Data & Analytics

Pep Boys has added 130 stores to its portfolio.   The company has purchased Just Brakes, a privately held an automotive repair and maintenance chain, increasing the number of Pep Boys auto service locations to over 900 locations.  

Over the last decade, the retail industry has evolved substantially. E-commerce continues to outpace brick-and-mortar strategy, dramatically changing the way consumers shop. Accommodating new consumer preferences requires brands -- from corporate executives to field managers to in-store associates -- to communicate, and regularly evaluate the in-store customer experience.   

Watch out millennials, Gen Z is coming on strong.   With Generation Z expected to comprise 40% of the North American population by 2020, retailers must address the needs of this generation and understand its purchasing power in households, according to a survey conducted by HRC Retail Advisory.  

On pace to double its online business for fiscal 2016, apparel retailer J. Lindeberg is ready to take control of its e-commerce destiny.    The company, known for its men's and women's fashion and golf apparel and accessories, recently launched in Canada, and now has its sights set on digital expansion into North and South America. At the core of this expansion is bringing its operating platform in-house.  

Walmart is adding a new category to its assortment: automobile sales.    While the chain has always sold tires and accessories, a new partnership with CarSaver, an online auto retail platform, is allowing the retail giant to dip its toe into the car sales industry. The retail giant is setting up CarSaver kiosks at 25 Walmart superstores in Houston, Dallas, Phoenix and Oklahoma City.  

Burlington Stores is promoting three key executives, with the appointments all effective January 30, 2017.   The appointments include the following:    • Jennifer Vecchio, executive VP/chief merchandising officer since May 2015, will be promoted to the newly created role of chief merchandising officer/principal, and will assume responsibility for the merchandise planning, allocation and MIO functions.  

The trends featured at the annual NRF Convention & Expo never fail to get the tech juices flowing, and this year was no exception.    Sessions and the expo floor illustrated how retail technology has changed dramatically in a very short time. However, the event also relayed a sobering message: the industry needs to greatly evolve to keep up pace with customer expectations, and remain relevant in the long-term.  

Target has made a key addition to its executive team.    The discounter has promoted Rick Gomez to the position of executive VP and chief marketing officer, effective Jan. 29. Gomez, currently senior VP of brand and category marketing, has been with Target since 2013. He replaces Jeff Jones, who left Target last summer to become president of Uber.