Data & Analytics

Judge rules supermarket chain must make web site accessible
Website accessibility is shaping up as the next big challenge for retailers with regards to ADA compliance. A Miami federal judge has ruled that Winn-Dixie violated the Americans with Disabilities Act by not making its website, which was recently updated, accessible to blind and visually impaired users, the Miami Herald reported. The Jacksonville, Florida-based supermarket chain has set aside $250,000 to revamp its online site and was ordered to pay the plaintiff’s legal fees, according to the report.
Supermarket giant cuts profit outlook
The Kroger Co. lowered its earnings guidance amid a decline in Q1 same-store sales as price competition in the supermarket industry intensifies. Sales rose 4.9% to a better-than-expected $36.3 billion for the quarter ended May 20, up from $34.6 billion last year. Same-store sales excluding fuel declined 0.2%, the second consecutive quarter of decline.

Retailers getting serious about artificial intelligence

A new survey suggests that retailers are ready to invest in artificial intelligence and other new technologies.
Eco-friendly home improvement retailer in a retail first

TreeHouse practices what it preaches. The retailer, which specializes in supplies and services that promote healthy and sustainable spaces, has expanded beyond its Austin home base, opening in Dallas. Its new 35,000-sq.-ft. outpost is billed as the nation's first energy-positive (meaning it will generate more energy than it uses) big-box store.
Report: Regional malls on the upswing since 2010

Scads of national retail chains are seeing their concepts fade out, but regional malls are still firmly in the picture. That’s the diagnosis put forth in a report titled “Why Mall Reuse is Just Beginning,” from the entrepreneur-driven real estate firm Transwestern. Some key data points include: *Regional malls have had positive net absorption since 2010, with the only blip in absorption occurring in 2009, at the height of the recession.
Who is cheaper: Costco or Amazon?

A new market study finds that Costco Wholesale Club's online prices are lower than Amazon's -- and not by an insignificant amount.
Electronics e-tailer expands global reach

Newegg is making a push to reach even more customers. The tech-focused retailer is extending its online global reach to dozens of countries in key parts of Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. Newegg’s expansion plan will ultimately help the retailer reach customers in a total of 50 countries, according to the company.
Specialty food retailer names marketing head

The Honey Baked Ham Company has tapped a veteran marketer -- and former associate -- to head up its marketing efforts. The retailer named Jo Ann Herold as chief marketing officer, effective June 12, 2017. Herold returns after previously working with the brand for 16 years. She will lead strategic marketing directing development and execution for retail, franchise and e-commerce to generate continued demand for products and participation with the brand.
Tough quarter for Toys "R" Us

The nation's largest toy store retailer saw its sales decline and net loss widen in a rough first quarter. For the quarter ended April 29, Toys "R" Us reported a net loss of $164 million. That's up from net loss of $126 million in the year-ago period.
Retail sales flat in May

Cautious consumers kept spending in check in May. Retail sales in May were essentially unchanged on a seasonally adjusted basis after an upwardly revised gain of 0.6% in April, according to the National Retail Federation. The NRF numbers exclude automobiles, gasoline stations and restaurants. In May, sales were 5.3% above the year-ago level on an unadjusted basis and increased four percent on a 3-month moving average year-over-year.
Amazon training program hits milestone

Amazon’s innovative re-training program has hit an all-time high.
Is Amazon Go readying for prime time?

A recent job listing by Amazon has raised speculation that the online giant plans to roll out its checkout-free convenience store concept, Amazon Go. The online giant recently posted a job listing seeking a senior real estate manager for Amazon Go. The role will be based in Seattle and will include travel.