Majority Of Australia's 50 Largest Online Retailers Do Not Use Personalized Email October 27, 2014: 12:00 AM EST In Australia, 76 percent of the top 50 online retailers are not using tailored marketing collateral, according to the Australian Ecommerce Study 2014 from Teradata. Data also revealed 54 percent of online retailers collect additional information on consumers and that although 92 percent send a regular email newsletter, 76 percent do not deliver tailored marketing messages to current or potential customers. Also, 82 percent of retailers offered a single opt-in process to subscribe to a newsletter and only 16 percent required consumers to create an account. "Report: Majority of top 50 Aussie ecommerce players don't personalise email", CMO, October 27, 2014, © IDG Communications

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Online Fashion Retailer Zalora Opens First Offline Store In Singapore October 23, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Southeast Asian online fashion retailer Zalora opened its first physical store in Singapore. The first such store for an online retailer in the region, the Zalora store is aimed at increasing “awareness of the online store among local consumers,” according to the company's regional managing director Tito Costa. Backed by Germany-based venture fund Rocket Internet, Zalora operates localized websites for Southeast Asian countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. It sells clothing, shoes, and accessories from various international brands. Newley Purnell, "Southeast Asia E-commerce Startup Zalora Opens First Offline Shop", The Wall Street Journal, October 23, 2014, © Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

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Online Retailers Raise Costs Of Free Shipping October 22, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Retailers, such as Amazon.com Inc., Best Buy Co., and Gap Inc., are raising the amount that online shoppers need to buy to be able to avail themselves of free shipping. July 2014 data from market researcher StellaService Inc. revealed a customer has to spend an average of $82 on products to qualify for free shipping, up from $76 year on year. For example, Amazon raised its free-shipping threshold from $25 to $35 in 2013, and increased the membership fee for its Prime delivery service in March 2014. The trend highlights the efforts of retailers and shipping firms to cover their shipping costs; however, a small group of retailers, which includes Amazon's Zappos, Nordstrom Co., and L.L. Bean, still offer no-minimum free shipping. Laura Stevens et al, "Free Shipping Is Going to Cost You More", The Wall Street Journal, October 22, 2014, © Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

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Staples Joins Growing List Of U.S. Retailers Attacked By Cybercriminals October 21, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Office supplies retailer Staples revealed its computer systems were compromised in a cyber-attack incident affecting customers' credit- and debit-card information. According to the company, it is cooperating with law enforcement authorities to assess the scope of the cyber-attack. Other recent incidents of hacking or cyber-attack include those reported by Sears Holdings Corporation's retail business Kmart, and other retailers, such as Target, Supervalu, and Home Depot. Based on Secret Service estimates, about 1,000 United States-based merchants had been affected by cyber-attacks and similar incidents. Nicole Perlroth, "Staples Is Latest Retailer Hit by Hackers", The New York Times, October 21, 2014, © The New York Times Company

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Online Retailers Expand Same-Day Delivery Services October 21, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Ecommerce companies, such as Google, Amazon, eBay, and Uber, are expanding their same-day delivery services, according to a recent report from market research firm BI Intelligence. Data from the report revealed 2 percent of urban shoppers have used same-day delivery services, with same-day delivery services bringing about $100 million worth of products to consumers in the United States in 2014. Four in 10 US shoppers said they would use same-day delivery if they did not have time to go to a retail store.  Despite the projected increase in popularity of same-day delivery services, 92 percent of consumers said they are willing to wait four days or longer for products bought online to arrive, the study also revealed. Cooper Smith, "Same-Day Delivery Services Are Going After Brick-And-Mortar Retailers’ Last Big Advantage", Business Insider, October 21, 2014, © Business Insider Inc.

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Uber Tests On-Demand Delivery Service In Hong Kong October 21, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Ridesharing company Uber partnered with Hong Kong-based meal-in-a-box firm Secret Ingredient to test a meal delivery service in the city. The company first launched the service under the UberFresh brand in Santa Monica, California, in summer 2014. The service pilot highlights Uber's plan to compete with on-demand delivery services, such as WunWiun and Google Shopping. Harrison Weber, "Uber expands meal delivery pilot to Hong Kong", Venture Beat, October 21, 2014, © VentureBeat

