Data & Analytics

Mobile is the connective tissue in the omnichannel body. Flexible and strong, it adapts to its environment and holds the pieces together. It brings sensors, gestures, and other features to the retail experience that are simply not available on desktop. It is changing everything about the industry, and the shocking reality is that we have only just begun to discover its potential.

Many retailers have failed to keep pace with demands of modern shoppers. Even as they begin to incorporate mobile into their strategy, they fumble and follow outdated habits and inaccurate assumptions.

The CEO of Burlington Stores Inc. says the off-price retailer is poised for more growth after reporting an increase in earnings and same store sales for the third quarter.

A key figure in the development of Walmart’s small format Neighborhood Market and international operations has joined the board of asset disposal firm Liquidity Services.

Ed Kolodzieski joined the board of Liquidity Services effective Nov. 17 and also serves on the company’s compensation and governance committees. Liquidity Services bills itself as a global solution provider in the reverse supply chain with the world’s largest marketplace for business surplus.

Leading footwear retailer DSW Inc. made significant omnichannel upgrades during the third quarter but warm weather kept shoppers from buying shoes in stores or online.

Sales declined 0.6% to $666 million and same store sales declined 3.9% compared to a 2.6% comp increase during the same period the prior year. Profits declined 20.7% to $39.3 million and earnings per share declined 20% to 44 cents, in line with the company’s guidance range of 41 cents to 44 cents.

Walmart’s foes are at it again this holiday season, looking to disparage the company with misinformation and publicity stunts that harm the workers the organization claims to help.

The growth streak at Citi Trends came to a halt in the third quarter, as the urban retailer posted a drop in same store sales.

For the third quarter ended Oct. 31, same store sales decreased 0.5%. Net income was $0.6 million, or $0.04 per diluted share, compared with a net loss of $(2.2) million, or $(0.15) per diluted share, in last year’s third quarter. 

The convoluted ownership history of Petco has just taken an interesting new turn that cost $4.6 billion.

According to a statement release by Petco, funds affiliated with CVC Capital Partners and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) entered into a definitive agreement to jointly acquire Petco from a group of investors led by TPG and Leonard Green & Partners for approximately $4.6 billion. The acquisition of the 1,400 store retailer is expected to close in early 2016.

For Toys “R” Us chairman and CEO David Brandon, it’s all about having a successful holiday in 2015 — a short-term goal that he believes will pave the way to leveraging longterm opportunities.

Customers show surprisingly little reaction to loyalty programs, but for the upcoming holiday season this could be a good thing for retailers.

Lowe’s has a new chief marketing officer and a new senior vice president of strategy, insights and planning.