Bond Brand Loyalty, a brand loyalty agency, recently released its seventh annual consumer loyalty report. The Loyalty Report 2017 finds that company loyalty programs remain one of the biggest drivers of brand choice and loyalty.

Brands and retailers have been hyper focused on Millennials for years now. But while they've been busy trying to figure out what Millennials want, Generation Z, a maturing and ever more digitized and global generation, is emerging with its formidable buying power.

Once upon a time, new fashion collections were introduced in the fall and spring. Socialites followed the runway shows to select looks for their charity balls. Families went "back-to-school" wardrobe shopping. Spring looks showcased lightweight fabrics and pastels. A smaller winter show featured cruise wear.

The biggest companies by market capitalization 15 years ago were deeply rooted in the physical world. No. 3 Exxon sold you the gasoline to drive to no. 5 Walmart back in 2001. Even Microsoft, the no. 2 company, dealt largely in the OS and software for your notebook or desktop PC.

DHL Express has published research highlighting growth opportunity for retailers and manufacturers with an international online product offering. The report, "The 21st Century Spice Trade: A Guide to the Cross-Border E-Commerce Opportunity," looks at the markets and products that offer the highest growth potential, the motivations and preferences of customers making international online purchases and the success factors for online retailers that wish to expand overseas.