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Whole Foods Market Rolls Out Apple Pay In All US Stores October 20, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Retailer Whole Foods Market said it has begun offering customers the ability to buy and pay using the Apple Pay mobile payment system. Aimed at providing a convenient and secure way of paying for products at the retailer's checkout lanes across the United States, the payment system lets shoppers complete their purchases using their mobile devices. Apple's mobile payment system does not store the actual credit card or debit card numbers. Instead, a Device Account Number is assigned and securely stored on the mobile device. "Apple Pay Now Available To Whole Foods Market® Customers", Whole Foods Market, October 20, 2014, © Whole Foods Market

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Amazon Launches Amazon Fresh Same-Day Grocery Delivery Service In New York City October 17, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Online retailer Amazon is launching its Amazon Fresh same-day grocery delivery service in New York City. According to the company, the service will start in Park Slope, a neighborhood in the Brooklyn area. Already available in Seattle, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, the service delivers items bought on Amazon's online store to customers homes and apartments within the same day or early the following morning. Jacob Kastrenakes, "Amazon's same-day grocery delivery service launches in New York Beginning today in Park Slope", The Verge, October 17, 2014, © Vox Media, Inc.

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Wal-Mart Stores Announces Capex Plans For FY 2016 October 15, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. said its total capital spending for fiscal year 2016 is forecast to be between $11.6 billion and $12.9 billion, with about $1.2 billion to $1.5 billion allotted for the company's e-commerce and digital operations. In addition to expanding its e-commerce investments by $1 billion, compared with fiscal year 2015, the retailer will also add between 26 million and 30 million net retail square feet to its global operations in the next fiscal year. Wal-Mart also said it expects net sales for FY 2016 to grow 2‒4 percent, or $10 billion to $20 billion. "Walmart will accelerate investments in e-commerce and moderate global square footage growth", Wal-Mart, October 15, 2014, © Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

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Amazon Grabs Lead In Canada's Online Retail Market October 14, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Amazon.com's Canadian unit, Amazon.ca, became the leading online retailer in the country, according to stockmarket analysts at BMO Capital Markets. Data revealed the online retailer is drawing about 5 million shoppers to its website on a monthly basis. BMO said Amazon has doubled its share of total site visits among Canadian Internet users, with growth driven by the company's introduction of new products, such as the Prime subscription delivery service, in the country. Although online sales accounted for only 5.2 percent of the $480 billion total retail spending in Canada in 2013, that share is growing 17 percent a year and is expected to reach 7.4 percent by 2017, according to market research firm eMarketer. Jamie Sturgeon , "Amazon jumps out to lead in Canada’s online shopping wars", Global News, October 14, 2014, © Shaw Media Inc.

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Google Brings Same-Day Delivery Service To Chicago, Boston, And DC October 14, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Google expanded its Google Shopping Express same-day delivery service to include Chicago, Boston, and Washington, DC. First launched in San Francisco, the service sends groceries and other items purchased from local stores to consumers' door at the time of day they prefer. Google Shopping Express lets shoppers order using apps compatible with Google's Android and Apple's iOS mobile operating systems. Previously available for free, the service now includes a new Express membership, which works in the same way as rival Amazon's same-day delivery service, Amazon Prime. Paul Sawers, "Google unveils subscription plan for same-day ‘Express’ delivery service, as it arrives in 3 more cities", The Next Web, October 14, 2014, © The Next Web, Inc.

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Costco Says Will Use Alibaba's Tmall Ecommerce Platform To Open Online Store In China October 14, 2014: 12:00 AM EST American retailer Costco Wholesale Corp. said it plans to open an online store in China using the Tmall online marketplace operated by Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. Aimed at offsetting slowing sales at its home market, the warehouse operator's Tmall store will sell branded products, including food and healthcare products, and own-brand products under the Kirkland Signature private label. Tmall features virtual storefronts and payment platforms for sellers, which encouraged several Western retailers, such as Inditex, Burberry, and ASOS, to join the online marketplace. Sruthi Ramakrishnan, "Costco to enter China through Alibaba's Tmall", Reuters, October 14, 2014, © Thomson Reuters

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Ebay Launches First Global Brand Campaign In Time For Christmas October 9, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Online market eBay is launching Shop the World, the company's first global brand campaign. Created in partnership with Goodby Silverstein & Partners, the campaign aims to promote the site as the go-to online market for the holidays shopping season and overcome the negative effects of the cyberattack that affected 145 million customers in 2014. Scheduled to run across digital and social media, the campaign will highlight the wide range of products available at eBay's online store. Sarah Vizard, "Ebay looks to put cyber attack behind it with launch of first global brand campaign", Marketing Week, October 09, 2014, © Centaur Communications Ltd.

