Winter Holidays

Washington, D.C. – The long winter chill put a damper on consumer spending and retail sales in February. According to data from the National Retail Federation (NRF), excluding automobiles, gasoline stations and restaurants, retail sales declined 0.2% seasonally-adjusted month-to-month, yet were up 3% on an unadjusted year-over-year basis.

Additional findings from NRF’s monthly retail sales analysis found that:

Building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers:
• -2.3% month-to-month

New York -- Hibbett Sports is on track to open at least 80 new stores in 2015 as strong holiday sales and early tax refunds gave the retailer a boost in the January quarter.

The company posted quarterly earnings of $19.9 million, compared to $16.9 million, in the year-ago period. EPS surged to $0.79 from $0.64. Its sales gained 9.9% to $239.3 million. Same store sales rose 5.4% in the quarter.

Bon-Ton plans to refocus the brand, expand omnichannel efforts and open an e-commerce fulfillment center on the heels of a successful fourth quarter.

The company saw an increase in net income in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014 to $71.7 million, up 17% from net income of $61.3 million in the same quarter of the previous fiscal year.

York, Pa. – An insurance settlement from a store damaged by fire helped The Bon-Ton Stores Inc. increase net income in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014 to $71.7 million, up 17% from net income of $61.3 million in the same quarter of the previous fiscal year.

Sales grew 3%to $942.6 million from $914.9 million. Top-performing merchandise categories included cold weather and active apparel and home. The company continued its trend of double-digit sales growth in e-commerce in the period. Same-store sales rose 4.3%.

Columbus, Ohio – Expenses, primarily related to incremental marketing activities, helped decrease profits at Express Inc. during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014. But the chain beat Wall Street analysts earnings and sales estimates while also giving an upbeat outlook for its current quarter.

Express reported net income of $41.8 million, down 16% from $49.7 million last year.

For the past two months, New England has been dealing with an historically snowy, cold winter. As a lifelong resident of the region, I have had time to reflect on a few technology-related lessons retailers can take from my experience as a snowbound consumer.

Factor the Weather into your Planning

ECRM compared retail circular advertising in February 2014 vs. February 2015 and noted trends occurring across top retail chains.

Pittsburgh – Dick’s Sporting Goods Inc. knows who it wants to be – a successful omnichannel brand. The retailer is rolling out a new omnichannel campaign, "Who Will You Be?", which will debut March 6 on TV and digital platforms during ESPN's College Basketball Championship Week.