Research Topic

Thorofare, N.J. -- Retailers in the United States are expected to lose $8.9 billion over the holiday season as a result of shoplifting, dishonest employees and vendor or distribution losses, according to a new study released by the Centre for Retail Research. In total, the losses could represent a 4% increase over the same period last year.

Solon, Ohio -- Black Friday and Cyber Monday does not always mean lower prices, according to a study by ECRM Analytics that examines Black Friday and Cyber Monday promotions. The analysis exposes many common misconceptions around these two important shopping days.

ECRM found that when comparing Black Friday deals to other times throughout the year, it is apparent that holiday prices are not always the lowest, with leading retailers promoting higher prices than previously advertised on toys and consumer electronics.

It’s common to see BMWs, Mercedes and other luxury makes in Walmart parking lots, but a new study reported on by Ad Age reveals wealthier shoppers prefer Amazon.com

NEW YORK — The Toy Fair has added a new feature to its 110th annual trade show called, “Content Connection.” The new addition to the show is designed to serve the needs of growing number of licensors, brand owners and entertainment executives that annually flock to the largest toy trade show in the Western Hemisphere.

New York -- Amazon and Costco lead the pack lead the pack when it comes to the e-tailers that have most satisfied their customers, according to the "2012 Harris Poll Shopper Satisfaction Study of Online Retailers." The survey used a 100-point scale to measure customer satisfaction with the e-commerce sites of 14 big retailers. Amazon.com ranked first with a score of 82.

Bolingbrook, Ill. — Ulta Beauty reported a double-digit gain in third-quarter sales and net income. The company said it is planning to open approximately 125 stores in 2013.

For the quarter ended Oct. 27, net income rose 42.5% to $38.2 million. Net sales rose 22.4% to $505.6 million, from $413.1 million in the year-ago period. Same-store sales were up 8.4%.

During the quarter, Ulta opened 49 stores, for a total of 537 stores.

The Sustainability Consortium jointly administered by the University of Arkansas and the University of Arizona, with support from Walmart and many of its suppliers, is ranked among 10 ideas changing the way people live by Scientific American.

Digital audience measurement firm comScore has launched a new service called Media Metrix Multi-Platform to help advertisers makes sense of how shoppers are interacting with their brands in an increasingly multi-channel world.

New York -- Tiffany & Co. reported Thursday that net income for the quarter ended Oct. 31 plummeted 30% to $63.2 million from $89.7 million, hurt by higher costs and tax rates as well as continued economic softness.

Revenue climbed 4% to $852.7 million, missing Wall Street’s expected $858.8 million in sales. By region, sales rose 6% in Europe and 3% in the Americas.

The retailer has cut its full-year earnings forecast.

New York -- J. Crew Group reported Thursday that net income for the third quarter rose to $33.2 million, from $21.6 million in the prior year.

Revenues increased 16% to $555.8 million, and same-store sales increased 10%.