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Northern Europe's Online Market Posts Strong Growth Numbers October 9, 2014: 12:00 AM EST In Northern Europe, online sales of goods and services reached €33.2 billion in 2013 and forecast to rise to €36.8 billion 2014, according to a report by Ecommerce Europe. Northern Europe, which includes Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Norway, accounts for 9.1 percent of the European market. Norway, with total online sales of €8.9 billion, is the largest e-commerce market in the region, followed by Sweden with €8.6 billion. Demark was ranked third with online sales recorded at €8.3 billion, while Finland recorded €6.6, giving it the fourth place in terms of online sales. Iceland and the Baltic States, although posting the lowest online sales figures in 2013, recorded growth rates ranging between 15 percent and 30 percent. "Ecommerce Europe: Northern European e-commerce market to reach €36.8bn in 2014", E-commerce Facts, October 09, 2014, © E-commercefacts.com

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Norway's Plan To Raise VAT Limit Will Benefit Online Shoppers October 8, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Norway's government plans to increase the VAT limit for purchases from foreign-based retailers from 200 kroner to 500 kroner. Part of the proposed national budget for 2015, the VAT limit is the maximum amount of money that Norwegians can buy from overseas online retailers before they are hit with value-added tax. Supporters of local retailers are opposing the proposed revision of the VAT limit, which is expected to benefit Norwegians who shop from foreign online retailers and account for 10 billion kroner in total sales. "Norway set to raise VAT limit for e-commerce", The Local, October 08, 2014, © THE LOCAL

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Avon Launches New Website, Adds Social-Selling Features For Representatives October 8, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Avon Products, Inc. launched its redesigned website ww.avon.com, a part of the company's efforts to use digital technology to improve the social selling experience for Avon Representatives, as well as the shopping experience for customers. Also, Avon partnered with digital media agency iCrossing to develop a digital media campaign supporting the website's launch. According to Avon, the website includes features, such as blogs, special offers, and videos, designed to complement the usual direct-selling approach. "Avon Launches Redesigned Ecommerce Site", Avon, October 08, 2014, © Avon Products, Inc.

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L'Oreal Brands YSL And L'Oreal Paris Use Technology To Encourage Consumers To Buy Online October 7, 2014: 12:00 AM EST L'Oreal brands YSL and L'Oreal Paris launched digital initiatives aimed at helping consumers have “real-life” experience when buying cosmetics online. Unlike other industries' online retailing experience, cosmetics companies' ecommerce efforts are hampered by consumers' reluctance to buy beauty and personal care products without knowing how the product looks or smells like. YSL partnered with Google to use technology in enabling make-up artists show customers how to apply make-up. L'Oreal Paris launched the Make-up Genius App, which allows consumers to see how they will look like with the make-up on before buying the product. Sophie Curtis, "How technology is transforming the cosmetics industry", Telegraph, October 07, 2014, © Telegraph Media Group Limited

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Online Accounts For 3 Percent Of Total Sales In US Personal Care Market October 6, 2014: 12:00 AM EST In the United States, online sales at present account for only 3 percent of the $50 billion sales in the personal care market, according to market research firm L2. Data from the "Digital IQ Index: Personal Care | US revealed mobile channels influence 19 percent of in-store sales although mobile sales are modest. In 2013, 10 percent of personal care brands, such as Olay, Gillette, and Caress, launched new ecommerce sites. Mobile site adoption increased 12 percent on a year-on-year basis, with about two-thirds of all personal care websites designed for mobile browsing. Also, the percentage of Index brands with email sign-up programs that are sending emails regularly grew from 28 percent in 2013 to 40 percent at present. "Digital IQ Index: Personal Care: U.S. 2014", L2 Think Tank, October 06, 2014, © L2 Think Tank

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UK Mobile Shoppers Rise As Fewer Use Computers To Buy Online October 3, 2014: 12:00 AM EST In the UK, the number of shoppers visiting leading online retail sites using their Android devices rose an average of 48 percent in the year ending June 2014, according to Nielsen. In contrast, the number of customers using their desktop and laptop computers to shop online dropped almost 20 percent. Retailer Groupon saw the biggest decline in number of users of desktop and laptop computers, recording about one-third fewer users compared with last year. Another retailer, John Lewis, saw a 20 percent drop, while its mobile user base rose 114 percent during the period. Justin Neville-Rolfe, "Mobile Migration: Online Shopping Goes Mobile in the U.K.", Nielsen, October 03, 2014, © The Nielsen Company

