Privacy Fears Hit Retailers’ Big Data Analytics Plans

Brick-and-mortar retailers plan to link in-store analytics with shoppers’ mobile devices. Shoppers say not so fast.

Privacy will “almost certainly” be the leading big data issue this year as consumer advocates focus on controversial spying activities of the US National Security Agency (NSA), according to a new 2014 predictions report from global consulting firm Stratecast | Frost & Sullivan.

If this prediction holds true, it’s unclear how it might impact big data efforts in the retail industry, particularly a new class of in-store analytics systems that use WiFi-enabled devices — typically smartphones — to gather information on customers’ shopping and purchasing habits.