Data & Analytics

Report: Amazon scaling back hardware development
As Amazon.com deals with the fallout from a New York Times article over working conditions, another media outlet reports the retailer is scaling back its consumer device division and laying off dozens of employees in its hardware development center.

The division, called Lab126, last year released a flurry of 10 devices, including a television set-top box, the Echo and a wand for scanning bar codes at home, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Meijer celebrates mPerks with major milestone
Meijer's free digital savings program, mPerks, is turning 5 this week and has already set a company record with $100 million in savings to customers this year.

Fred's focused on boosting pharmacy profits

Fred's Super Dollar says it has contacted a consulting firm to help it improve profitability after the retailer remained unprofitable for its fifth consecutive quarter.
Candy, tobacco help lift Dollar General's sales

Dollar General grew customer traffic and average ticket for the 30th consecutive quarter even as the company refocuses on efforts to strengthen topline growth.
Burlington joins the off-price winner's circle

Burlington Stores Inc. has joined the cadre of profitable off-price retailers in the second quarter with a round of impressive sales results.

The company swung to a net income of $10.9 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2015 from a net loss of $6.47 million the same quarter of last year. Decreases in stock option and interest expenses, as well as some impairment charges, helped bring Burlington to profitability.

Net sales rose 10% to $1.14 billion from $1.04 billion, while same-store sales grew 5.6%.
Study: Perennial fave continues to take top spot in overall customer service

New York – L.L. Bean continues to win top marks in overall customer service.

According to the latest quarterly Stella Service benchmarks, perennial high finisher L.L. Bean took top customer service honors in second quarter 2015. Following L.L. Bean were Mr. Porter, Shopbop, David Yuman and Net-a-Porter.
Study: Food nourishes digital coupon growth

Minneapolis - The number of digitally distributed coupons for CPG brands on key websites received nourishment from food shoppers in the first half of 2015.

Overall CPG digital coupon distribution increased by 17%, according to analysis conducted by Kantar Media.

The increase was attributable primarily to food areas. Within food, the dry grocery area, which is historically the largest area in digitally distributed coupons, accounted for much of the growth.
Study: CMOs shifting marketing investments

New York -- Technology-related spending by chief marketing officers (CMOs) is on the rise.

According to a study from Foundation Capital, technology spend by CMOs will increase 10 fold in 10 years, growing from $12 billion to $120 billion.
J.C. Penney is in the green

Plano, Texas – The J.C. Penney Co. Inc. is in the green – green energy savings, that is.

The retailer on Wednesday announced the long-term results of various company initiatives that incorporate sustainability practices in its day-to-day business operations. It also said it would unveil a new energy initiative later this year.
Data breach costly for Target

Minneapolis – Target Corp. has released an estimate of costs related to its 2013 data breach.

In a 10-Q filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Target estimated it had incurred $168 million in liabilities and was eligible for $55 million in insurance reimbursements (as of August 1, 2015).
DirectBuy relaunches member site

Merrillville, Ind. – Buying club retailer DirectBuy is launching a new “My DirectBuy” member website. The relaunched e-commerce site includes personalized content recommendations and improved search, as well as a mobile-friendly design.

These enhancements came directly from ongoing research into consumer insights and by gathering feedback from members.
Express makes all the right moves in Q2

Columbus, Ohio -- Express Inc. soared in the second quarter as its profit tripled amid increased sales and profit margins and reduced promotional activity.

The retailer on Wednesday reported better-than-expected sales and profit for the second quarter. It also raised its full year outlook.

Express’ net income totaled $21 million, compared to $6.9 million, boosted by gross profit resulting from cost of sales growth that was significantly behind the rate of net sales growth.