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Pepsi Joins Coke In Experimenting With Online-Only Soda Marketing October 1, 2014: 12:00 AM EST The latest version of the 120-year-old soft drink once known as Pepsi-Cola will be sold exclusively by online retailer Amazon.com. Pepsi True, sweetened with sugar and stevia, is a mid-calorie soda that will launch in mid-October to compete with mid-calorie Coca-Cola Life, also sweetened with sugar and stevia. Coke is marketing another of its soft drinks, Coca-Cola Surge, exclusively online. Analysts say introducing new beverages online is a “good move”, because online sales will “build scale” in the market before expanding to traditional retail outlets. Sales of diet sodas are sagging as consumers grow more concerned about soft drink consumption and obesity. Tripp Mickle, "New Pepsi Goes to Amazon", The Wall Street Journal, October 01, 2014, © Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

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Study Names Top Five Brands In Digital Gifting September 30, 2014: 12:00 AM EST A benchmarking study by Retail Systems Research (RSR) on the digital gift card industry has found that the brands with the highest overall scores across verticals, and therefore the most comprehensive omni-channel digital gifting offerings, are Sephora, Starbucks, Home Depot, Best Buy and Dunkin’ Donuts. RSR focused on differentiating capabilities in making its selections, including both mobile and social experiences, "to reflect the evolving use of digital gift cards in omni-channel commerce". RSR took notice of retailers’ prioritization of gifting as a whole, the ability to digitally “thank” a gift giver, and integration with loyalty and marketing programs. "RSR Research’s Fourth Digital Gift Card Benchmark Study Identifies Brands That are Perfecting the Omni-Channel Gifting Experience", News release, RSR, September 30, 2014, © RSR

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eBay, PayPal To Split Into Two Public Companies In 2015 September 30, 2014: 12:00 AM EST eBay’s directors have approved a plan to split the company’s eBay and PayPal business units into separate publicly traded companies in 2015. The split will preserve – at “arm’s length” – the companies’ operating arrangements. Devin Wenig, president of eBay Marketplaces, will become CEO of eBay, while American Express executive Dan Schulman will become CEO of PayPal. The companies said in a statement that that the separation “positions eBay and PayPal to capitalize on their respective growth opportunities in the rapidly changing global commerce and payments landscape”. "eBay Inc. to Separate eBay and PayPal into Independent Publicly Traded Companies in 2015", eBay Inc., September 30, 2014, © eBay Inc.

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Mobile Commerce Helps Drive Growth In Europe's Online Retail Sales September 24, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Online retail sales in Europe are forecast to increase 100 percent from €165 billion in 2013 to €330 billion in 2019, according to Mintel. Data from the market research firm revealed online retail sales in 2014 alone are expected to grow 17 percent to €193 billion, or about 7 percent of Europe's total retail sales for the period. M-commerce is helping drive growth in online retail sales, with 41 percent of internet users in the UK using their smartphones to buy online; 44 percent in Italy; France, 28 percent; Germany, 33 percent; and Spain, 40 percent. Also, in the UK, 35 percent of internet users shop online using their tablets; France and Germany, 23 percent; Spain, 26 percent; and Italy, 32 percent. "M-Commerce to help double Europe's online retail sales between 2013 and 2019", Mintel, September 24, 2014, © Mintel Group Ltd.

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Unilever Partners With Web Portal Daraz.pk to Launch Online Retail Business In Pakistan September 23, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Unilever Pakistan launched its local online retail business through the Daraz.pk web portal to sell more products to more people in the country, according to the company’s vice president for customer development, Amir Paracha. Through ecommerce, the company plans to sell its more expensive brands not usually available at conventional retail stores, according to Paracha. He also said that 50 percent of Daraz sales come from areas outside the major cities of Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. Unilever Pakistan is also working with other ecommerce partners or online retailers to sell more grocery items online, the executive added. "“As an FMCG organisation we cannot live in the past”", DAWN, September 23, 2014, © DAWN.COM

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Avon Uses Ecommerce And Social Media To End Drops In U.S. Revenue And Sales Reps Count September 21, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Avon revised its avon.com website as part of its efforts to use ecommerce and social media to stop the decline in number of sales representatives and drop in revenue in the United States. After the redesign, the website now features improved and interactive product photos and videos with beauty tips and recommendations. Avon’s website also features tools designed to help sales representatives customize their site and use social media platforms, such as Twitter and Facebook, to connect with their customers. Since 2007, Avon’s salesforce in North America decreased by half to 300,000 representatives, with U.S. sales dropping by 45 percent in the first half of 2014. Phil Wahba, "Avon bets on e-commerce makeover to win back Ladies...and save U.S. business", Fortune.com, September 21, 2014, © Time Inc.

