"Quote...unquote"

This week’s choice quotes from the retail technology world…

 “The latest results from Target serve as confirmation that the American retail sector is enjoying a renaissance. With a good cross-section of customers and a broad exposure to many categories, Target serves as a reasonably good bellwether for the consumer mood. A sales uplift of 7%, supported by a 6.5% rise in comparables - the best result in 13 years - proves that sentiment is upbeat and spending fairly carefree.

That said, it would be unfair to credit all of Target's strong numbers to economic conditions. Indeed, Target performed well above the market at the overall level, and in terms of the growth produced at both stores and via its digital channels. In essence, it is outpacing rivals and taking market share.” Neil Saunders, Managing Director, GlobalData Retail

“Just like with the threat of a nuclear attack, we very much hope that a no-deal Brexit is a worst-case scenario that never actually happens. Anyone planning to use a parcel courier to ship to the EU in the future must trust that the threat of a hard Brexit never actually comes true, because British exporters know ducking under a table won’t help them survive the extra duties, red tape and delays on their exports to the EU.” ParcelHero’s Head of Consumer Research, David Jinks

"This (Superdrug incident) is another blow to our collective privacy. There is a laundry list of names of the biggest corporations in the world that have been dealt a collective knock down over the years whether it be Equifax, Anthem, Target, Heartland or eBay, to name a few.

We know the list of companies suffering breaches where personal information of their customers was compromised is in the thousands. The reality is that the cost to gain information on consumers has plummeted and should be at the forefront of the debate. Today, every consumer should be working under the assumption that their personal information has been compromised many times over, and the latest Superdrug hack is a reminder that they should watch their identities and credit for abuses." Sam Curry, Chief Security Officer, Cybereason

“Since the introduction of contactless cards in 2007, the speed and ease of their use has seen millions of us embrace the technology for day-to-day shopping. But from our research it’s clear that simply waving a card or smartphone over a payment reader leaves some people disassociated from the money they’re spending and can lead them to make more impulse purchases. Even with a payment limit capped at £30, frequent, unmindful spending can quickly add-up and it’s all too easy to spend more than you realise." Georgie Frost, Consumer Advocate, GoCompare Money

“Consumer frustration with checkout lines is driving a tidal wave of demand among retailers and real estate owners keen to provide a frictionless retail experience. With annual sales of grocery stores, convenience stores and quick-serve restaurants totalling nearly $1.6 trillion in the US alone, we believe there is a sizeable market opportunity for us to pursue.” Zippin CEO, Krishna Motukuri

“When companies like House of Fraser crash, history shows that asset stripping is often the consequence. You’ve got to question the motives for this buyout and ask whether Mr Ashley has got the interests of the company and its workers at heart.” Alan Costello, GMB Organiser

"Walmart and Flipkart will achieve more together than each of us could accomplish separately to contribute to the economic growth of India, creating a strong local business powered by Walmart. Our investment will benefit India by providing quality, affordable goods for customers, while creating new skilled jobs and opportunities for suppliers. As a company, we are transforming globally to make life even easier for customers, and we are delighted to learn from, contribute to and work with Flipkart to grow in India, one of the fastest-growing and most attractive retail markets in world." Judith McKenna, President and CEO, Walmart International

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