Business Intelligence (BI)

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.

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.”
 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

Suffern, N.Y. -- Ascena Retail Group announced that John Sullivan has been appointed executive VP and COO.

In this newly created position, Sullivan will be responsible for information technology, distribution, and human resources information systems across all brands. Prior to joining the company, he served as executive VP and CIO for QVC.