| News about digital retail commerce |  |
- Better Homes and Gardens invests in e-commerce
Meredith's Better Homes and Gardens is selling products in its first e-commerce initiative at BHG.com/shop. Basing the Web portal on its ShopNation acquisition, the site has no shopping cart and redirects clicks to other merchants' sites, "potentially depriving BHG.com of traffic," writes Lucia Moses. But the choice to redirect rather than hold inventory allows it to tout 500,000 products by 58 retailers and hold the line between editorial and business interests, BHG executives say. Adweek
(12/13)     
 | The Social Media ROI Cookbook: Six Ingredients Top Brands Use
In this free report, industry expert Altimeter explores the most effective "ingredients" for measuring the revenue impact of social media, providing insights and case studies from an array of top companies. Offerpop is happy to make this penetrating study available to SmartBrief readers. Download it for free! |
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- Amazon's later delivery options cater to procrastinators
Online shopping is up 13% this holiday season, less than the 17% forecast by comScore. Meanwhile, Amazon is offering a 10% coupon to some to spur buying. Analysts say delivery options that let procrastinators wait to holiday shop might be behind the smaller-than-expected increase. All Things D
(12/13)
- Shipping rivalry escalates this season
The country's two largest shipping companies have ramped up efforts to win customer loyalty this season, as online retail continues to grow. UPS has signed some 2.1 million subscribers for its My Choice service, which offers digital delivery alerts and additional options for a $40 annual fee, while FedEx is promoting its status as the company that offers delivery on Saturday and "by appointment." The Wall Street Journal
(12/13)
 | White Paper: 7 Reasons You Need Predictive Analytics Today
Download this white paper to discover why your organization needs predictive analytics and the strategic objectives that can be attained to their full potential only by employing it. Learn how.
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- PayPal creates prepaid card for online shoppers
PayPal has launched My Cash Card, a prepaid card that lets consumers shop online without using credit, debit or a bank account. The card, sold at 30,000 retail stores nationwide, can be loaded with as much as $500 at a time. GigaOm
(12/13)
| Companies in the News | | |
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- Toys R Us logistics chief is used to managing orders
Former U.S. Army logistics officer and Gulf War veteran Marie Robinson is now charged with making sure the toys get where they're going. As the chief logistics officer for Toys R Us, Robinson is in charge of the increasingly complex job of making sure the retailer's 600 stores are properly stocked and also that the company's $1 billion in annual online orders are filled promptly and accurately. The Wall Street Journal
(12/13)
- Amazon opens Kindle e-book store in China
Amazon has launched a Kindle store in China that sells e-books that work with the Kindle mobile application. The company has received authorization from China's radio regulator that could allow it to start selling Kindle e-readers there soon. Reuters
(12/13)
| Legislative & Regulatory | | |
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- Taobao dropped from U.S. "notorious" list
Alibaba-owned e-commerce site Taobao Marketplace has earned its way off the U.S. Trade Representative's list of companies and sites considered "notorious" for sales of pirated and counterfeit products, the office said Thursday. Reuters
(12/13)
 | Shop.org Retail Members receive 1 free pass to Retail's BIG Show
Shop.org Retail Members receive 1 free full conference registration per company to Retail's BIG Show, Jan. 13 - 16 in New York. With more Shop.org First Look content, two EXPO halls and incredible networking opportunities, you'll want to bring the whole team. Get your pass.
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| Shop.org Spotlight | | |
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- How Warby Parker increased its home try-on program conversion rate
Although assortment diversity can be much larger and present many opportunities in omnichannel retailing, sometimes too many choices are not always a good thing. At Retail’s BIG Show, Jan. 13-16 in New York, Warby Parker’s customer insights manager and Wharton School of Business marketing professor will illustrate the brand’s successful strategies that increase perceived variety and purchase quantity, both when variety is low and when it's overwhelming. Learn more.
- Exclusivity: Why the holidays aren't all about discounting
Once-in-a-lifetime moments leave a lasting impression in shoppers' minds, driving positive word-of-mouth buzz as well as increased spending. The Gap's "12 Days of Joy" promotion and the limited-edition holiday line from Target and Neiman Marcus are just two ways retailers are creating exclusive merchandise and making a commitment to deliver a memorable customer experience to build customer loyalty without squeezing margins this holiday season. Read more.
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- Wednesday, December 12, 2012
- Tuesday, December 11, 2012
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- Friday, December 07, 2012
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Last season, 32% of retailers focused on sending themed, non-promotional messages to their customers on either Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Source: 
