up a Content-Led Media Company", Click Z, March 04, 2015, © Incisive Interactive Marketing LLC

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Wal-Mart Stores Ends Partnership With Google On Local Shopping Ads March 4, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., ended its participation in Google Inc.'s Local Inventory Ads local advertising platform. An early test partner for the program, Wal-Mart cited concerns about sharing inventory and pricing data with the Internet giant as among its reasons for ending its partnership with Google. Launched in 2013, the Local Inventory Ads program requires retailers to provide Google with store inventory information so it can inform users when products are available in nearby stores. Wal-Mart also told Google that it plans to offer a similar local-inventory service, instead of outsourcing it to Google. Wal-Mart, which has 5,000 stores and is more capable than other retailers to offer local-inventory search services for smartphone users, said Local Inventory Ads forced it to compete with smaller retailers to attract shoppers. Alistair Barr and Rolfe Winkler, "Google, Wal-Mart Part Ways Over Local Shopping Ads", Wall Street Journal, March 04, 2015, © Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

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Sainsbury's Launches Click-And-Collect Service In UK March 3, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Retailer Sainsbury's launched its grocery click-and-collect service in the UK. Expected to be available at 100 stores by the end of 2015, the service will let customers collect their online purchases from a refrigerated van parked at the store's parking lot. Available for free, the service, however, requires a minimum spend of ₤20 per transaction. Sainsbury's said its Farnham in Surrey store will be the first to offer the service, with total stores reaching 20 by the end of March. "Sainsbury's Launches Grocery Click & Collect", Retail Analysis, March 03, 2015, © The Institute of Grocery Distribution and IGD Services Limited

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Barneys New York Launches Revamped Online Stores March 3, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Luxury retailer Barneys New York launched its revamped e-commerce websites, as part of its efforts to improve its online retail business. Designed to provide mobile shoppers with optimized online and mobile shopping experience, the sites will also enable the retailer to personalize its offerings based on customers' interests and preferences. Although it came late to the e-commerce party, Barneys New York derives between 15 percent and 20 percent of its total sales from digital channels. This puts the retailer, which operates nine department stores and 21 other stores, on the same e-commerce level as rivals Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus. Phil Wahba, "Barneys New York raises e-commerce ante with site relaunches", Fortune, March 03, 2015, © Time Inc.

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Lancome Picks RichRelevance's Omnichannel Personalization Platform For Its Online Store March 2, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Lancome partnered with omnichannel personalization company RichRelevance to launch a personalized look-recommendation service on its online store. Using RichRelevance's Relevance Cloud personalization platform for online retailers, combined with Sight Commerce's visual commerce and style intelligence solutions, the brand provides online shoppers with accessible personal and professional advice. Also, product suggestions are adjusted in real-time, based on changes in users' shopping behavior, inventory, and pricing. "Lancome Gets Personal With Curated, Complete Looks Powered by RichRelevance", Business Wire, March 02, 2015, © Business Wire

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Loss Of Focus Cause Of Target's Downfall, Analysts Say February 28, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Target's troubles emerged after the discount retailer lost its focus as a seller of designer-label clothing at consumer-friendly prices. Costs of terminating its failed expansion attempt in Canada and closing underperforming stores in the United States reached $5.1 billion, the company said. Target's problems began in 2011 when growth began to slow down and its margins started shrinking. Target took direct control of its online sales operations, which had been handled by Amazon since 2001; however, it failed to catch up with its rivals in the e-commerce segment. Its share price recovered significantly in the past months, with some analysts and investors becoming confident that CEO Brian Cornell's turnaround efforts might work. "American retailing: Why Target lost its aim", The Economist, February 28, 2015, © The Economist Newspaper Limited

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Target Lowers Minimum Purchase Required For Free Shipping February 23, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Retailer Target lowered the minimum purchase that shoppers need to make online to qualify for free shipping from $50 to $25. Target's move puts it lower than rival Walmart, which still requires a minimum purchase of $50, and significantly below department store chains, such as Macy's and JCPenney, which offers free shipping for purchases higher than $99. In contrast, leading online retailer requires a minimum purchase of $35. Target also began shipping some orders directly from its stores, improving delivery time and inventory management. Natalie Gagliordi, "Target tweaks free shipping policy to lure online shoppers", ZD Net, February 23, 2015, © CBS Interactive

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Online Grocery Shopping Is Booming Globally, Except In U.S. February 18, 2015: 12:00 AM EST A report on global trends in online grocery shopping shows that emerging markets, including the U.S., are growing 97 percent year-on-year while established markets are growing by more than 30 percent. The report by Dunnhumby shows that even the most established online grocery categories are seeing significant growth, while online sales of frozen meat, baby food and baby care, and canned food are growing at an annual rate of 21 percent. However, online grocery shopping in the U.S. has been slow to catch on and still trails France, South Korea and the U.K. And American shoppers seem to need the physical presence of a retail store before they are confident enough to buy new grocery products on the Internet. "The Multichannel Movement Report", Report, Dunnhumby, February 18, 2015, © dunnhumby

