Consumer Analytics

NEW YORK -- Sales at Macy’s, JCPenney and Kohl’s surpassed analysts’ estimates in February amid gradually moderating temperatures and rising consumer confidence. However, analysts warned that a late Easter and rising gasoline prices could impact sales going forward.

Confidence among U.S. consumers rose in February to the highest level in three years, according to a Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan index, as a drop in unemployment helped overcome concern over rising food and fuel costs.

San Diego -- Teradata Corp. signed a definitive agreement to acquire Aster Data Systems, a market leader and pioneer in advanced analytics and the management of a variety of diverse data that is not structured.

CINCINNATI — Kroger on Thursday beat analysts’ quarterly consensus, posting 46 cents in earnings per share (adjusted for a goodwill impairment charge) that exceeded consensus by 2 cents EPS with higher-than-expected identical-store sales lift of 3.8% (excluding fuel).

Same-store sales were particularly strong across natural food, bakery and deli/meat, Kroger chairman and CEO David Dillion told analysts during a conference call. “We were particularly pleased by sales growth in our drug and merchandise departments,” Dillon said.

New York City -- Sales at Macy’s, J.C. Penney and Kohl’s surpassed analysts’ estimates in February amid gradually moderating temperatures and rising consumer confidence. However, analysts warned that a late Easter and rising gasoline prices could impact sales going forward.

Confidence among U.S. consumers rose in February to the highest level in three years, according to a Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan index, as a drop in unemployment helped overcome concern over rising food and fuel costs.

NEW YORK -- Loehmann's has emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy and is ready to position itself has the destination for top designer clothing for less. The company said it will focus its merchandising strategy on well-known designer brands that resonate with its frequent shoppers. The company has also refined its advertising outreach to communicate with Loehmann's core customers and potential new shoppers.

New York City -- Kmart is now offering paperless receipts, according to a report in the Detroit Examiner.

Customers who sign up for the chain’s My Rewards program are given the chance to opt-in to the new paperless offer. In the program My Rewards members make a purchase at the store and the receipt is sent by e-mail. Unless the receipt is printed at home or work by the customer there is no paper.

SALISBURY, N.C. — Food Lion announced Friday that it would add more of its MVP savings center kiosks to help customers save on their grocery bills.

MVP savings center kiosks, which are part of Food Lion's MVP customer loyalty card program, were introduced in stores last year. Since their introduction, kiosk coupons have up to five times the redemption rate when compared with coupons delivered via traditional distribution channels, Food Lion said.

Money-saving coupon kiosks also can be found at Bloom and at Harveys.

PLEASANTON, Calif. -- Safeway Monday announced the promotion of Mir Aamir to president customer loyalty and digital technologies, reporting to Diane Dietz, EVP, chief marketing officer. In this new role, Mir will lead Safeway's loyalty programs and oversee digital and mobile efforts related to loyalty. He will also continue to be responsible for marketing strategies, shopper analytics and insights, club card strategies and pricing.