Data & Analytics

Williams-Sonoma says its customer-focused strategy and brand portfolio led to its earnings spike in the third quarter and will further position the company for growth into the holiday season.

Of all the major big-box retailers, only one has a digital IQ ranking in the “genius” range.

According to the new Big Box Digital IQ Index from business intelligence firm L2 Inc., Home Depot stands along among big-box chains with a genius-level digital IQ score of 144. IQ scores measure performance in four key areas of site and e-commerce, digital marketing, social media, and mobile and tablet.

The North Face puts its passion for adventure and the great outdoors front and center in its new flagship on Regent Street in London. Designed to inspire customers to explore the world, the 4,300-sq.-ft. store has a sleek, modern look.

Just in time for the holidays, Google is revamping its Google Shopping online marketplace to make it more mobile-friendly.

In a blog post, Google explains that mobile shopping-related searches now exceed desktop-based shopping-related searches, meaning online shopping has shifted from a “marathon” to “moments.” To help better capture mobile consumers at the moment they are looking to buy a product, Google is now displaying the most commonly searched categories in response to broad search terms.

Higher demand for running and basketball shoes is translating into more record sales and profits for Foot Locker, which reported impressive third quarter results on Friday.

The New York-based specialty athletic retailer posted a same store sales increase of 8.7% in its third quarter ended Oct. 31.

Oak Brook, Illinois-based Ace Hardware Corporation reported third quarter 2015 revenues of $1.3 billion, an increase of $148.5 million or 13.2% from third quarter 2014. Net income was $54.2 million for third quarter 2015, an increase of $16.9 million or 45.3% from last year.

"We are delighted to announce the best third quarter sales and profit in Ace’s history," said John Venhuizen, President and CEO, Ace Hardware Corp. "The credit falls squarely on the shoulders of our world-class retailers, associates and corporate teammates.”

Hibbett Sports says strong expense control and footwear sales helped the retailer increase earnings in the third quarter.

The Alabama-based sporting goods retailer reported that for the third quarter ended Oct. 31, profit was $18.7 million, or 79 cents a share, up from $16.9 million, or 67 cents, a year earlier. Revenue increased 4.6% to $228.3 million. Same-store sales increased .6%.

Fresh Market’s new CEO Rick Anicetti said he is making changes as fast as possible to restore growth to a retailer he contends has enormous untapped potential.

Gordmans Stores ended its same-store sales dry spell and successfully launched an e-commerce site in the third quarter, leaving CEO Andy Hall upbeat about the company’s prospects.

Gordmans, operator of 102 off price department stores, said same-store sales increased 0.8% and total sales increased 4.9% to $153.9 million in the third quarter ended Oct. 31. The company also noted that gross margin improved 50 basis points to 44.4% due to reduced markdown activity.

Ross Stores joined rival off-price retailer TJX in avoiding the weak traffic trends that have plagued other retailers in the third quarter, as shoppers continue to be attracted to value-priced merchandise.

Ross Stores reported that earnings per share for the 13 weeks ended Oct. 31 increased 15% to 53 cents on net earnings that rose 12% to $216 million. Sales for the fiscal 2015 third quarter grew 7% to $2.783 billion, with same store sales up 3%.