Are you worried that “Alexa” is listening to your conversations? Do you cover your laptop camera with tape? Well, it looks like even stepping into the mall may require full-body armor if you wish to keep your basic data truly private.

The first task facing a retailer entering a new market? To find its customer. This chore takes on more significance for foreign retailers venturing into a complex, expansive and heterogeneous market such as the United States.

On December 6-7, the Javits Center played host to this years’ ICSC NY Deal Making Conference. ICSC featured a new format at this years’ Conference.

Despite the rise of e-commerce and omni-channel distribution and the demise of brick-and-mortar, 85% of sales are still made in physical stores, and these will continue to be at the core of retailers’ efforts to enhance their brands and drive sales.

Although one might assume that having grown up in a world of technology, Gen Z consumers prefer exercising their buying power online, Gen Z buyers surprisingly prefer shopping in brick-and-mortar stores.