Strategy

NEW YORK — Customer experience is highly correlated to loyalty in both the United States and the United Kingdom, according to a new report by Temkin Group.

According to "The ROI of Customer Experience" study, a $1 billion U.S. company can generate between $141 million and $382 million over three years if it makes a modest improvement in the customer experience it delivers.

NEW YORK — The Consumer Confidence Index from the Conference Board fall slightly in March to 70.2 from 71.6 in February. 

"Consumer Confidence pulled back slightly in March, after rising sharply in February,” said Lynn Franco, director of The Conference Board Consumer Research Center. “The moderate decline was due solely to a less favorable short-term outlook, while consumers’ assessment of current conditions, on the other hand, continued to improve.”

Matthews, N.C. -- Family Dollar Stores Inc.'s second-quarter earnings rose 10.7% as increased customer traffic fueled higher sales. Its results topped analysts’ expectations.

The discounter said its net profit rose to $136.4 million for its fiscal second quarter ended Feb. 25, 2012, from $123.2 million a year earlier.

New York -- Customer experience is highly correlated to loyalty in both the United States and the United Kingdom, according to a new report by Temkin Group.

According to "The ROI of Customer Experience" study, a $1 billion U.S. company can generate between $141 million and $382 million over three years if it makes a modest improvement in the customer experience it delivers.

ROANOKE, Va. — Advance Auto Parts has announced the promotion of Markus Hockenson to SVP store operations effective April 1. Hockenson will be responsible for providing strategic direction and leadership to the company’s Midwestern operations, which includes more than 1,200 stores. Hockenson will report to Carl Hauch, SVP national operations and will be based in Denver, Colorado.

Chestnut Hill, Mass. -- A 120,000-sq.-ft. former Macy’s building was demolished on Wednesday, as developer WS Development prepares the site for a second redevelopment phase of its Chestnut Hill (Mass.) Shopping Center.

The region’s oldest suburban mall will become home to a new generation of retailers, services and entertainment offerings, including a new 31,000-sq.-ft. Sports Club/LA health and fitness complex and a National Amusements’ theatre and restaurant facility.

Dallas -- SRS Real Estate Partners announced three new hires in brokerage, marketing and research.

Scott Poehler, Alexandra Hilker and Kyle West have joined the SRS teams in Newport Beach, Calif.; Denver, and Orlando, Fla.

Scott Poehler has joined SRS as an associate in the Newport Beach office, coming to SRS from Keller Williams Realty.

Corpus Christi, Texas -- Dolphin Ventures and EWB Development announced that they will develop The Outlets at Corpus Christi Bay, located in Corpus Christi, Texas.

The project will be a partnership with the Lockard Cos.

Phase one, slated to contain 281,526 sq. ft., is targeted for a late 2013 opening.

“This center will fill a void in the Texas market and is one of the very last major tourist destinations in the U.S. without an outlet center,” said Lisa Quier Wagner of Dolphin Ventures and EWB Development.