Business Analytics

By Ron Menich, Ph.D., EVP and chief scientist, Predictix

Wherever you turn today, Big Data is impacting every facet of society and business — and retail is no exception. For example, consider the impact of weather patterns on retail sales.

Los Angeles – American Apparel is automating in-store inventory tracking processes with a wide-area RFID, eliminating the need for handheld readers. As reported by RFID 24-7, following a six-month pilot, American Apparel has deployed an automated inventory system using fixed RFID antennae mounted in ceiling track lights at all locations in North America.

Milwaukee -- Roundy’s reported generally disappointing financial results for the second quarter of fiscal 2013. Net income plummeted 40% from $18.9 million in the second quarter of the previous year to $13.5 million, while net sales for the second quarter of 2013 were $980.3 million, a decrease of $16.5 million, or 1.7%, from $996.8 million for the second quarter of 2012.

City of Commerce, Calif. -- 99 Cents Only Stores had a positive first quarter of fiscal 2014, swinging from a net loss to net income and also reporting gains in net and same-store sales. The retailer reported net income of $3.16 million, compared to a net loss of about $4.9 million a year earlier.

Plano, Texas -- According to multiple reports on Thursday, J.C. Penney will replace Myron “Mike” Ullman as CEO, and the search pace is being pressured by top investor Bill Ackman.

Penney, which has not commented on the reports, is being pushed to name a new CEO in 30 to 45 days, revealed in a letter Ackman sent to the retailer’s board of directors. Ackman also told board members that former Penney CEO Allen Questrom would return as chairman if the retailer chose a new CEO he liked.

Global fragrance leader Elizabeth Arden cited curtailed orders at a mass market customer as a factor in its weaker-than-expected full year financial results, and the finger was quickly pointed at Walmart.

NEW YORK — In its first quarter as a public company, Fairway Group Holdings Corp., the parent company of Fairway Market, reported tepid financial results for its fiscal 2014 first quarter ended June 30.

CITY OF COMMERCE, Calif. — 99 Cents Only expects to increase its store count by approximately 10% exclusively in existing markets in fiscal 2014, following the company's first quarter results for the period ended June 29.

Oak Brook, Ill. – Despite declines in European and Asia-Pacific/Middle East/Africa (APMEA) same-store sales, positive domestic same-store sales performance in July resulted in a small global increase for McDonald’s Corporation. The fast-food giant reported 1.6% domestic same-store sales growth compared to July 2012 as well as 1.9% declines in both Europe and APMEA same-store sales, averaging out to a 0.7% global increase.

Foothill Ranch, Calif. – The Wet Seal Inc. reported net sales of $137.2 million during the second quarter of fiscal 2013, a 1.5% improvement from the second quarter of the previous year. However, this figure fell a bit short of the $138.5 million analysts were expecting.