Consumer Analytics

BOSTON — A survey sponsored by in-store commerce provider AisleBuyer found that nearly 40% of smartphone-carrying shoppers have abandoned their in-store purchases because of long lines, while 21% will abandon their purchases if there are no registers open.

New York City -- Consumer confidence in February shot up from last month to the highest level since a year ago, according to The Conference Board. The group’s Consumer Confidence Index now stands at 70.8, up from a revised 61.5 in January, buoyed by consumers' more positive assessment of the job market.

Boston -- Nearly 40% of smartphone-carrying shoppers abandon their in-store purchases due to long lines and 21% will abandon their purchases if there are no registers open, according to a survey sponsored by in-store commerce provider AisleBuyer.

Arlington, Va. -- A new study released by the Consumer Electronics Association found that more consumers are using their mobile devices for online transactions.

The "Mobile Commerce -- Reinventing the Way Consumers Shop" study found that 37% of mobile device owners are engaging in some form of commerce from their device. This could mean making a purchase, redeeming a coupon or gift card or searching for a coupon.

Salt Lake City -- Overstock.com on Tuesday announced the launch of a new consumer information portal: O.info. The website features blogs, reviews and buying guides to provide pre-purchasing information to consumers.

North Bergen, N.J. -- Vitamin Shoppe reported Tuesday that net income for the fourth quarter surged 57% to $9.4 million from $6 million a year earlier, boosted by strong online results and an extra week in the fiscal calendar.

The vitamin retailer, which saw revenue climb 19% to $214.9 million in the quarter, said it is planning to open 52 new stores in 2012.

BENSALEM, Pa. — Charming Shoppes is making it easier than ever for women to design and share their favorite looks. On the heels of the successful launch of their new fit and style technology, Fashion Genius, Lane Bryant and its sister brands Catherines, Fashion Bug and Sonsi have further enabled the customer's shopping experience by enabling women to build personalized outfits based on their Fashion Genius fit and style profile, share their outfit creations across their preferred social network and vote for their favorite customer created looks.

New York City -- Bloomingdale’s said Monday it has launched a new customer loyalty program called Loyallist in all U.S. retail locations and online. 

SAN FRANCISCO — Williams-Sonoma is helping consumers create their dream kitchen with the launch of Cultivate.com. Offering information about kitchen design and remodeling in one destination, the website will feature advice from acclaimed kitchen experts, thousands of inspirational photos, recommendations for local kitchen professionals and unique planning tools, the company announced Friday.

San Francisco -- Williams-Sonoma announced Friday the launch of Cultivate.com, a content site and online resource for kitchen inspiration and design.

The new website provides information about kitchen design and remodeling in one single destination, offering consumers advice from kitchen experts, inspirational photos, recommendations for local kitchen professionals, and unique planning tools.