Business Intelligence (BI)

New York City -- Tiffany & Co. on Monday launched its first annual web-based Corporate Responsibility Report.

The website (tiffany.com/sustainability) details the jeweler’s 2010 sustainability performance, and provides insight into its standards and operations regarding the sourcing of precious materials, as well as includes information on eco-friendly packaging and catalogs.
 

NEW YORK — Further proof that the sluggish economy is affecting higher-income households much less than lower-income households can be found in the quarterly profits of Dillard's and Nordstrom's, which both reported earnings this week.

Dillard’s Inc. reported Friday that profit for the quarter ended Oct. 29 soared a record 85% to $26.6 million, compared with $14.4 million in the year-ago period. Strong comps and contained expenses propelled the strong performance.

ROANOKE, Va. — Advance Auto Parts is raising its full year EPS outlook following an impressive 37% increase in third quarter earnings. According to Mike Norona, EVP and CFO, the company now expects its annual 2011 EPS outlook to be $4.90 to $4.95. For the third quarter, the cmpany reported that earnings per diluted share were $1.41 compared with $1.03 for the same period last year.

Atlanta -- A report released Thursday by First Data Corp., which tracks same-store consumer spending by credit, signature debit, PIN debit, EBT cards and checks at U.S. merchant locations, found that, in October, dollar volume growth held steady at 9.4% versus September’s growth of 9.5%.

Overall transaction growth improved to 7.5% in October from 7.1% in September. Inflation continued to be evident in the food sector as Food/Beverage Stores posted average ticket growth of 2.3% for the second consecutive month.

SEATTLE — Amazon.com announced that it supports the federal bill introduced this morning by United States Senators Enzi, Durbin, and Alexander, that would create a constitutional framework for collecting sales tax online.

Chicago -- Jones Lang LaSalle announced Wednesday that it has launched an iPad app prototype for its retail leasing team to support the 98 million-sq.-ft. nationwide retail portfolio it manages. 

New York City -- U.S. households are expected to spend an average of $497 on gifts this holiday season, The Conference Board reported. Only 7% of consumers said they plan to spend more on holiday gifts this year, while approximately 49% plan on spending less than last year.

The survey of holiday gift spending intentions, based on a probability-design random sample, is conducted for The Conference Board by Nielsen. It was conducted in October. 

Cincinnati -- Bashas’ Family of Stores, which operates than 120 supermarkets throughout Arizona, will work with KSS Retail to model, measure and implement pricing strategies for its Bashas’ and Food City banners.

“Our goal is to provide our customers with a superior shopping experience,” said Robert Ortiz, Bashas’ VP sales and marketing. “Working with KSS Retail will give us the ability to better understand our customers and what’s most important to them.”
 

Quincy, Mass. -- The Stop & Shop Supermarket Co. will open a new format focused on expanded selection, health and wellness, and convenience on Nov. 18, in Chelmsford, Mass. The 72,000 sq. ft. “next evolution” supermarket will include such amenities an in-store nutritionist, a supervised child play area, free Wi-Fi Internet access, curbside pick-up and innovative in-store shopping tools.

Armonk, N.Y. -- IBM announced that AutoTrader.com, a leading online automotive marketplace, is using IBM technology for Smarter Commerce as part of its electronic sales order system to simplify and accelerate the ordering experience for its dealer and manufacturer customers.