Data & Analytics

Don't believe the hype — physical retail is still growing, particularly in three key segments.   Retailers are opening 4,080 more stores in 2017 than they are closing, according to a new research report from IHL Group, and they plan to open over 5,500 more in 2018. Mass-merchandisers, including off-pricers and value chains, are the fastest-growing retail segment (+1,905 stores), followed by convenience stores (+1,700 stores) and grocery retailers (+674 stores).  

Kohl's is reaching out to its associates as well as the general public impacted by Hurricane Harvey.   The retailer said it will provide an estimated $1 million in financial support to its employees who have been significantly impacted by the storm. Kohl’s will continue to monitor the impact of the flooding throughout the region to evaluate the need for additional assistance.   

More customers are making pet product purchases at Amazon — a practice that has increased category sales by 40%.   This was according to “U.S. Pet Market Focus: The Amazon Pet Food and Supplies Shopper,” a study from Packaged Facts.   

Best Buy reported better-than-expected profit and sales for its second quarter amid growth for smartphones, connected home and wearable devices. But the retailer added a slight caveat going forward.   Best Buy's same-store sales rose 5.2% in the quarter ended July 29, easily topping analysts’ estimates for a 2.1% gain. But on the chain's quarterly call with analysts, CEO Hubert Joly said that he did not think that the mid-single-digit rise in comparable sales would continue, and that it did not represent a "new normal."

Apple wants to help retailers take their enterprise mobility strategies to the next level.   The company is teaming up with Accenture to help businesses transform how their workforces engage with customers through iOS-based solutions. The partnership will educate companies on how to take full advantage of the functionality, simplicity and security of the mobile platform.   

The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) and Shoptalk, organizer of the annual conference for retail/ecommerce innovation, announced a partnership focused on creating a global community and conversation for retail and e-commerce innovation.    The partnership will include Shoptalk Europe, which will be held on October 9-11, 2017 at the Bella Center in Copenhagen. It will also include Shoptalk 2018, which will take place on March 18-21, 2018 at the Venetian in Las Vegas.  

J. Jill, which went public in March, reported earnings and sales that topped analysts estimates, but provided an outlook that slightly missed forecasts.    Net income totaled $11.9 million, or 28 cents a share, in the quarter ended July 29, up from $8.1 million, or 19 cents a share, in the year-ago period. Adjusted per-share earnings came to 29 cents, in line with estimates.  

The deals at Ollie's Bargain Outlets were too good for shoppers to pass up in the retailer's second quarter, which topped analysts' expectations.   The value retailer, whose motto is "Good Stuff Cheap," said that its net income increased 50.1% to $19.7 million, or $0.30 per diluted share, in the quarter ended Aug. 29, from $13.1 million, or $0.21 per diluted share, in the year-ago period. Adjusted net income, increased 34.0% to $17.8 million, or $0.27 per diluted share, in the quarter.