Business Analytics

New York -- Poor data collection and linkage practices are leaving organizations unable to move forward with key business goals, according to a new study by Experian Data Quality, a part of Experian Marketing Services.

The report, “Finding insight through data collection and linkage,” finds that while most organizations are looking to leverage data better to drive consumer insight, they are hindered by a lack of reliable and consolidated data sources.

Columbus, Ohio -- DSW reported that its second quarter profit rose 1.8%, better than expected, with sales up across all its segments. Profit for the quarter ended Aug. 2 was $34.3 million, up from $33.7 million in the year-earlier period.
   
Sales rose 4.5% to $587.1 million. Same-store sales increased 0.8%. Both metrics surpassed Wall Street forecasts.
    

Orlando, Fla. -- Florida's retail development market is moving indoors. According to JLL research, nearly half of all retail commercial construction in Florida in the half of 2014 is taking place in malls and shopping centers.

New York -- Instagram is making itself more advertising-friendly, adding a new suite of business tools for its advertisers that will help the brands better control their campaigns and will allow them to gauge the success of their efforts.

The roll-out of the new features, which include an “account insights” tool that will allow marketers to track the performance of their ads in real-time using typical brand metrics such as impressions, reach, and engagement, will occur over the coming weeks and months, the photo-sharing giant said.

New York -- Ann Inc. on Friday reported earnings of $32.7 million in its fiscal second quarter, down from $35.6 million in the second quarter of 2013. Its results were in line Wall Street expectations. Looking ahead, the company forecast revenue for the third quarter below Street estimates and also lowered its revenue outlook for fiscal 2014.

Total net sales for quarter were $648.7 million, compared with net sales of $638.2 million in the year ago period.

Grapevine, Texas -- GameStop Corp. on Thursday reported a second-quarter profit of $24.6 million, up from $10.5 million in the year ago period.

Revenue rose 25% to a better-than-expected $1.73 billion, helped by new game releases as well as solid sales of gaming hardware.

Houston -- Stage Stores, Inc. reported net income of $11.2 million for the second quarter, compared with $9.6 million last year.

Total sales were $377 million. Same-store sales decreased 4.2%.

“We found the second quarter to be challenging, but we were encouraged that our sales trend improved towards the end of the quarter,” said Michael Glazer, CEO. “We expect improved second half results given our sales driving initiatives.”

York, Pa. -- The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. reported a loss of $36.2 million in the second quarter, narrowed from a loss of $37.3 million in the year-ago period.

Revenue edged up 1.1% to $563.5 million, compared with $557.1 million in the prior year period. Same-store sales increased 1.6%.

“We were pleased that we achieved comparable store sales growth, particularly given the challenging promotional environment and continuation of soft traffic trends,” said Brendan Hoffman, CEO.

Secaucus, N.J. -- The Children's Place, Inc. reported a loss of $10.7 million in the quarter ended Aug. 2, compared to a loss of $23.6 million in the year-ago period. Sales edged up to $384.6 million, from $382.4 million for second quarter 2013.

Same-store sales increased 0.8%.