Data & Analytics

Outlets on fire as occupancy rates set new record
So much for the argument that the U.S. market is saturated with retail stores and e-commerce is hurting mall traffic. Tanger Factory Outlet Centers brought four new properties online in 2015 and still managed to achieve a portfolio occupancy rate in excess of 95% for the 35th consecutive year.
Pandora mixes old with new in promotional campaign
Specialty jewelry retailer Pandora found that combining a leading-edge marketing technique with a tried-and-true advertising format paid dividends during the recent holiday season.

From November 2015 – January 2016, Pandora leveraged the mobile network from location-based marketing provider Outfront Mediato drive traffic to four Miami-area stores. Pandora’s omnichannel approach included nine billboards in Miami, as well as a geo-fencing area that consisted of a five-mile radius around nine local out-of-home assets owned by Outfront Media.

Study: Digital influences U.S. consumers

Consumers in the U.S. are definitely relying on digital tools to aid their shopping activities.

According to a new study of 2,000 consumers in nine countries including the U.S. from Deloitte, “Navigating the New Digital Divide,” 49% of purchases made in the U.S. are digitally influenced, and 28% are influenced by mobile.
Whole Foods to take Instacart partnership to new level

Whole Foods Market has been offering deliveries via Instacart in select markets for about a year, but reportedly is significantly extending the scope of the deal.

According to Re/code, Whole Foods has at least in principle made an unspecified investment in Instacart. Whole Foods has also reportedly signed a five-year deal making Instacart its exclusive perishables delivery provider.
SAP names new retail chief

SAP has named Achim Schneider as global head of its Retail Industry Business Unit.

Schneider will be responsible for the retail industry footprint at SAP and will report directly to Lori Mitchell-Keller, global general manager of consumer industries.

In his new role, Schneider leads retail industry activities at SAP and will oversee cloud and on-premise technology solutions designed for use by retailers.
Record results for Ace Hardware

Ace CEO John Venhuizen

Even with one less week in the calendar year, Ace Hardware Corp. ran up its wholesale sales to a record $5.0 billion. Along the way, the Oak Brook, Illinois-based co-op delivered a pre-tax return on equity of 33%.

“I'm honored to report the third consecutive year of record financial performance for the company," said John Venhuizen, president and CEO.
Build-A-Bear Workshop adds toy, social media expertise to board

Build-A-Bear is adding two new board members whose backgrounds should serve the company well as it moves forward with its transformation plan.

Build-A-Bear announcedthat Tim Kilpin and Sarah Personette have been appointed to the company’s board of directors.
Visa enhances online payment service

Visa has been busy adding new retailers to its Visa Checkout online payment service, and now is rewarding them with an upgraded offering.

In April 2016, Visa will be releasing a set of new enhancements designed to improve both the consumer interface and ability for retailers to customize and integrate the service. Most features will be automatically available to retailers.
Digital sales soar at HSN, but profit dips

The CEO of HSN says that for the first time ever, more than half of sales at HSN came from digital channels.

But onine sales did not make up for heavy discounting, and the companyposted profit and revenue declines.The company reported that for the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31, net sales decreased 2% and adjusted EBITDA decreased 3%.Adjusted EPS was $1.15 compared to $1.22 in the prior year.
Wakefern goes in-house for new tech chief

Wakefern Food Corp. has named executive Cheryl Williams as its new CIO and VP of the computer information services division.
Consumer confidence slips in February

Consumer confidence fell into a slump in February, driven largely by a less optimistic view of business conditions.

According to the Conference Board, the index currently stands at 92.2, down from 97.8 in January.
Lowe's goes high with growth in 2015

Lowe's rode the same wave of recovery in the housing market as its rival Home Depot in the fourth quarter, topping its own expectations with substantial gains.