Data & Analytics

Survey: Hispanics rely on phones to make back-to-school choices
Three-quarters of Hispanic shoppers in the U.S. will make back-to-school purchase in stores, but which ones will be strongly influenced by their mobile marketing offers. A survey of 500 Hispanic consumers conducted by mobile ad platform Retale found nine out of 10 saying they’d be using their smartphones to shop and that their dollars would be put toward the best deals.
Post-online jobs report: 1.2 million fewer retail workers
If online retail didn’t exist, 1.2 million more people would be working in the retail industry. Online productivity is that much higher, according to J.P. Morgan Chief U.S. Economist Michael Feroli. He told MarketWatch that revenue per online employee is four times greater than the brick-and-mortar variety: $1,267,000 to $279,000.

This is what grocery shoppers value the most

Fresh produce comes out on top as the most important feature to customers in their grocery store experience. That’s according to a new report by Acosta, a full-service sales and marketing agency in the CPG Industry, in which fresh produce (89%) ranked as a more important feature than competitive pricing (86%) and product selection (84%).
Department store retailer narrows loss

The Bon-Ton Stores reduced its loss in the second quarter amid fewer markdowns and inventory controls, but sales fell as mall traffic remained soft. The retailer posted a loss of $38.7 million in the quarter ended July 30, compared with a net loss of $39.6 million in the year-ago period. Total sales fell 2.4% to $542.4 million, compared with $555.4 million last year. Same-store sales were down 2.0%.
How to Reap the Benefits of Global E-Commerce this Holiday Season
Flexible, Agile Networks: The Backbone of Retail Operations

Customer experience remains at the hub of all retail strategies, including technical strategy. Whether it’s global inventory availability, mobile payment or loyalty apps, e-commerce and call center integration, or ubiquitous points-of-sale, infrastructure that uses all assets while integrating suppliers and consumers continues to define a retailer’s network design. Further, in highly competitive retail segments, managing the costs of digital fluidity is not only vital to capturing profitable share; it can also distinguish competitive advantage.
J.C. Penney announces major initiatives; sees half a billion in profit by 2017

J.C. Penney keeps getting more bullish. The retailer on Thursday outlined an array of new initiatives as part of a three-plan to drive profit and accelerate growth. The company also detailed financial goals, and said it expects to reach nearly half a billion dollars in profit by 2019.
American Eagle Outfitters soars in Q2

American Eagle Outfitters’ profit, revenue and same-store sales increased in the second quarter, with its results topping expectations. The chain posted a profit of $41.6 million for the quarter, up 25% from $33.3 million in the year-ago quarter. Total net revenue increased 3% to $823 million, from $797 million in the year-ago period. Consolidated same-store sales increased 3%.
Tech Guest Viewpoint: Flexible, Agile Networks: The Backbone of Retail Operations

Customer experience remains at the hub of all retail strategies, including technical strategy. Whether it’s global inventory availability, mobile payment or loyalty apps, e-commerce and call center integration, or ubiquitous points-of-sale, infrastructure that uses all assets while integrating suppliers and consumers continues to define a retailer’s network design. Further, in highly competitive retail segments, managing the costs of digital fluidity is not only vital to capturing profitable share; it can also distinguish competitive advantage.
Teen retailer back in favor

Urban Outfitter Inc. turned in a better-than-expected performance in the second quarter amid increased sales and fewer promotions and markdowns. “Urban has now regained its position as the brand leader for young people,” said Urban Outfitters CEO Richard A. Haynes during the chain’s quarterly conference call.
Lowe’s posts growth, but not enough for Wall Street

Mooresville, North Carolina-based Lowe’s reported modest second-quarter growth. It also had a message for RONA employees in Canada: welcome to the team.
Target Q2 earnings fall but top Street; plants red flag for full year

Target Corp. on Wednesday reported second quarter earnings that exceeded Wall Street expectations, but the discounter lowered its guidance for the full year amid declining sales and what it called a “difficult retail environment.” Net income for the quarter was $680 million, or $1.16 cents per share, versus $753 million, or $1.18 per share in the year-ago quarter. Adjusted per-share earnings were $1.23, easily outdistancing analysts’ projections of $1.12.