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Walmart India Plans To Expand Online Wholesale Business September 20, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Walmart India announced its plan to expand the coverage of its online wholesale service to cover members in the cities of Guntur and Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh state in October 1, 2014. At present, Walmart’s online wholesale business is operating in Hyderabad and Lucknow. The company operates 20 Best Price wholesale stores in the country. "Walmart to extend online wholesale platform reach from October 1", Economic Times, September 20, 2014, © Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd.

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FTC Updates Rule On Mail- And Phone-Based Sellers To Include Online Retailers September 18, 2014: 12:00 AM EST The U.S. Federal Trade Commission revised the country’s rule governing mail-order and phone-based retailers to cover online retailers. Based on the rule’s provisions, online retailers must deliver online orders on time or the customer can cancel the purchase and require a refund. The Mail or Telephone Order Merchandise Rule, effective since 1975, dictated that mail- and phone-based retailers must deliver customers’ orders within the promised time frame, while the updated policy recognizes modern forms of payment aside from including online sellers. Katherine Noyes, "FTC Gives E-tailers Bad Shipping News", Ecommerce Times, September 18, 2014, © ECT News Network, Inc.

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Amazon Buys .Buy Domain For $4.6 Million September 18, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Online retailer Amazon spent almost $4.6 million to acquire the rights to the .buy Internet domain. According to domain-name market analyst Domainnamewire.com, Amazon outbid Google and two other companies for the Internet domain. Top-level domains manager ICANN plans to sell the rights to a number of new domains in 2014. Jon Russell, "Amazon just forked out $4.6 million to own the .Buy domain", The Next Web, September 18, 2014, © The Next Web, Inc.

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Half Of Irish Consumers Get Product Information From Online Sources, Survey Says September 18, 2014: 12:00 AM EST In Ireland, half of consumers said they go online for information on consumable products before buying, with 62 percent saying they prefer to read online reviews, according to a study by Nielsen. Data from the Nielsen Global Survey of e-commerce revealed 38 percent of Irish respondents plan to purchase clothing and shoes online in the next six months, compared with 45 percent of consumers in the UK. Also, 61 percent of Irish consumers said they plan to buy airline tickets online, compared with the EU average of 34 percent. "Just 15% of Irish Consumers Plan to Purchase Groceries Online", Nielsen, September 18, 2014, © The Nielsen Company

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Kraft Foods “Follows The Consumer” Using Big Data And Social Media September 17, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Food marketer Kraft is using the latest information technology advances – especially Big Data and digital marketing – to better understand its customers and to better reach them. Big Data allows Kraft to use massive computing power to gather and analyze all the information being generated internally and externally. It then applies the insights gained to make sure its “center store” product line “follows the consumer”. Kraft is using the newfound insights to target Millennials, Hispanics, tech-savvy shoppers and others through social media, de-emphasizing more traditional ad media. Dale Buss, "Kraft Using Big Data and Digital Marketing", CPG Matters, September 17, 2014, © CPG Matters

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Tesco Tests PayQwiq Mobile Payments Service September 16, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Tesco is implementing on a trial basis the PayQwiq mobile payments service that allows shoppers to pay for their purchases and earn Clubcard points using their mobile phones. Covering 16 Tesco Express stores in London and 26 Express, Metro, and Superstore stores in Edinburgh, the pilot is available only for some staff members. Participants in the trial run need to log on to Tesco’s online grocery service. After keying in their credit card information, users will receive an email prompting them to download and access the PayQwiq mobile app. Sarah Vizard, "Tesco trials mobile payments service", Marketing Week, September 16, 2014, © Centaur Communications Ltd

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Subway Adopts Softcard Mobile Payment System For All U.S. Stores September 16, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Subway expanded its partnership with mobile payment technology firm Softcard to cover all of its more than 26,000 stores across the United States. Created by telecoms AT&T Mobility, T-Mobile USA Inc., and Verizon Wireless, Softcard uses near field communication technology to enable consumers to do a number of things, including paying for purchases and redeeming loyalty points. Under the terms of the deal, Subway will introduce offers using Softcard. Also, Subway plans to integrate its Subway Rewards program into the platform. Toni McQuilken, "Subway Rolls Out Mobile Payments to All 26,000 U.S. Locations Restaurant chain partners with Softcard", AdWeek, September 16, 2014, © Adweek

