Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM NOVEMBER 2015 58 B U Y I N G G R O U P N E W S STORIS SUPPORTS EMV LIABILITY CHANGES STORIS is now offering clients credit card processing that supports EMV liability changes The adoption of EMV in a retail store is important, because this sophisticated system helps to thwart security hacks by an estimated 70%, according to New Science. EMV is designed to make the process of stealing data much more difficult, protecting the account owner from theft. STORIS continues its leadership position by providing its retailers with this next layer of fraud protection. The sense of security that a consumer feels when shopping at a retailer is vital to maintaining a competitive advantage and building brand trust. "STORIS wants to stress the importance of changing over to EMV processing and the positive impacts this new technology can bring to retailers," says Technical Project Manager David Graham who headed this initiative. "Further, the risk of not upgrading to more secure processing methods could be devastating to retailers of any size. STORIS has been working diligently to make sure the services we provide to our customers put them in a strong, secure position." Retailers will have the responsibility for any fraudulent activity that occurs in their stores if they are not compliant with EMV changes set forth by the major credit card companies. Whichever party, the retailer or the credit card institution, is more liable for putting the consumer at risk will take on the financial burden of the theft. Previously the responsibility would have been solely that of the credit card company. "As the leading provider of Retail Software Solutions to the home furnishings industry, we have a responsibility to the hundreds of retailers we service and to their customers to deliver the most secure technology in the market," said Donald Surdoval, CEO. STORIS began developing their EMV capability in 2014 and will soon offer the service to retailers. STORIS chose Shift4® Secure Payment Processing for their integration so that retailers using STORIS' current credit card processing can continue to work with their trusted financial partners and begin working with new ones. For more information on STORIS' new EMV certified Credit Card Processing integration, or any questions on EMV liability changes, contact 1.888.4.STORIS. NATIONWIDE'S ANSWERS SUMMIT DELIVERS STRATEGIES TO INDEPENDENTS The Nationwide Marketing Group recently held their annual ANSWERS summit, a three-day event comprised of marketing sales and management strategies, held at the group's PrimeMedia multi- media and communications center near Atlanta. The summit, named after the group's revolutionary and exclusive ANSWERS 21st Century Selling Skills Program, is held three times each year, and is a unique opportunity for Members to network, learn and position their businesses for growth in their markets. The attendees included several of Nationwide's multi-store member companies with a primary focus on larger scale operations. The independent retailers attending had the opportunity to refine their web presence and digital marketing plans, and were granted access to the latest advertising assets, including more HD television commercial campaigns than ever before, all produced at the group's exclusive Nationwide PrimeMedia Studios. Several sessions were led by industry experts, providing insight into the latest consumer data available in extended service protection, leadership skills, and generational marketing. Through interactive, group-lead breakouts, the retailers were able to walk away with cutting-edge best practices, extracted from the exchange of innovative ideas and merchandising strategies during these sessions. Nationwide continues to assist their members in the development of Prepare for Share strategies, customized plans derived from their specific market and consumer data. By tailoring these plans to each retailers' specific needs, they are armed with the insight needed to become even more attractive to consumers in their markets. This exclusive Nationwide service, while provided to those that attended the ANSWERS summit, is available to the group's entire roster of 3,800 independent retail companies. Mike Whitaker, Director of Media Implementation for Nationwide PrimeMedia, said, "The 2015 ANSWERS Summit was very exciting for both our Members, as well as for the Nationwide team. The exchange of ideas, along with the level of engagement with the ever-growing portfolio of assets available to Nationwide Members combine to make the most effective merchandising, sales, marketing and leadership strategies in the industry. The opportunities for Nationwide Members has never been greater, and our Members left Atlanta equipped with much excitement about their ability to be Prepared for Share in the final quarter of 2015, and beyond." RO

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