Business Intelligence (BI)

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.     

Amazon’s innovative re-training program has hit an all-time high.   

Eager to strengthen operations across its enterprise, Supervalu is moving to the cloud.   Through a strategic relationship with Sungard Availability Services (Sungard AS), the grocery company is replacing its mainframe technology infrastructure with a new mainframe platform that will offer cloud, back-up, and other solutions and services. The new configuration is designed to improve operations across the independent retailers it supports.   

Lowe's is making another round of job cuts.   The home improvement chain is laying off some 125 information technology workers and many of the jobs to India, The Charlotte Observer reported. Lowe’s currently employs approximately 1,000 people in information and technology and analytics in Bangalore, India.   

Weis Markets knows the key to driving loyalty is to deliver value.   In a move that will improve its marketing and promotions operations, the regional grocer has partnered with dunnhumby and Aptaris. By integrating an enterprise promotional planning, price optimization, modeling and forecasting system, Weis is one step closer to increasing sales, improving customer loyalty and building a more profitable and competitive market position.