Budgets/Spending/Market Size

RESTON, Va. — U.S. online retail recorded its eleventh consecutive quarter of positive year-over-year growth and seventh consecutive quarter of double-digit growth, according to ComScore.

U.S. online retail spending reached $43.2 billion for the second quarter, up 15% over a year ago, according to ComScore.

Milwaukee -- Midwestern grocer Roundy’s reported Friday that net income for the quarter ended June 30 rose 6.6% to $18.9 million, compared with $17.7 million in the year-ago period. Sales edged up 1.7% to $996.8 million.

Same-store sales dropped 3.3%.
 

SOLON, Ohio — Efficient Collaborative Retail Marketing reported that the current drought conditions have yet to lead to an increase in food prices.

“We predict that the food-at-home index will decline for the month of July [however],” ECRM stated in a release Friday.

For a detailed look at ECRM's predictions on how drought conditions will impact food prices, click here.

Reston, Va. -- U.S. online retail spending reached $43.2 billion for the second quarter, up 15% over a year ago, according to comScore.

It was the eleventh consecutive quarter of positive year-over-year growth and seventh consecutive quarter of double-digit growth. The top-performing online product categories were: digital content & subscriptions, consumer electronics, flowers, greetings and gifts, computer hardware, apparel and Accessories. Each category grew at least 16% over a year ago.

Arlington, Va. -- In letters sent to President Barack Obama and Governor Mitt Romney, the Retail Industry Leaders Association urged both to consider the retail industry’s prominent role in the U.S. economy as they advance their visions for the future.

The letter was signed by Gregg Steinhafel, Target chairman, president and CEO and Sandra L. Kennedy, RILA president. Steinhafel serves as chairman of the RILA board of directors. 

Boca Raton, Fla. -- Office Depot reported Tuesday that it lost $64.3 million in the second quarter, widened from a $29.3 million loss in the same period last year.

Weakened sales in North America and Europe, along with a $23.9 million impairment charge and other restructuring charges, contributed to the weakened performance.

Revenue dropped 7% to $2.51 billion, compared with $2.71 in the year-ago period and missing analysts’ expected $2.6 billion in revenue. Sales in North America fell 8%, and same-store sales dropped 4%.

Austin, Texas -- A survey released Tuesday by coupon site RetailMeNot.com found that nearly 80% of parents spend up to $500 per child for back-to-school shopping.

Additionally, the survey – which was conducted with Ipsos Public Affairs – found that the majority of parents get the jump on the school year by starting their shopping in July and August (54%) versus after the school year begins.

A significant number of parents, 29%, find the back-to-school shopping experience to be either annoying or stressful.

Bergen, N.J. -- Vitamin Shoppe Inc. reported Tuesday that net income for the second quarter surged 38.8% to $16.6 million, compared with $12 million in the year-ago period and marking the third straight quarter of profit increases.

Revenue rose 13.4% to $245 million, beating Wall Street’s expected $241.8 million in revenue.

The company said it is on track to open 52 stores in fiscal 2012.