Business Intelligence (BI)

When Chico’s FAS wanted to put the “customer’s voice” into the merchandise it designs, it took a bold step — and tapped social media.   

A computer glitch is blamed for canceled orders and growing frustrations among Tesco’s home delivery customers.   An IT meltdown impacted orders filtering into the U.K.-based supermarket giant’s online grocery shopping system. The glitch impacted orders being placed online, as well as those scheduled for delivery, according to customer posts on Twitter.  

Lowe’s Foods is taking steps to increase efficiency across its workforce.   The grocer is adopting enterprise labor planning and workforce management solutions from Logile across the chain’s nearly 100 stores operating in the Carolinas and Virginia. The solutions will help the grocer generate more accurate sales and labor forecasts, and improve scheduling at the task level across all store departments.  

The Buckle is the latest cyber-crime target.   The teen apparel retailer was alerted that some guest credit card information was pilfered following purchases made at some of its retail stores. The chain launched a thorough investigation, which revealed that store payment data systems were infected with a form of malicious code, which was quickly removed.   

Retailers are thrilled with their surging online sales, however the same can’t be said for associated fulfillment operations.    Business is booming online as sales across 82% of e-commerce and multichannel businesses increased in 2016. Only 6% reported a decrease in orders. While many voiced concerns over increasing competition, Brexit and currency fluctuations, the majority of companies (88%) expected a further increase in e-commerce orders during 2017.  

Amazon may be looking to bolster its enterprise services offering with an innovative addition.   Corporate chatroom startup Slack Technologies has received inquiries of late about a potential takeover from technology companies, including Amazon. The company is valued at approximately $9 billion, according to Bloomberg.  

Eco-friendly home improvement retailer TreeHouse's new outpost in Dallas is billed as the nation's first energy-positive (meaning it will generate more energy than it uses) big-box store.   The 35,000-sq.-ft. space offers a curated selection of products, materials and technologies — some not available elsewhere—designed to promote healthy and sustainable spaces.  It also offers turn-key services and programs, including kitchen and bath design. solar energy kits, home insulation and "smart" home installation.

The Kroger Co. lowered its earnings guidance amid a decline in Q1 same-store sales as price competition in the supermarket industry intensifies.    Sales rose 4.9% to a better-than-expected $36.3 billion for the quarter ended May 20, up from $34.6 billion last year. Same-store sales excluding fuel declined 0.2%, the second consecutive quarter of decline.  

TreeHouse practices what it preaches.    The retailer, which specializes in supplies and services that promote healthy and sustainable spaces, has expanded beyond its Austin home base, opening in Dallas. Its new 35,000-sq.-ft. outpost is billed as the nation's first energy-positive (meaning it will generate more energy than it uses) big-box store.   

The Honey Baked Ham Company has tapped a veteran marketer -- and former associate -- to head up its marketing efforts.    The retailer named Jo Ann Herold as chief marketing officer, effective June 12, 2017. Herold returns after previously working with the brand for 16 years. She will lead strategic marketing directing development and execution for retail, franchise and e-commerce to generate continued demand for products and participation with the brand.