Predictive Analytics

A recent Infosys Rethinking Retail Survey found that 86% of consumers who have experienced personalization technology while shopping have admitted that it has influenced their purchasing decisions. Moreover, 69% of consumers responded to the study stating that consistency of customer service across physical and online stores was of importance to them.

The technology-driven innovation spree occurring in the retail industry offers merchants, marketers and operators unprecedented shopper insights capabilities — and a host of new opportunities.

Walldorf, Germany – SAP AG is releasing cloud-based Rapid Deployment solutions designed to simplify deployments and move existing SAP applications to the cloud with best practices in a predictable manner that helps minimize business disruption while new solutions are implemented. SAP Rapid Deployment solutions follow a universally applicable approach for customers deploying across the cloud, on premise or in hybrid landscapes.

Although Fresh Market’s net sales exceeded Wall Street expectations, the company reported a decrease in profit for the first quarter of fiscal 2014, which it attributed to a slow start to the year brought on by severe weather in the majority of its markets.

Net sales increased 18% to $431 million from $366.63 million in the prior-year quarter, while net income fell 25% to $16.57 million from $22.12 million in the prior-year quarter. Same-store sales climbed 2.5%.

Despite bad weather and a challenging retail environment, Ross was able to post net income increases in the first quarter of fiscal 2014 by controlling inventory and expenses.

Net income increased 4% to $243.9 million from $234.6 million in the prior-year quarter.

Total net sales in the quarter increased 6% to $2.68 billion, up from $2.54 billion in last year’s first quarter. Same-store sales rose 1%.

Secaucus, N.J. – The Children’s Place Retail Stores Inc. saw net income and sales fall during the first quarter of fiscal 2014, compared to the same quarter a year earlier. The company plans to open 25 new North American stores, 10 fewer than originally planned, and close 35 stores for a net reduction of 10 stores during the fiscal year.

Land O'Lakes' initiative to leverage technology to manage risk associated with weather and climate change will be part of a conversation this week focused on food security and climate change that brings together experts from the public and private sectors.

Boston - Cone Communications has launched its new social impact tool to help companies assess, communicate and prove their progress against addressing critical social issues. The Cone Social Return Assessment is a proprietary, diagnostic tool that uncovers gaps and opportunities within three elements critical to a company's successful program: awareness, engagement and impact, and provides a plan to optimize its business and social return.