With a worldwide operation, complicated supply chains and retail outlets on top of manufacturing responsibilities, getting product to the buyer is not as easy as Adidas makes it seem. But through a data mining and loss prevention program powered by Oracle MICROS XBRi, the company has harnessed its point-of-sale data to cut down on preventable losses and build a leaner business.

For fast-growing retailer Ulta Beauty, having an omnichannel presence does not just mean selling products across multiple touch-points. As Ulta Beauty executives explained during a presentation at the recent Oracle Industry Connect 2015 conference, the retailer uses an Oracle Retail technology platform to support a range of omnichannel experiences that engage customers at a highly personal level.

Last week, Oracle hosted its second annual Oracle Industry Connect conference in Washington, D.C. This seat of world power was an appropriate setting for a two-day summit explaining how retailers can use technology to obtain better control of every aspect of their enterprises.

Significantly more consumers than last year are using smartphones to help them shop and now they have specific needs and desires from retailers.

For these global consumers convenience and converged commerce is underpinned by mobile. The report found that this is the fastest growing method of shopping in all countries, with 67% of people stating they are using smart-phones and other mobile devices to enhance their shopping experience.

"We are committed to providing a consistent shopping experience and to meeting customer expectations across channels by aligning pricing, promotions, and inventory availability online and in-store," said Luis Paez, chief information officer, Perry Ellis International. "With Oracle Retail Release 14, we have a consistent view of all inventory, so we can offer customers any product we have in stock regardless of where it resides."

Enabled by technological advances, today's consumers are reaching across borders and channels for shopping experiences that provide unprecedented choice and convenience. A new consumer research report, "Retail Without Limits - A Modern Commercial Society," explores how a technology-powered "invisible hand" has transformed the retail environment and reveals lessons for retailers as they adapt to this new, nearly limitless retail marketplace.

An overwhelming majority (70%) of consumers around the globe say that the best way retailers can add value to their shopping experience is to provide easy access to information about their products and services, both online and in stores. That's one of the key takeaways of a new consumer research study by Oracle.

Apparel retailer and wholesaler Perry Ellis International has updated its retail systems to Oracle Retail Release 14 to ensure inventory is available and can be fulfilled across all channels.

The study highlights that there are opportunities for retailers to differentiate themselves and win customers through better in-store experiences, more-effective mobile strategies, and increased access to information regarding inventory and pricing. Key findings are broken into the following categories:

A global consumer survey by Oracle has found that consumers are increasingly demanding a more technology-driven and global shopping experience.

"We are committed to providing a consistent shopping experience and to meeting customer expectations across channels by aligning pricing, promotions, and inventory availability online and in-store," said Luis Paez, chief information officer, Perry Ellis International. "With Oracle Retail Release 14, we have a consistent view of all inventory, so we can offer customers any product we have in stock regardless of where it resides."

"Consumers are enjoying an expanding global marketplace, and they are shopping it with the nearest mobile device," said Jill Puleri, senior vice president and general manager, Oracle Retail. "As retailers embrace this new global, mobile consumer they must also maintain profitability and lay the foundation for ongoing change."

The October 2015 EMV deadline is looming. How can retailers who haven't prepared get up to speed, and realize benefits in the process?

Mid-market retailers face a unique combination of pressures from today's highly connected consumers. These customers seek the personalized attention and service that smaller retailers are known for, but they have also come to expect the wide product selection and expanded range of delivery options offered by the country's largest retailers. The 98-store Gordmans department store chain, celebrating its 100th year in business, faces this paradox, along with the challenge of balancing its upcoming online offerings with the brick-and-mortar stores that are still central to the business. Richard Heyman, Senior Vice President and CIO for the retailer, spoke about keys to success at the Oracle Retail Midmarket Merchandising Customer Luncheon held in conjunction with the NRF 2015 BIG Show in New York City.

In spite of a credit card breach a few months back, execs with Neiman Marcus are pleased at the pace with which the company is growing, especially in the online arena. In a keynote address last week at the two-day Oracle Industry Connect conference in Boston, Karen Katz, president and chief executive officer of Neiman Marcus Group Ltd. LLC, said the $5 billion retailer is in the midst of its largest-ever capital project, overhauling its merchandising system using Oracle. "It is big, scary and risky, and the only path we could have taken," said Katz. In addition, the company is making more tech enhancements to its 41 stores, including working further on its new app, which allows sales associates to chat with customers, send them product collages and make merchandise suggestions.

"The customer is in the driver's seat. We're just trying to get in front of what she wants." - Karen Katz, president and chief executive officer of Neiman Marcus Group Ltd. LLC, speaking about technology at the Oracle Industry Connect Conference.

In this exclusive interview, Janet Schalk, EVP and CIO of Kohl's, shares insights into the retailer's latest technology implementations related to an overall omnichannel focus.

We've made many foundational investments over the last couple of years and will continue to do so this year so that if she's shopping from home, her cart stays with her across any channel. Kohl's CIO Janet Schalk: "We also offer our omni-channel wallet, our mobile wallet, which makes shopping at the store much easier. The customer does not have to fumble for all the pieces of paper - Do I have Kohl's cash? Do I have a reward? Do I have a 30% off? Customers can simply store these things in their phone wallet."

Technology is an essential ingredient to the success of John Lewis, and the retailer is ploughing £100m into IT initiatives in 2015