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Retail Market Suffers Decline In Customer Satisfaction In 2014, ACSI Report Says February 18, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Customer satisfaction with the retail market declined 1.4 percent to an ACSI score of 76.8, with all retail categories, except Internet retail, showing weaker or flat customer satisfaction levels. Factors driving the downturn included rising prices, with retailers selling non-discretionary products being affected the most. Online retailers received higher customer satisfaction, compared with 2013, a year characterized with winter storms and and an increase in online shopping which caused delivery delays. Customer satisfaction with gasoline service stations dropped 2.7 percent to an ACSI score of 73; however, prospects looked better for 2015, driven in part by falling oil price. "ACSI Retail Report 2014", American Customer Satisfaction Index, February 18, 2015, © American Customer Satisfaction Index

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Whole Foods Strategies Pay Off In Healthy Financials February 17, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Five lessons can be drawn from Whole Foods Market’s excellent first quarter financials. Key metrics showed strong growth, including sales, which rose 10 percent to $4.7 billion. At the top of the strategic “lessons” list: addressing consumer perception of the company as “Whole Paycheck” – an expensive grocery shopping choice. To combat that impression, the company launched its 365 Everyday Value program and the Values Matter national ad campaign. Awareness among Whole Foods Market’s target audience doubled, and key attributes like value perception rose considerably. Other key lessons focused on the value of partnering, de-emphasizing loyalty programs, ensuring a great in-store experience, and constantly testing innovation. Kathleen Kusek, "Five Lessons Retailers Can Learn From Whole Foods Market's Q1 Performance", Forbes, February 17, 2015, © Forbes.com LLC™

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Beacons Offer Advertisers A Sophisticated Way To Gather Consumer Intelligence February 16, 2015: 12:00 AM EST The tiny Bluetooth transmitters known as beacons offer marketers a new layer of consumer intelligence that reveals digital actions and exposures. Beacons – currently placed around stores to push coupons and user reviews to shopper phones and tablets -- allow advertisers to pull together online ad and marketing exposures to offline behaviors. They also make the process of retargeting offline behaviors with online ads very accurate “because real-world behaviors can be located to extremely precise locations and interactions”. The insights on the potential of beacons were presented at a recent Mediapost conference. Steve Smith, "Beacons Open Up Prospects For 'Physical Retargeting'", Media Post, February 16, 2015, © MediaPost Communications

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E-Commerce No Threat To India’s Traditional Retailers February 16, 2015: 12:00 AM EST A report by a consulting/accounting firm says it will be a long time before traditional retailers in India are threatened by online competitors. Pricewaterhouse-Coopers says the key reasons are last-mile connectivity, high payment cost, low profitability, regulatory barriers and a scarcity of skilled manpower. Low Internet penetration in the country is another major barrier: only 16 percent of India's 1.2 billion people had access to the Internet in 2013. Bottom line: online stores are projected to account for only three percent of India's total retail market by 2020. Varun Aggarwal, "E-commerce giants still no match for traditional retailers: Pricewaterhouse-Coopers", The Economic Times, February 16, 2015, © Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd.

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Amazon Competitor Jet, Preparing For Spring Launch, Bulks Up With More Venture Cash February 12, 2015: 12:00 AM EST E-commerce start-up and avowed Amazon nemesis Jet has raised another $140 million in venture funding after raising $80 million last September, pushing the company’s valuation to $600 million. The company unveiled a private beta site last month and expects to launch a "Jet Insiders" site next month. Founder Marc Lore says the site will go public later in the spring. The company will mimic Amazon by selling pretty much everything, but 10 to 15 percent cheaper than Amazon. Customers will make up the difference with a $50 annual membership fee, like at Costco. Jillian D'Onfro, "E-Commerce Startup Jet Raised $140 Million to Compete With Amazon", Inc., February 12, 2015, © Mansueto Ventures LLC.

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Tesco Expands Testing Of PayQwiq Mobile Payment Service February 10, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Retailer Tesco expanded its testing of the PayQwiq mobile payment service, which allows customers to pay for their purchases and collect Clubcard points using their smartphones. First started in September 2014, the trial now covers a limited number of shoppers. Customers invited to join the trial can download the PayQwiq app to their smartphone and sign in using their Tesco Groceries information. Shona Ghosh, "Tesco lets customers pay by smartphone with PayQwiq trial", Marketing Magazine, February 10, 2015, © Haymarket

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HUL Rides Direct-Selling Platform To Get To E-commerce Land February 9, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Hindustan Unilever began transforming its Hindustan Unilever Network direct-selling operations into an e-commerce platform. According to an HUL spokesperson, the Hindustan Unilever Network now lets consumers order online and offers fulfillment services, as well. Launched in 2003, HUL's direct-selling division will sell the Aviance and Lever Ayush lines of health and beauty products through HUL network consultants operating exclusively online. Ratna Bhushan, "HUL's e-comm play: Hindustan Unilever Network tests online waters with direct selling switch", Economic Times, February 09, 2015, © Times Internet Limited

