Consumer Analytics

YONKERS, N.Y. — After three consecutive months of improvement, the Consumer Reports Index for March slipped to 46.1, from 49.6 last month.

March's Consumer Reports Index measures overall consumer financial health and showed that the confidence of the American consumer is waning.

Further challenging consumer confidence, The Trouble Tracker Index increased slightly this month to 52.2 from 49.1 in February, and is now at its highest level since August 2011.

CARLISLE, Pa. — A supermarket chain in the Northeast is the latest to enter the mobile application game.

Giant Food Stores, based in Carlisle, Pa., announced the launch of a mobile app for iPhone and Android devices that it said syncs with a customer's BonusCard, provides access to an online account and allows customers to check point totals for Gas Extra Rewards and A+ School Rewards and view personalized savings offers.

Yonkers, N.Y. -- After three consecutive months of improvement, the Consumer Reports Index for March slipped to 46.1, from 49.6 last month.

March's Consumer Reports Index measures overall consumer financial health and showed that the confidence of the American consumer is waning.

Further challenging consumer confidence, The Trouble Tracker Index increased slightly this month to 52.2 from 49.1 in February, and is now at its highest level since August 2011.

Carlisle, Pa. — Giant Food Stores, based in Carlisle, Pa., announced the launch of a mobile app for iPhone and Android devices that it said syncs with a customer's BonusCard, provides access to an online account and allows customers to check point totals for Gas Extra Rewards and A+ School Rewards and view personalized savings offers.

The Center for Retail Excellence at the University of Arkansas’ Sam M. Walton College of Business is scheduled to hold its second annual SHOP conference on May 1 with Walmart’s head of global consumer insights recently confirmed as a guest speaker.

By Kyle Priest, [email protected]

Pinch yourself: We really do live in a real world where sometimes you just need to touch stuff.

By Laura Marriott, [email protected]

Coral Gables, Fla. -- A University of Miami study found that the display of a social media icon such as a Facebook “Like” button or a Twitter symbol on a shopping website influences a consumer’s buying decision.

By Laura Marriott, CEO, NeoMedia Technologies, [email protected]

New York -- Results were mixed among the department store players in February, as Macy’s turned in a strong performance and Kohl’s missed expectations.

For the month, Macy’s reported a same-store sales gain of 4.6%, beating the 3.5% rise anticipated by Wall Street. Online sales for the operator of Bloomingdale’s and its namesake banner surged 31.3%, boosting the same-store sales percentage advance. Total revenue in February increased 5.5% to $1.86 billion.