Data & Analytics

So what’s the bottom line? By rethinking stores and testing new ideas with customers in real-life stores, we are improving customers’ experiences and making it easier than ever for them to get what they need as quickly and easily as possible.  

American Eagle Outfitters’ profit shrunk in the first quarter amid charges and discounting.  

This year, consumer spending for Mother's Day was on pace to reach a record high.   According to the National Retail Federation's annual study, shoppers were set to spend $23.6 billion, spending an average of $186 per mom. And everything from flowers, gift cards and clothing to jewelry, personal services and consumer electronics were on shopping lists.   But did all that shopping land the perfect gift?  

While handbags and purses have historically been considered a “risky gift,” times are a’ changin.’   In fact, handbags and purses were the most popular gift for Mother’s Day 2017, representing six of the top 10 gifts for the holiday. Overall, the accessories category led the top gifts purchased for Mother’s Day, according to data from Loop Commerce. Results were based on sales made on the company’s GiftNow platform.  

A month after it announced it would close 400 stores, the other shoe has dropped at Rue 21.   The Warrendale, Pennsylvania-based retailer announced it has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and entered into agreements with some of its lenders to reduce the company's debt and provide additional capital in support of its restructuring. The company, which expects to continue normal business operations throughout the process, listed its assets and liabilities in the range of $1 billion and $10 billion, according to its court filing.

The world’s largest home improvement retailer raised its earnings expectations as it announced first quarter sales and earnings gains that beat the Street.   Net earnings for the first quarter of fiscal 2017 were $2.0 billion, better than expected, compared with net earnings of $1.8 billion, in the same quarter last year. For the first quarter of fiscal 2017, diluted earnings per share increased 16.0% from the same period in the prior year.  

The TJX Companies had a rare sales miss in its first quarter, and gave second quarter guidance below expectations.    Net sales for the first quarter, ended April 29, increased 3% to $7.8 billion. Analysts had expected $7.88 billion. Consolidated same-store sales increased 1% over last year’s 7% increase, just missing analyst’ estimates.   

Newegg is adding supply chain support to its portfolio.   The electronics-focused e-retailer launched Newegg Logistics, the company’s branded logistics solution designed to help e-commerce sellers streamline order fulfillment, shipment and returns. Based on the many years it spent refining its own e-commerce logistics operations, Newegg’s service will help other businesses break into online sales.  

Staples reported mixed results for its first quarter as earnings came in line with expectations but its revenue fell short.    The office supplies retailer reported adjusted earnings of 17 cents a share, in line with Wall Street forecasts. Total sales fell 5% to $4.1 billion, short of analysts’ expectations. Total company same-store sales fell 3%, beating estimates.   

Wayfair is streamlining the way its shoppers navigate its vast online catalog as they search for specific looks.    The retailer launched “Search with Photo,” a new feature that leverages artificial intelligence to make it easier for shoppers to find their desired furnishings. Shoppers can now simply snap a photo to find and purchase specific products that match the looks they see and love.