Data & Analytics

Women’s apparel brand improves merchandise planning
In an omnichannel world, success is based on presenting the right products in front of shoppers when — and where — they are ready to make a purchase. Soft Surroundings quickly learned that the more it expanded however, the harder this task became. Choosing the right allocation and merchandise planning solution was only the first step in the brand’s journey. By partnering with Columbus Consulting International, the chain was able to streamline the design, deployment and implementation of its new solutions.
Study: Digitally native Gen Z still prefers to shop in-store
Generation Z is called the mobile-first generation. However, their preference for shopping in physical stores presents new opportunities for retailers. That’s according to a new report from Euclid Analytics, “Evolution of Retail, 2017 Generation Z Shopper Survey,” which found that 66% of Gen Z prefer to shop in store because they like to see, hold and try on products before buying. Also, 28% want to engage with store associates while shopping, the most of any generation.

Pinterest extends visual search — off its site

Pinterest’s visual search capabilities just got broader. On Monday, March 6, the social media site expanded its visual search technology into its browser extensions — a move that enables pinners to save images found online and use them as a jump-off point for discovering similar ideas on Pinterest, the company said. Chrome is the first extension to receive the functionality.
Urban Outfitters posts double-digital sales growth in online channel

Urban Outfitters Inc. ended its fiscal year more or less on target. The retailer on Tuesday reported net income of $64.3 million, or 55 cents a share, just one cent shy of analysts’ estimates, and down from $72.9 million, or 61 cents a share, in the year ago period. Total net sales rose 2% to $1.03 billion, matching Street forecasts.
Casual dining chain jumps into online ordering game

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store’s mission is to “keep things simple and please people.” The same holds true when it comes to helping customers place orders. Responding to its visitors’ demand for more convenience and flexibility when placing to-go orders, the chain now features a platform that allows customers to order meals through their smartphones, tablets, laptops and desktop computers.
The retailer with the best customer experience is…

Supermarkets and fast-casual restaurant brands took the top positions in an annual ranking of customer experience. Publix, Chick-fil-A, and H-E-B earned top three positions in Temkin Group’s 2017 Temkin Experience Ratings, a cross-industry benchmark of customer experience. Publix had a score of 84%, closely followed by Chick-fil-A and H-E-B, which both scored 83% in the seventh annual rating.
An upbeat Michaels beats Street

The Michaels Companies reported better-than-expected earnings for the fourth quarter and also issued an upbeat forecast for 2017. Michaels reported net income of $193.5 million for the quarter ended January 28, up 6.3% from $183.7 million in the year-ago period. Net sales increased 4.1% to $1.8 billion, from $1.7 billion in the year-ago period. The company attributed the increase largely to its February 2016 acquisition of Lamrite West and sales from 19 additional stores.
Specialty retailer deploys new platform to improve merchandising, store ops

The DNA of Altar’d State is based on delivering a distinctive store experience and merchandise offerings, while always “standing out for good” in the world.
Hardware chain adds retail management platform

Hefner Ace Hardware knows the only way to expand its breadth is to have data integrity and inventory accuracy. This was not an easy task for the family-owned, independent operator. When the retailer become an official Ace Hardware dealer in 2015, the retailer tripled its inventory, “and now we maintain 30,000 SKUs,” said Jason Hefner, owner, Hefner Ace Hardware. “Because of that jump in our inventory levels, we needed a system that was better equipped for inventory management and analysis.”
Home decor brand shares 3D library

Wayfair’s newest digital endeavor could be a valuable resource for the design community. The home furnishings brand released its 3D model library on SketchUp, 3D modeling software used by architects, engineers, design, construction professionals, and members of the global maker community. Through the partnership, Wayfair is releasing approximately 1,000 models to SketchUp’s 3D Warehouse, enabling designers to visualize the company’s furniture and décor products in their designs.
Dick’s Sporting Goods details expansion; tops Q4 earnings, sales

The struggles — and exits — of former rivals has proved a boon for Dick’s Sporting Goods, which reported fourth quarter sales and earnings on Tuesday that beat the Street. The company also announced aggressive store expansion plans.
Home improvement chain debuts VR-based ‘how to’ classes

Lowe’s Cos. is embarking on the next chapter of its virtual reality journey. Starting Tuesday, March 7, the home improvement chain’s store in Framingham, Massachusetts, debuted its “Holoroom How To,” Lowe’s first-ever virtual reality DIY skills-training clinic. As consumers enter the interactive virtual reality (VR)-based environment, they wear an HTC Vive headset to receive “hands-on” tutorials on basic DIY skills, including supplies and steps, needed to complete a project.