Business Analytics

Study: End-user experience critical to optimal decision-making
Digital infrastructures are growing more complex, and taking a toll on decision-making. Eighty percent (80%) of IT operations leaders reported that end-user experience monitoring (EUM) is very important or critical to delivering business outcomes. However, as distributed infrastructures grow in complexity, it is becoming more difficult to provide information needed to make business decisions, according to a study by analyst and consulting firm Enterprise Management Associates (EMA).
Lowe’s Foods drives loyalty with unique offering
At a time when loyalty programs are becoming ubiquitous, Lowes Foods’ new service is breaking the mold. The grocery chain is launching a promotional reward campaign in 75 stores across North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. For every $10 spent at Lowes Foods stores, customers will receive one stamp — either traditional or virtual — at checkout, good toward VIVO kitchen knives, knife blocks and cutting boards. The promotion runs until February 26, 2017.

Wendy’s cuts energy use

The Wendy’s Company is in the spotlight for dramatically reducing energy usage. The company received two environmental awards from the 2016 Lighting Energy Efficiency in Parking (LEEP) campaign. Wendy’s was recognized for the largest absolute number of facility upgrades and highest percentage energy savings in a retrofit of a parking lot.
Fire at distribution center cuts into Gap’s results

The fire is out, but its effects will linger. Gap Inc. on Thursday reported a 3% decline in same-store sales for September, and said it expects the fire that occurred at the end of August at its distribution center in Fishkill, New York, will negatively impact its October comp-sales by approximately 3 percentage points and also have a negative impact on its comp-sales results in its fourth quarter.
Whole Foods’ rapid solar rollout

Whole Foods Market is saving money and time — and benefiting the environment—by taking an innovative approach to going solar.
That’s according to an analysis by the Retail Industry Leaders Association and The Solar Foundation that found Whole Foods’ strategy of taking a standardized approach to rapid rollout of solar rooftop installations across multiple locations could be a valuable model for other retailers to consider.
Focus on 'smart' lighting

Intelligent lighting can help improve back-of-the-house retail operations
While a lot of emphasis is placed on optimizing the front-of-the-house retail experience, improving back-of-the-house operations can also help retailers better meet customers’ evolving expectations — and intelligent lighting systems may be the key to improving those operations.
Advance Auto taps Amazon exec as finance chief

Advance Auto Parts has appointed Thomas (Tom) Okray as executive VP, CFO, effective Oct. 31, 2016. In a previously announced succession plan, Okray will succeed Mike Norona, who will remain with Advance Auto in an advisory role until the end of the year.
Eddie Lampert: Kmart is not closing

Don’t believe the rumors. Kmart is not going out of business. That’s according to Eddie Lampert, the beleaguered CEO of Kmart parent company Sears Holdings Corp.
Home improvement giant honored by EPA

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recognized The Home Depot for its eco-friendly freight transportation efforts. The chain received a 2016 SmartWay Excellence Award for the fourth consecutive year for its contributions to cleaner, healthier air and reducing carbon emissions by hauling all freight with environmentally and energy efficient carriers.
Pier 1 sales drop for Q2

Despite strong digital gains, Pier 1 is feeling the effect of soft store sales during the summer. Net sales for the second quarter for fiscal 2017, ended Aug. 27, 2016, decreased 6.7% to $405.8 million, compared to $435.0 million for the same period last year. Comparable store sales for the quarter decreased 4.3%. Gross profit also fell during the second quarter, hitting $145.0 million, compared to $154.6 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2016.
REI’s DC eyes ‘free energy’

Never mind going for the gold, REI has visions of platinum — LEED platinum, that is. Outdoor retailer REI has designed its distribution center to be ‘Net Zero Energy.’ By creating a facility that produces enough renewable energy to meet its own annual energy consumption requirements, REI hopes earns LEED Platinum status — the highest level in the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) rating system.
Webinar: How to increase sales—even with lower store traffic

It’s not just how much traffic a store gets. It’s what the store does with the traffic that matters. Chain Store Age will present a webinar on how retailers can increase sales even when challenged with lower store traffic. Store traffic analytics expert Mark Ryski will draw on real-world, data-rich examples as he provides critical information on how retailers can drive significantly better retail performance for the holiday season and beyond—despite persistent ‘traffic trouble’.

Study: End-user experience critical to optimal decision-making

Lowe’s Foods drives loyalty with unique offering

Wendy’s cuts energy use

Fire at distribution center cuts into Gap’s results

Whole Foods’ rapid solar rollout

Focus on 'smart' lighting

Advance Auto taps Amazon exec as finance chief

Eddie Lampert: Kmart is not closing

Home improvement giant honored by EPA

Pier 1 sales drop for Q2

REI’s DC eyes ‘free energy’

Webinar: How to increase sales—even with lower store traffic