Business Analytics

Senior executives must be ready to tackle the legal and business risks associated with cyberthreats — even before they happen.   This means companies must establish enterprise-wide tactics to identify risks, appraise response metrics and apply company-specific risk mitigation strategies, according to the “2017 Data Security Incident Response Report,” from BakerHostetler. The study analyzed more than 450 cyber incidents that the firm handled last year.   

Walmart hit the century mark in terms of training academies.   The retailer on Monday celebrated the grand opening of its 100th U.S. training academy, in Frontage, Edmond. The academies were first introduced in 2016 and have expanded to 40 states.  

Despite privacy concerns, consumer will share data with companies if it saves them money or resolves customer service issues faster.    This was according to a recent study conducted by YouGov on behalf of customer experience company [24]|7, which tapped 1,145 U.S. consumers.   Nearly half (43%) of consumers agreed that they would exchange personal data with companies to save money through personalized promotions, discounts or deals, followed by 39% looking for speedier issue resolution. 

7-Eleven is putting all of its policy data in one place — a move that will enable it to better mitigate risks connected to insurance and claims.   The convenience store chain added the Risk Management Information System (RMIS) from Riskonnect, to power its claims management, policy management and property data collection processes in the U.S. and Canada. The cloud-based system breaks down silos to provide a holistic view of risk management.  

Toys “R” Us reported declines in same-store sales for its fourth quarter and full year amid a highly competitive environment.   

The retail giant is reorganizing its U.S. technology division — a move that will impact about 10% of its workforce.

Sources familiar with the situation said that Walmart will eliminate 300 jobs across its information systems division (ISD). The layoffs at ISD in the chain's Bentonville headquarters began this week and are expected to continue through the month, according to Talk Business & Politics.

Zumiez’s net and same-store sales were on the climb for March.

The teen retailer’s total net sales for the five-week period ended April 1, 2017, increased 4.3% to $71.7 million, compared to $68.8 million for the five-week period ended April 2, 2016.

Despite gains in prescription marketshare and comparable pharmacy sales across its U.S. base, Walgreens Boots Alliance missed analyst expectations for its second quarter. 

Rent-A-Center is taking another step toward repositioning the company for profitability.   The furniture retailer’s Acceptance Now division is terminating its referral agreement with Conn’s Appliances. These accounts consistently underperformed compared to the rest of its ANow portfolio in terms of delinquencies, losses and product returns.   

Ending its fiscal year with a strong fourth quarter has helped J.Jill hit year-over-year earnings growth for 20 consecutive quarters.   For the quarter ended January 28, 2017, the retailer’s total net sales increased by 14.8% to $166.9 million, up from $145.4 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015. Gross profit increased to $105.5 million, up from $91.4 million in the same period last year. As a percentage of total net sales, gross profit was 63.2% compared to 62.9% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015.