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Growing in severity, number and type, retailers are reporting organized retail crime (ORC) has become more troublesome than ever before. Of the 125 retail companies surveyed for NRF’s eighth annual Organized Retail Crime Survey, a record-setting (96.0%) say their company has been the victim of organized retail crime in the past year, up from 94.5 percent last year, and another 87.7 percent say ORC activity in the United States has grown over the past three years. 

Tags: Customer Experience, Merchandising, Multichannel Retailing, Payments, Technology It seems it was only a matter of time before consumers were able to buy products via remote control while watching TV. What's perhaps surprising, however, is that it's a retailer not a technology firm that is testing the platform. Ikea is bringing "tele-commerce to the owners of Ikea's new Uppleva TV set," according to a story on GigaOM. The TV will be available in select European Ikea stores next month and offers a built-in shopping and payment solution. A German company called Connept developed the technology that will prompt users

The 8th Bridge Graphite platform has partnered and launched with multiple retailers over the last month, including: American Apparel, Plum District, Guitar Center, Nine West, Avon/mark, Deb Shops, Hallmark, TOMS, Nasty Gal, Oscar de la Renta and Hayneedle.com. "The new Graphite technology from 8th Bridge was the first social commerce approach that aligned with our multi-channel vision," said Brian Moen, chief marketing officer for Hayneedle.com. "We are excited about being the first in our industry to provide this service to our customer." The Graphite platform is built to help brands integrate social commerce into existing channels and supporting systems

Deerfield, Ill. -- Walgreens reported Tuesday that net sales for the month of May dropped 1.6% to $5.98 billion, compared with $6.08 billion in the year-ago period. Total front-end sales edged up 0.3%, and same-store sales dipped 1%. Total sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2012 were $17.77 billion, down 3.3% from $18.37 billion in the third quarter last year.

Minneapolis -- Christopher & Banks Corp. reported Tuesday a loss of $13.4 million, compared with a loss of $8.2 million in the year-ago period. Net sales dropped to $93.6 million, from $110.4 million in the comparable period last year. Same-store sales decreased 15%. “Our financial results reflect continued customer resistance to the residual merchandise assortment that consisted of styles that were too updated and priced too high while lacking in key categories,” said Joel Waller, president and CEO. As part of the company’s real estate restructuring efforts, 103 stores were identified for closure and 101 of these stores were

Although almost all consumers shop big box retailers, Empathica Consumer Insights Panel found only 38 percent of consumers report that big box retail employees appear to be enjoying their jobs.

NEW YORK — Macy's is celebrating LGBT Pride Month this June with a number of initiatives including in-store events and participation in marches around the country. “Macy’s is once again proud to recognize and honor our LGBT employees and customers during National Pride Month with our Pride + Joy campaign,” said Dineen Garcia, Macy’s VP diversity strategies. “These festive celebrations and community initiatives showcase our steadfast commitment to inclusiveness in all aspects of our business. From our welcoming wedding and gift registry to our long-standing support of national and local LGBT community organizations, Macy’s remains dedicated to the fundamentals

Harris Teeter Supermarkets entered into an agreement with Lowe’s Food Stores whereby Harris Teeter will acquire 10 Lowes locations in the central Carolinas region and Lowes Foods acquiring six Harris Teeter store locations in western North Carolina. In addition to the six Harris Teeter stores, Harris Teeter has agreed to pay Lowes Foods $26.5 million. The transaction is expected to be completed in the company’s third quarter of fiscal 2012, which ends July 1, 2012. Harris Teeter plans to temporarily close the acquired stores for five to sixteen weeks for remodeling, stocking and training of employees.

Sports Authority has announced the launch of its first-ever customer rewards program, The League, which offers members 5% back on their total point balances of 100 points or more earned quarterly. The program offers one of the highest reward funding rates, as well as the lowest reward threshold amongst leaders in the full-line sporting goods retail industry, allowing members qualify for rewards sooner, the retailer said. 

John Leeman, chief marketing officer, spoke to eMarketer about the challenges presented by the online grocery business and how FreshDirect is evolving to meet them.