Business Intelligence (BI)

Some surprising differences are revealed in new research from Nielsen about which brands men and women trust the most.

Nielsen released a list of America’s Most Trusted Brands  that shows distinct trust difference between men and woman. The ist stemmed from a consumer packaged goods focused wave of the 27th annual Harris Poll EquiTrend study showcasing the top 10 most-trusted brands.

Philadelphia - Pep Boys is shifting its inventory management efforts into high gear.

The auto parts retailer is deploying the 4R Systems Inc. retail inventory solution across its 800-plus stores in 35 states and Puerto Rico.

Pep Boys holds 16 million SKUs on replenishment, and 4R's scientific algorithm matches supply with demand for each SKU throughout the entire omnichannel supply chain. The system is designed to deliver an improved customer experience and improved financial results.

Irvine, Calif. — Tilly’s Inc. missed Wall Street expectations by falling profit and increasing revenue in a mixed second quarter of fiscal 2015. Net income fell 54%, from $1.3 million to $600,000, with a tax settlement hindering profitability.

Total net sales fared better, rising 6%, from $123 million to $130 million. Same-store sales — including e-commerce — climbed 0.5%.

Despite missing Wall Street forecasts and declining profit, President and CEO Daniel Griesmer said he was pleased with results for the quarter.

Plano, Texas – The J.C. Penney Co. Inc. is in the green – green energy savings, that is.

The retailer on Wednesday announced the long-term results of various company initiatives that incorporate sustainability practices in its day-to-day business operations. It also said it would unveil a new energy initiative later this year.

Merrillville, Ind.  – Buying club retailer DirectBuy is launching a new “My DirectBuy” member website. The relaunched e-commerce site includes personalized content recommendations and improved search, as well as a mobile-friendly design.

These enhancements came directly from ongoing research into consumer insights and by gathering feedback from members.

Deerfield, Ill. - Walgreens is taking a smart approach to energy expense management.

The retailer expanded its use of EnerNOC's energy intelligence software to manage its utility bills at more than 8,300 sites across the U.S.

Columbus, Ohio – DSW Inc. met Wall Street expectations for profit but did not grow revenues as much as projected during a mixed second quarter of fiscal 2015.

Costs and expenses increased at a slower rate than sales, allowing net income to improve 9% to $37.61 million, from $34.33 million in the prior year period. Net sales increased 7% to $627.2 million, from $587.1 million. Same-store sales rose 1.8%.

Mike MacDonald, president and CEO, also attributed rising profits to merchandise selling strategy.

Louisville, Ky. -- Appriss Inc., a provider of data, risk assessment and analytic solutions for government, health information and consumer industries, has acquired The Retail Equation, Irvine, California, a provider of predictive analytics for retail businesses. The Retail Equation will become the retail division of Appriss and will operate as a separate company within the Appriss corporate structure.

Franklin, Tenn. – Out-of-stock merchandise is causing a significant drain on annual retailer revenue performance.

According to a new research report from retail analyst firm IHL Group, commissioned by OrderDynamics. Retailers and the Ghost Economy: The Haunting of Out-of-Stocks, retailers lose $634.1 billion in annual losses due to out-of-stocks.

Along with increased sales and profits, the holidays also bring retailers increased strain on their networks. Fortunately, there are a number of steps retailers can take to keep their networks secure, scaled and operational throughout the busy holiday season. Jay Yanko, retail global practice leader for Verizon Enterprise Solutions Group, has advice to keep the holidays networked and bright.

When it comes to security, Yanko said the same rules that apply the rest of the year apply during the holidays.

“The majority of holiday security issues are basic,” said Yanko.