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Tesco Lotus Plans To Launch Mobile Shopping App In Thailand September 13, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Tesco Lotus said it will launch a mobile app for online shopping in Thailand in the fourth quarter of 2014. As Thai consumers spend more time online and increase their online shopping activities, Tesco Lotus is focusing its attention on building its ecommerce infrastructure in the country. At present, Tesco Lotus’ online store offers more than 20,000 products, according to CMO Wanna Swuddigul, who also said the top 3 bestselling categories are children’s products, beverages, and household products. She also said only purchases are typically worth three times more than the average offline purchase at a Tesco Lotus store. Asina Pornwasin, "Tesco Lotus to launch mobile app in Q4 for online shopping", The Nation , September 13, 2014, © www.nationmultimedia.com

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Millions Of Brazilian Consumers Look For Bargains On Alibaba's Local Site September 12, 2014: 12:00 AM EST In July 2014, more than 12 million consumers in Brazil browsed Alibaba’s AliExpress website, a unit of China’s online commerce company Alibaba.com, according to comScore. Data from the market research firm also revealed 1.5 million consumers visited the website in 2013. Also, from June to July 2014, the number of Brazilian consumers who visited the site increased 40 percent. Demand for bargains is driving the increase in the number of AliExpress website visitors, data also showed. Loretta Chao, "China's Alibaba Draws Brazilian Bargain Shoppers", The Wall Street Journal, September 12, 2014, © Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

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HUL Tests Online Retail Push In India September 11, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Hindustan Unilever is reportedly planning to leverage its presence in 3.2 million retail outlets to ensure prompt delivery of products ordered online by consumers in India. HUL also plans to sell non-competing products from other vendors through the platform the company is currently testing on a limited scale. Online retail is forecast to grow into a $20 billion to $30 billon market, driven by India’s growing Internet user base, which is expected to reach around 400 million by 2020. Namrata Singh, TNN, "HUL launches e-tail pilot project", The Times of India, September 11, 2014, © Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd

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Whole Foods Market Joins Forces With Instacart To Offer One-Hour Delivery In Major US Cities September 11, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Retailer Whole Foods Market said it has partnered with grocery delivery service Instacart to let customers receive their orders within one hour. As part of the partnership deal, customers will be able to place orders using Instacart and get their purchased items from a local participating Whole Foods Market store. According to the companies, the in-store pickup option will be tested first at some stores in Austin and Boston. "Whole Foods Market® and Instacart partner to offer one-hour delivery across 15 major U.S. Cities", Whole Foods Market®, September 11, 2014, © Whole Foods Market

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Facebook's Latest Video Move Targets YouTube's Hold On Online Video Advertising Market September 9, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Facebook announced an update to its video platform aimed at competing with Google’s YouTube video-sharing website for online advertising money. As part of the update, videos uploaded by Facebook users via the social network’s own video player will display the number of views those videos receive. Facebook aims to highlight its “ability to attract audiences”, showing online video networks and advertisers it can strongly compete with YouTube. Combined with its acquisition of video advertising technology firm LiveRail and implementation of autoplay video ads on its social networking platform, Facebook’s latest move could spell trouble for YouTube, according to the company. Tim Peterson, "Facebook's Strategy to Take on YouTube Comes Into View", Advertising Age, September 09, 2014, © Crain Communications

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Twitter Tests New Message Feature Allowing Users To Buy Online September 8, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Twitter said it plans to start public testing of a “buy” button embedded in tweets or posts to let users of the micro-blogging site buy a product. During the initial phase, the proposed feature will be used to sell “limited-edition” or “time-sensitive” products like T-shirts and concert tickets. Eventually, however, the company hopes to turn the feature into a source of revenue. Twitter’s latest ecommerce move will not require buyers to send tweets with a special hashtag. Instead, after clicking the “buy” button, they will be prompted for their credit card and shipping information. Initial tests would include a limited number of Twitter users in the United States, with only 19 sellers participating. Vindu Goel, "Twitter Begins Testing ‘Buy’ Button for Posts", The New York Times, September 08, 2014, © The New York Times Company

