11.14.2018Enterprise Solutions
The Holiday Retail Index by Verizon Enterprise Solutions to offer digital commerce insights to retailers and distributors
Media contact(s)
Ilya Hemlin
908.295.7677
Ilya.hemlin@verizon.com
Customer Experience both in-store and on-line a major differentiator for retailers during the holiday shopping season
NEW YORK – The holiday shopping season is already heating up and the Holiday Retail Index by Verizon Enterprise Solutions is returning to offer consumer shopping insights to retailers, distributors, hospitality organizations and other industries that play a pivotal role in the activities and traditions that mark this time of year.
Now in its fifth year, the Holiday Retail Index tracks digital commerce traffic across the company’s broadband networks to the top 25 U.S.-based online retailers1. The Holiday Retail Index monitors network traffic throughout the holiday shopping season, including during signature events such as Black Friday and Super Saturday. Throughout the season, Michele Dupré, leader for retail, hospitality and distribution with Verizon Enterprise Solutions, will offer insights based on the Index findings.
“All of our the early indicators of consumer confidence and our own findings are showing this is primed to be a strong holiday season for retailers,” said Dupre, “however with digital commerce becoming so ubiquitous it’s not just about having an online presence. Retailers are succeeding by focusing on delivering a unique customer experience and building strong brand loyalty that lasts throughout the entire year.”
Additionally, this year will feature insight on hot topics in the retail space, including payment security, keeping customer’s data safe, and how small businesses are leveraging technology to compete.
Holiday Retail Index Report Schedule
The first edition of the 2018 Holiday Retail Index by Verizon will capture digital shopping activity from this weekend and will be released on Monday, November 19 by noon Eastern. Going forward, findings from the Index will be released throughout the season with an emphasis on key dates, such as final shipping deadlines, which historically have motivated consumers to shop. The list of report publication dates includes:
Monday, November 19 – Initial report capturing data from the weekend before Thanksgiving; Payment Security – how are retailers creating payment systems their customers can trust?
Saturday, November 24 – Thanksgiving and Black Friday report; Does Black Friday matter?
Monday, November 26 – Thanksgiving weekend report; Post Black Friday results.
Monday, December 3 – First weekend of December; How are small businesses thriving in the holiday season?
Monday, December 10 – Second week of December; Insights from the data breach digest
Monday, December 18 – Last full weekend before Christmas.
Wednesday, December 26 – Christmas weekend report, including Super Saturday.
Wednesday, January 2 – Post New Year’s weekend report;
Friday, January 4 – Wrap-up report.
Dupré also emphasizes that despite the hype around digital commerce, retailers are leveraging their physical locations.
“The physical location is an extension of the digital shopping experience,” she noted. “Beyond being a place to pick up your online orders, we’re seeing the physical stores as a place to offer unique experiences. Whether that’s offering special products, showcasing unique technology, or as a host to Instagram-worthy events.”
Dupre added “In addition, the human factor should not be underestimated. Well-trained associates can serve as powerful brand ambassadors which can help generate sales and loyal customers.”
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