Consumer Analytics

Chicago -- Dillard's has selected OpinionLab to extend its omnichannel “Voice of Customer” program including its digital, mobile and in-store experiences, with precise insight into what its customers want and need.

Target’s new “Cartwheel” Facebook shopping app is a great concept – use the world’s most popular social media platform to help generate in-store traffic. But the execution is clunky. It kind of reminds me of the second “Star Wars” trilogy that came out around the turn of the millennium – the back story of Darth Vader was rich with potential, but George Lucas polluted a great dramatic story arc with floppy-eared aliens and lame attempts at political commentary.

Palo Alto, Calif. -- Two-thirds (66%) of smartphone and tablet users have failed to complete an online transaction due to obstacles at checkout, according to a new survey from Jumio and Harris Interactive. Specific obstacles causing smartphone and tablet shoppers to abandon their shopping carts at the last minute include mobile checkout process being too long or difficult and not feeling secure in giving credit card information.

Princeton – A substantially higher percentage of Americans (60%) would rather save money than spend it (37%), according to a new Gallup poll. Consumer show little difference in these preferences according to demographic categories such as age, gender, education and political party.

New York -- TJX Cos., The Buckle and Zumiez all reported better-than-expected same-store sales for April, even as concerns about the job market bit into other retailers’ results.
   
TJX Cos. said that same-store sales in April were up 8% on strong customer traffic, better than 6.8% increase that analysts had expected. For the four weeks ended May 4, total revenue rose 9% to $2 billion.
   

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Sears Holdings has appointed former Eli Lilly CIO Jeff Balagna as its new EVP and CIO. In his new role, Balagna will be responsible for all technology and infrastructure initiatives for the company in its support centers and in-store.

TJX and Ross both reported April sales results that exceeded expectations. Same store sales for the four-week period ended May 4, increased 8% for TJX, while Ross saw a same-store sales increase of 7% for the same period.

CINCINNATI, Ohio — KSS Retail, a global provider of price optimization and shopper insight solutions for the grocery, convenience, chain drug, general and online retail industries, has launched a new product that will enable businesses to efficiently harness data for more accurate forcasting.

Called PriceStrat Analyzer, the advanced business intelligence solution is designed to help the retail industry identify trends and exceptions so they can make faster, more accurate decisions about pricing and promotions. 

Total U.S. Shopper Traffic in Retail Stores and Malls for April 2013

An expected post-Easter decline in shopper activity was compounded by unseasonably cold weather last month. Retail foot traffic decreased 10.1 percent in April compared to March 2013, deviating from previous positive month-over-month retail traffic trends. Foot traffic for April 2013 decreased 0.4 percent compared to the same month in 2012. 

Real estate solution and service providers aid retail real estate strategies

Real estate is a complex issue no matter what industry you’re in. For retailers, who typically operate on slim margins and are generally the first industry to feel the effects of variations in consumer spending, navigating the tricky waters of real estate can be especially challenging.