Consumer Analytics

Canton, Mass. -- Casual Male Retail Group said Wednesday that it has launched e-commerce site DestinationXL.com, created in tandem with e-commerce and digital marketing firm Acquity Group.

The new site includes a built-in size profiler – a customization tool that allows customers to enter and save their size specifications for either current or future shopping experiences.

Chicago -- A report released Tuesday by retail foot traffic counter ShopperTrak identified the 10 holiday shopping days that will make or break the period for retailers.

“Since Christmas falls on different calendar days each year, the shift impacts which days are the busiest,” said ShopperTrak co-founder Bill Martin. “Some change in ranking or drop off completely.”

The latest pricing studying from Deutsche Bank analyst Charles Grom shows a basket of 50 items is still cheaper at Walmart than Target, but by a slimmer margin than in the past.

CHICAGO — The third annual Mobile Audit, released Thursday by e-commerce and digital marketing company Acquity Group, found that mobile adoption is on the rise. In fact, the percentage of retailers with a mobile site reached 37% in 2011, up from 12% in 2010 and only 4% in 2009 — a 210% increase over the past year alone.

New York City -- A report released Friday by Thomson Reuters and the University of Michigan found that consumer confidence in the United States rose unexpectedly in October, a signal that an economic recovery process may still be intact.

The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan final index of consumer sentiment climbed to 60.9 from 59.4 in September, beating Bloomberg News economists’ projections of a drop to 58.

The preliminary reading for the month was 57.5.

Jacksonville, Fla. -- Winn-Dixie Stores said Thursday it has launched a smartphone application that will help customers manage prescriptions and locate the nearest Winn-Dixie Pharmacy with their iPhone, Android or Blackberry smartphones.

“Using the new app will help guests view and reorder prescriptions, receive alerts when their prescription is ready, set reminders to take their medications and remind them of dosage, and even remind them to schedule a doctor’s appointment,” said Mary Kellmanson, Winn-Dixie group VP marketing.

By Steven Kramer, [email protected]

New York City -- Apple brands dominate the youth market, and account for the top rankings in computers, tablets and mobile phones, according to the 2012 Harris Poll Youth EquiTrend study by Harris Interactive. The annual study tracks the brands that Americans aged 13 to 24 prefer. It estimates that

With young Americans expected to spend $211 billion in 2012, knowing which brands they favor will help corporate America prepare for the upcoming holiday season, according to the survey.

MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Following the recent launch of its "Never Stop Improving" marketing campaign, Lowe's announce that it has introduced MyLowe’s, an integrated online experience that will help customers manage their biggest asset - their homes. Both the new campaign and website are part of Lowe's strategy to position itself as a destination for home improvement projects and to better appeal to the average consumer.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — Less than a month following the departure of former EVP merchandising and supply chain Mike Bloom to lead Family Dollar, it's official — Judy Strauss Sansone will lead CVS’ merchandising team, the company announced Monday, naming the 30-year CVS veteran SVP merchandising.