Data & Analytics

Department store retailer strong in Q3, raises outlook
Nordstrom delivered a strong performance in its fiscal third quarter even as a hefty charge related to its Trunk Club business ate into its profit. Total net sales rose 7.2% to a better-than-expected $3.5 billion from $3.2 billion a year ago, fueled by the shift of the company’s popular anniversary sale to the quarter. Same-store sales increased 2.4%, also more than expected. As it has done in recent past quarters, Nordstrom Rack outpaced the full-priced division, Net sales were up more than 10%, and same-store sales rose nearly 4%.
J.C. Penney sales slide in Q3; cuts annual forecast
Weakness in apparel helped make for a disappointing third quarter for J.C. Penney Co. as the retailer cuts its forecast amid sliding sales. On the positive side, Penney said sales trends improved in October, fueled by increasing momentum behind its new appliance business.

Commentary: J.C. Penney turnaround still on track despite weak Q3

Neil Saunders, CEO of retail insights and consulting firm Conlumino, comments on J.C. Penney’s results for the third quarter in which sales came in under forecasts. “After a good run of growth, J.C. Penney has faltered this quarter with both total and comparable sales slipping into negative territory. While the company is now overlapping some tougher prior year comparatives, this is nonetheless a disappointing outcome that takes the shine off some of the recent progress made under its recovery program.
There Really is No Such Thing as Totally Free Shipping

Today, many businesses make free shipping standard. Or, establish majorly moderate price points through which consumers can earn free shipping. However, free shipping often comes with a price – literally and figuratively. And the truth is, many companies are not positioned to do “free” shipping all that well.
Analysis: Holiday sales should increase, but profits will stay flat

Holiday retail sales should increase 2% to 4% over last year but retailers should not be expecting a similar profit boost. That’s the view of Purdue University retail management expert Richard Feinberg who expects retailers will lose pricing power due to online competition.
Report: Election will impact online commerce

The unexpected election of Donald Trump as president has serious implications for the retail supply chain, which could especially effect online commerce,
Alibaba off to blistering start on Singles Day

Chinese shoppers were so eager to participate in Singles Day that they purchased more in the first hour than the entire 24-hour event in 2013. Specifically, more than $7 billion of gross merchandise volume (GMV) was settled through Alipay on Alibaba’s China and international retail marketplaces within the first two hours of the 2016 “11.11 Global Shopping Festival,” according to a company statement. The annual shopping event kicked off at 12 a.m. China Time, on Nov. 10.
Report: Almost two-thirds of shoppers plan to skip Cyber Monday

While a majority of shoppers are ready to shop online this holiday season, many will sit out Cyber Monday this year. This detail was highlighted in “Computop 2016 Holiday Shopping Study.” Computop’s report, which is based on responses from over 1,900 consumers across the United States and UK, found that 76% planned to shop online this holiday season. However, 62% of those respondents don’t plan to shop on Cyber Monday, noting it doesn’t offer the deals it used to previously.
Deloitte: Consumers expect more from 'fast shipping'

As Amazon continues to up the ante on convenient, fast shipping options, shoppers expect their favorite brands to follow suit. Specifically, 42% of shoppers surveyed consider three- or four-day shipping "fast" – a significant drop from the 63% who said so last year. Instead, the majority (83%) of shoppers consider fast shipping to mean delivery within two days or less, according to the “2016 Deloitte Holiday Study,” a report based on responses from 5,038 consumers in the United States.
Wayfair expands virtual reality app portfolio

Wayfair is so bullish on virtual reality that it launched its second app — a solution designed to guide shoppers through virtual showrooms. Available on Daydream, Google’s mobile VR platform, Wayfair’s IdeaSpace app enables consumers to explore a variety of uniquely designed spaces, and shop their favorite finds in an interactive setting. IdeaSpace was built by Wayfair Next, the company’s internal research and development team, using Google’s virtual reality technology.
Lower costs helps Kohl’s beat Street in Q3

Kohl’s Corp. reported a better-than-expected quarterly profit amid expense controls that helped make up for lower sales. The chain reaffirmed its full-year profit forecast. Kohl’s net income rose 21.7% to $146 million, or 83 cents per share, in the third quarter ended Oct. 29. Excluding items, Kohl's earned 80 cents per share. Sales decreased 2.3% to $4.33 billion from $4.3 billion in the year-ago period. Same-store sales fell 1.7% during the quarter.
NRF: How election results will impact these critical retail issues

The results of yesterday's elections will affect a number of issues facing retailers, including infrastructure, tax reform, trade, immigration, labor and health care. Craig Shearman, National Retail Federation (which does not endorse presidential candidates) looks at how President-elect Donald Trump and a Republican-controlled Congress could impact the industry.