Data & Analytics

Tilly’s is making a bold move in driving omnichannel experiences in-store.   Armed with Aptos’ cloud-based Singular Commerce platform, the teen apparel retailer can now integrate all omnichannel operations and data at store-level, giving users one complete view of customers, inventory, orders, and the customer’s overall path-to-purchase.   

Toys "R" Us Inc.’s sales fell in the third quarter amid weakness in the electronics and entertainment category.    The company reported a loss of $156 million for the October quarter, compared with a loss of $167 million in the year-ago period. The latest period included a net gain of $45 million related to the sale of its FAO Schwarz brand.   Revenue fell 2.3% to $2.28 billion, from $2.33 billion in the year-ago period.    

To inject new life into its struggling chain, Sears Canada is hopes its newest venture will lure in shoppers — especially foodies.   A new partnership with two specialty supermarket operators is enabling Sears Canada to run high-end markets at dedicated locations. The chain is banking on grocery shoppers’ frequent store visits to bolster store visits, Canadian Grocer reported.  

Neil Saunders, CEO of Conlumino, comments on Neiman Marcus’ first quarter results below:  

Stephen Tucker has been appointed as FTD Companies’ new executive VP.   Tucker will also serve as CFO, replacing Becky Sheehan, who is leaving the company to pursue other opportunities. He will take on the new role as of Jan. 1, 2017.   

A mixed bag of activity for the second week of December indicates that weekends — and perfectly timed promotions — will make or break the remainder of holiday e-commerce sales.  

The final shopping days of the holiday season are in full swing, and it is driving harried shoppers to open their wallets even wider.   The average spend per gift is up 37% over last year, and men are spending roughly 20% more than women on average, according to new data from Loop Commerce, which evaluated purchases made through its network of top retailers including Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, and Coach, among others..   

Neiman Marcus Group doubled its loss in its first quarter amid sliding sales.   The luxury department store retailer posted a net loss of $23.5 million in its first quarter, ended Oct. 29, compared to a loss of $10.5 million in the year-ago period.    Sales fell 7.4% to $1.08 billion, from $1.16 billion last year.   Same-store sales fell 8%. It was the fifth straight quarter of decline.  

More of the nation’s underserved teens will have access to free technology tools and training thanks to Best Buy.   The chain plans to add nine new Best Buy Teen Tech Centers to its year-round support network in 2017. The announcement was made Tuesday, at the opening of Best Buy’s newest Teen Tech Center, in Denver, Colorado.  

A recent Washington Post article pointed out that Anthropologie posted four straight quarters of flat or declining comparable sales and J. Crew saw comparable sales drop 10% in the last year. Banana Republic has seen a decline in comparable sales for the past 13 months, including a staggering 14% plunge in July. Weak sales numbers have also plagued Gap and Ann Taylor.