Business Analytics

There were no new surprises during November regarding prices at Walmart, but then that is to be expected. The everyday low price strategy to which Walmart has a newfound adherence is boring and that’s the way the company and presumably its customers like it.

NEW YORK — U.S. consumer confidence rose more than forecast in December, to a six-month high, amid declining unemployment and lower gas prices.  The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan consumer sentiment index climbed to 69.9 from 64.1 at the end of November.   The metric averaged 89 points in the five years leading up to the recession.

Deerfield, Ill. -- Walgreen Co. reported Wednesday that profit for the quarter ended Nov. 30 dropped 4.5% to $554 million, compared with $580 million in the year-ago period. The drugstore operator cited a slow flu season and the decision to leave Express Scripts pharmacy network among the reasons for the performance dip.

Revenue for the quarter climbed 4.7% to $18.16 billion – a chain sales record – but missed Wall Street’s forecasted $18.24 billion in revenue. Total same-store sales rose 2.5%; front-end comps increased 2.4%.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — As Walgreens prepares for life outside of the Express Scripts pharmacy network, executives over the course of a Wednesday morning first-quarter conference call continued to maintain they, along with healthcare payers and employers, will be better off for it.

Apparel retailers know success hinges on finding the right fit for their core customer — and that “fit” encompasses all aspects of the shopping experience from merchandise selection to customer service. The challenge is even greater for Casual Male Retail Group (CMRG), the nation’s largest retailer of big and tall men’s apparel and accessories.

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. -- A survey released Monday by Spherion Staffing Services said that when consumers have a positive customer service experience, they are more likely than ever before to share their opinions than in previous years, especially via social media, online review sites, and with the company itself.

CAMP HILL, Pa. -- Rite Aid Corp. reported Thursday that it lost $54.5 million in the fiscal quarter, narrowed from a loss of $81.5 million a year earlier. The chain has trimmed its projected loss for fiscal 2012 based on the results.

Revenue rose almost 2% to $6.31 billion, compared with $6.2 billion in the year-ago period and surpassing Wall Street’s expected $6.29 billion in revenue. Same-store sales increased 2%. 

Rite Aid is upping its store improvement spending and has focused efforts on building its Wellness Plus rewards program.

FORT WORTH, Texas — Pier 1 Imports continued its streak of strong same-store sales for the third quarter, reporting that same-store for the quarter ended Nov. 26 sales increased 7% versus last year’s increase of 10.2%. Net income for the quarter was $23 million, or 21 cents per share, which included an income tax provision of $12.4 million.