Data & Analytics

Kitchenware retailer cooks up delivery service
A new partnership is helping Sur La Table take the term “farm to table” to a new level. Sur La Table is the go-to source for all things culinary — from cooking tools and kitchen gadgets to tableware. All it was missing was a way to be at their shoppers’ beck and call — and at a moment’s notice — as they prepared a stellar meal.
Fitch: ‘Location, Location, Location’ still applies, possibly now more than ever
The growth of e-commerce and the increasing emphasis on delivery speed as well as pick-up services for retail goods will likely precipitate a convergence of industrial distribution and retail real estate.

South African merchant improves in-store omnichannel fulfillment

Woolworths is taking steps to bolster its online shopping experience. Woolworths South Africa, a division of Woolworths Proprietary Limited, is known for its vast assortment ranging from groceries, fresh produce and prepared food to clothing, beauty products, home goods and general merchandise. As the company entered into the world of omnichannel, it knew it had to deliver easy access to its merchandise, and provide a painless experience for online customers.
Retailers in control at RECon

For retail professionals, the International Council of Shopping Centers’ Spring RECon Convention in Las Vegas is the highlight of the year. There’s always so much to take in, and every year comes with its singular storylines. Here were some of the more dramatic ones at play convention floor: Food-focused foot traffic
Coach launches offer to acquire

Coach has made it official. The upscale handbag and accessories retailer launched a formal tender offer to acquire Kate Spade & Company for $18.50 per share in cash. Coach announced its plans to acquire the brand at the beginning of May, in a deal that has a total value of $2.4 billion.
Big Lots has big quarter

Big Lots provided an upbeat outlook and posted a strong first quarter, beating profit expectations. The chain reported income of $51.5 million, or $1.15 per diluted share, for the quarter ended April 29, 2017, which easily beat Wall Street expectations. This compares to $38.7 million, or 79 cents a share, in the year-ago period.
Blowout quarter for Costco

Costco Wholesale Corp. came roaring back in its third quarter as it topped analysts' earnings and sales expectations amid strong U.S. sales.
Fast-casual chain reveals culprit of recent data breach

Chipotle Mexican Grill is coming clean about a cyber-attack that targeted the chain last month. An extensive investigation lead by leading cyber security firms, law enforcement and the payment card networks revealed that malware accessed payment card data used at point-of-sale (POS) devices at certain Chipotle and Pizzeria Locale restaurants between March 24 and April 18. Not all locations were involved, and the specific timeframes vary by location, according to the chain.
Sears Q1 sales fall 20% but posts first quarterly profit in two years amid cuts

There was a glimmer of good news in Sears Holdings Corp.'s first quarter earnings report.
Dollar Tree Q1 profit falls due to charge

Dollar Tree's profit declined in the first quarter amid an impairment charge related to its divesture to Dollar Express.
Consumer electronics giant starts the year strong; to roll out home service

Demand for gaming and mobile products boosted Best Buy’s first-quarter comparable sales, as the retailer beat the Street on profit and sales. Best Buy revenues rose 1% to $8.53 billion for the period ended April 29, 2017, beating analysts’ estimates of $8.28 billion, from $8.44 billion in the year-ago period. Net income fell to $188 million, or 60 cents a share, easily beating the Street and down from $229 million, or 70 cents per share a year earlier when it benefitted from some settlement proceeds.
Teen apparel retailer Q1 beats Street as buyout talks heat up

A strong performance by Hollister helped Abercrombie & Fitch Co. beat first quarter sales and earnings expectations even as its namesake brand continues to struggle. The teen apparel retailer's better than expected quarterly showing comes as speculation about its future heats up. Abercrombie previously confirmed it is in preliminary discussions with several parties regarding a sale of the company.