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Online Retailer LeShop.ch Opens Second Drive-Through Pickup Store September 8, 2014: 12:00 AM EST LeShop.ch, Switzerland’s largest online supermarket, opened its second drive-through click-and-collect facility. Located near the country’s A1 Autobahn, or highway, the DRIVE store features a collection of more than 8,500 items, such as fresh bread, wine, and vegetables. Designed for customers who are under time pressure, DRIVE prepares online purchases for pick up by shoppers about two hours after placing their orders. Henoch, "Online supermarket LeShop.ch opens second drive-thru", Ecommerce News, September 08, 2014, © Eurolutions

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Seiyu Plans To Expand Lineup Of Products Sold Online September 8, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Japanese supermarket operator Seiyu announced plans to increase the number of products it sells online to 100,000, or five times the current level, in the next three years. An affiliate of US retailer Wal-Mart Stores, Seiyu aims to use its online operations to reach customers not covered by its store network. Seiyu’s online move is in contrast with leading trading house Sumitomo Corp.’s withdrawal from the Internet supermarket sales segment. At present, Seiyu uses two methods to deliver consumer orders: direct from the nearest store to the customer and via its distribution centers. This approach allows the supermarket chain, which expects online sales to grow 40 percent faster than the previous year, to maintain the freshness of perishable items and keeping as many products available online as possible. "Seiyu to quintuple online selection over next 3 years ", Nikkei, September 08, 2014, © Nikkei Inc.

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Asda Expands Online Shopping Infrastructure, Keeps Eye On Becoming UK's Top Online Store September 8, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Asda revealed details of its expansion plans for its Home Shopping and Click and Collect operations, as part of its efforts to become the best online retailer in the UK. Also, the retailer plans to purchase and implement a “fully automated ‘click and collect’ pod technology” designed to deliver customer orders using a temperature-controlled unit. Asda also said it will improve online offers for customers of its main sites: Asda.com and George.com. The retailer also intends to increase its Click and Collect locations from 400 to 600 and expand its Drive-Thru Click and Collect sites to 200. Asda also plans to add 100 new sites to its existing same-day Click and Collect services, increasing the total to 350. "ASDA Steps Up a Gear on Ambition to 'Lead Online' with Expansion Plans", Wal-Mart , September 08, 2014, © Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

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U.S. Postal Service Cuts Rates, Eyes Bigger Share Of Ecommerce Delivery Market September 4, 2014: 12:00 AM EST The U.S. Postal Service announced lower postage and delivery prices aimed at attracting big ecommerce companies and recover business it has previously lost to parcel delivery services firms FedEx Corp. and United Parcel Service Inc. Despite opposition from its rival delivery providers, the Postal Service gained regulatory approval in August 2014 to cut prices by as much as 58 percent on some Priority Mail packages for deals involving at least 50,000 parcels a year. While the Postal Service claimed its high prices were limiting its ability to compete, both UPS and FedEx said the agency is leveraging its near-monopoly status to expand its share of the ecommerce delivery market. In addition to lower shipping rates, USPS is also considering grocery delivery for Amazon.com Inc. as part of its efforts to attract new business. Laura Stevens, "U.S. Mail Cuts Prices, Chafing UPS and FedEx", The Wall Street Journal, September 04, 2014, © Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

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USPS Broadens Definition Of “Mail” To Include Groceries September 4, 2014: 12:00 AM EST The U.S. Postal Service, beset by continuing financial problems as Internet technologies eat into its core business, has launched a 60-day food delivery test with Amazon.com’s AmazonFresh unit. For the test, USPS is delivering insulated packages of meat, dairy, produce and other groceries to customers in San Francisco between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m, when its trucks are not delivering mail. AmazonFresh already delivers groceries in its hometown Seattle, and other cities. Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe said USPS, which handles 35 percent of Amazon’s packages, is very interested in grocery delivery, noting that Amazon is “an excellent, excellent customer and an excellent partner”. Greg Bensinger et al., "U.S. Mail Delivers Amazon Groceries in San Francisco", The Wall Street Journal, September 04, 2014, © Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

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Online Snack Retailer In The Vanguard Of Grocery Shopping Trend September 1, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Direct-to-consumer online food retailing is emerging as a potential, if still small, threat to brick-and-mortar supermarkets. An example of the trend is NatureBox, which sells healthful snacks on its Web site. Following the Netflix model, NatureBox subscribers receive packages of multiple-serving snack bags each month. Products include Praline Pumpkin Seeds, Salted Caramel Pretzel Pops, and French Toast Granola, all made without artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners, or high fructose corn syrup. The company shipped 50,000 boxes in 2012 – the year it was founded – a million last year, and is expected to ship three million in 2014. NatureBox was named one of the 20 fastest-growing Web merchants in the U.S. Mary Ellen Kuhn, "Snacking by Subscription (Online Exclusive)", Institute of Food Technologists, September 01, 2014, © Institute of Food Technologists