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Costco Enters China Market Via Alibaba's E-commerce Door February 7, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Retailer Costco launched its business in China by opening a store on e-commerce company Alibaba's Tmall Global platform. Refusing to follow the lead of other foreign-owned retailers, which launched their brick-and-mortar retail stores in the country, Costco focused instead on online sales. During its first month of operations, the company reported $6.4 million in sales. Costco's partnership with Tmall Global offers several advantages, including the ability to operate without the need for local storage facilities and the need to secure business licenses. Eshna Basu, "Costco Wholesale Corporation Enters China the Smart Way", Motley Fool, February 07, 2015, © The Motley Fool, LLC

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Carrefour Makes Shopping Easier For Smartwatch, Smartphone Owners February 5, 2015: 12:00 AM EST French retailer Carrefour sees a high-tech marketing opportunity among Samsung smartwatch and smartphone customers. The company has partnered with Publicis Shopper and Think&Go to allow Samsung gear S watch and compatible Samsung smartphone owners to access Carrefour shopping lists and loyalty cards using the new C-où mobile app launched last April. Customers create a shopping list on their smartphone and it appears simultaneously on the smartwatch. The new shopping experience, being tested at Carrefour's smart Villeneuve-la-Garenne store, has so far been a hit among Carrefour customers. "Carrefour tests the first shopping list on a smartwatch", News release, Carrefour, February 05, 2015, © Carrefour

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Amazon Opens First Physical Store On Purdue University Campus February 3, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Online retailer Amazon opened its first ever bricks-and-mortar store on the campus of Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. Described by the company as a “customer order pickup and drop-off location,” the staffed center will allow Purdue students to pickup orders of textbooks and other goods, as well as make returns. To be manned by Amazon employees from the company's five facilities in Indiana, the store will allow customers to ask a staff member to open a locker for them. Chris Johnston, "Amazon's first bricks-and-mortar store opens in ... Indiana", The Guardian, February 03, 2015, © Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies.

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Seventh Generation Halts In-House Online Sales Operations February 3, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Seventh Generation Inc. stopped selling on its website, deciding to focus instead on supporting retailers that sell its products. Turning its ecommerce attention to selling its Bobble line of water filtration products via WaterBobble.com, the company is now redirecting customers to online and offline retailers. Seventh Generation’s director of consumer engagement, Reid Greenberg, however, did not rule out resuming online sales in the future. Tracy Maple , "Seventh Generation scrubs online shopping off its site", Internet Retailer, February 03, 2015, © Vertical Web Media

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Amazon Secures Online Sales Deal With Universities February 1, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Amazon.com Inc. signed online selling deals with Purdue University, the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and University of California Davis. As part of the online retail giant's grab some share of the college bookstore market, which is currently dominated by Barnes & Noble Inc. and privately owned companies, such as Follett Corp., Amazon is offering unlimited next-day delivery on campus to members of its Amazon Student Prime program. Also, the company will open distribution centers on each campus, which will allow students to pick up packages. Greg Bensinger, "Amazon Makes a Push on College Campuses", The Wall Street Journal, February 01, 2015, © Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

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Bed Bath & Beyond Reports Impressive Online Sales Growth In 3Q FY 2014 January 29, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Bed Bath & Beyond reported online and mobile sales rose 40 percent in the third quarter of its fiscal 2014. According to the company's January 2015 earnings call, it has increased its online selection by almost 40 percent to 200,000 SKUs. In addition to home furnishings, the retailer's e-commerce store now offers other products, including audio and electronics, pet care, and lawn and garden care. For the quarter, the company said its revenue increased 2.7 percent to more than $2.94 billion. "Bed Bath & Beyond Moves Beyond Brick-and-Mortar—and It Works", eMarketer, January 29, 2015, © eMarketer Inc.

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Online Sales Of FMCG Growing In India, Market Observers Say January 27, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Online sales of common consumer goods, including shampoo, deodorants, cosmetics, and household cleaners, are gradually increasing in India. Although driven mostly by smaller FMCG companies, large national vendors are also expanding their ecommerce business, promising to shift the balance in India's growing ecommerce market. Currently dominated by electronics, books, and apparel, the online market is seeing increased demand for FMCG, according to an Amazon India spokesperson. According to Snapdeal, the market is forecast to grow 50 times over the next three years. Shambhavi Anand & Rasul Bailay, "FMCG products slowly gaining traction in India's booming ecommerce market", Economic Times, January 27, 2015, © Times Internet Limited

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L'Oreal USA Professional Products Division Partners With StyleSeat To Sell Salon Products Online January 22, 2015: 12:00 AM EST L'Oreal USA Professional Products Division made its range of salon-exclusive products available online through e-commerce site StyleSeat. More than 4 million consumers use the online platform to book appointments with hair and nail professionals. These users will have online access to L'Oreal products, such as Essie Professional, Kerastase, and L'Oreal Professionnel. Consumers seeking to buy these products previously had to go to a salon or spa. "L'Oreal Professional Products Division Portfolio of Brands Now Available Online Through Local Salon Professionals ", PRNewswire, January 22, 2015, © PR Newswire Association LLC

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