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Almost Half Of UK Online Shoppers Buy From Foreign-Based Online Retailers August 29, 2014: 12:00 AM EST In the UK, 48 percent of online shoppers said they have made an online purchase from a foreign-based retailer, according the study eCustomerServiceIndex by eDigitalResearch and IMRG. Data showed price and availability are the leading factors prompting UK online consumers to buy from online retailers outside the country. Also, results revealed 60 percent of online buyers said they bought from foreign e-retailer because of more affordable prices, while another 60 percent said they chose to buy overseas because the products they wanted were not available locally. Clothing, footwear, and jewelry are the most frequently purchased by UK online consumers from overseas retailers. Results of the survey also showed 64 percent of online buyers spend up to £50 per transaction with foreign-based online retailers. "48% of UK online shoppers purchase with international retailers", ECommerceWeek.co.uk, August 29, 2014, © Surf Media Limited

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Wal-Mart Seeks Growth In China's Ecommerce Market August 28, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Yihaodian, majority owned by Wal-Mart Stores Inc., is moving to expand its online retail operations in China. As part of its expansion moves, the online retailer increased the number of products it sells on its website, expanded its supply chain, and improved the usability of its mobile site to increase sales. Wal-Mart looks at online retail as a means of achieving growth in the country, something that it has so far failed to achieve with its brick-and-mortar business in China. Yihaodian, however, needs to compete with Alibaba, which accounted for more than half of the country’s online business-to-consumer market as of the second quarter in 2014. Shelly Banjo and Laurie Burkitt, "Wal-Mart Looks Online for Chinese Growth", Wall Street Journal, August 28, 2014, © Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

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French Personal Care Brands Need To Enhance Consumers' Online Shopping Experience, Report Says August 27, 2014: 12:00 AM EST In France, 34 percent of shoppers claim online stores lack information about products and services, according to business intelligence firm L2’s Digital IQ Index Personal Care France report. Data revealed personal care brands are investing heavily on content in order to address the issue. Also, 75 percent of brand sites include videos and 86 percent offer product information. According to the report, however, most brands lag in creating a seamless online shopping experience by combining information with buying steps. Homa Zaryouni, "French Personal Care Sites: Content Without Direction", L2 Think Tank, August 27, 2014, © L2 Think Tank

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Delhaize Unit Launches Ecommerce Banner In Romania August 26, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Mega Image, the Romanian subsidiary of Belgium-based retailer Delhaize, launched a grocery ecommerce banner in partnership with eMAG. Offering a full range of supermarket products numbering around 7,500 SKU’s, the online store also sells non-food products, such as consumer electronics. Romania’s ecommerce market, dominated by retailers, including Cora, Metro Cash & Carry, and Carrefour, is among the most competitive markets in Central and Eastern Europe. Miloš Ryba, "Delhaize Launches Grocery E-Commerce in Romania", Retail Analysis, August 26, 2014, © The Institute of Grocery Distribution

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CVS Caremark Adopts Mobile As Platform To Expand Pharmacy Business August 26, 2014: 12:00 AM EST CVS Caremark is relying on mobile technology in its efforts to expand its pharmacy business, according to chief digital officer Brian Tilze. In an interview with Mobile Commerce Daily, Tilze said mobile will help the company enable customers to access all its services whenever, wherever, and however they want. Its CVS/pharmacy Mobile app, for example, comes with Pill Identifier and Drug Interaction Checker features. Tilze described his company’s biggest opportunity in mobile is pushing for integration and personalization of the “pharmacy and retail experiences,” making it easier for customers to stay healthy. Chantal Tode, "CVS Caremark bets on mobile innovation to extend stores’ reach", Mobile Commerce Daily, August 26, 2014, © Napean LLC.

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Burger King Offers Free Android Phones To Promote Digital Coupon App August 26, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Burger King launched its mobile coupon app in the United States. To promote the digital coupon application and encourage consumers to download the app, the fast food chain is offering a free Android smartphone. Customers can avail themselves of the free Android handset, available from leading wireless operators by keying in the code FREEPHONE at the checkout counter. Chantal Tode, "Burger King ups ante on promoting apps with smartphone offer", Mobile Commerce Daily, August 26, 2014, © Napean LLC.

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