Data & Analytics

On Call Scheduling: The Beginning of the End?
Retail consulting firm McMillanDoolittle, Chicago, weighs in on its blog with three reasons why any retailer using the practice of “on-call” labor scheduling should end it immediately.
A brighter future for J.C. Penney?
Plano, Texas -- While it’s way too early to start popping the champagne, J.C. Penney Co. has to be pleased about its second quarter financial results, which topped analysts expectations and suggested that the company’s turnaround is in progress.

Walmart expands e-commerce capacity

Plainfield, Ind. -- Walmart had added to its online fulfillment capabilities.
Nike, Seattle

Nike has made over its Seattle flagship with a more contemporary look and technology that help customers select running shoes that are the perfect match for their feet and gait.

The store features such unique design elements as a custom neon sculpture celebrating sport icons and the city's cultural symbols. An art installation signed by Seattle Seahawks players honors Seattle's sports fans.
Target changes store pickup game in N.Y.C. area

Target customers at select stores in New York and New Jersey won’t have to get out of their cars anymore to pick up online orders.
Is JCPenney finally making a comeback?

JCPenney 's renewed focus on omnichannel seems to be improving profitability for the retailer, which reported sales and revenue increases in the second quarter.

The company posted a net loss of $138 million, or 45 cents a share, in the quarter that ended Aug. 1, compared with a loss of $172 million, or 56 cents a share, a year ago. Total sales increased 2.7 percent from $2.80 billion a year ago to $2.89 billion. Same-store sales were up 4.1% and better than results also reported this week from Macy’s, Kohl’s and Dillard’s.
Kroger teaming up with Liberty Mutual

New York -- Kroger is partnering with Liberty Mutual on a new loyalty card program for shoppers, Loyalty360 reported Thursday.

Kroger will reward loyalty program members with fuel points for purchasing insurance, according to the agreement.
Nordstrom sizzles, especially online

Seattle -- Finally some good news in the department store sector.

Nordstrom Inc. on Thursday reported better-than-expected fiscal second-quarter earnings and sales.

The retailer reported net profit of $211 million, or $1.09 a share, for the quarter ending Aug. 1, up from $183 million, or 95 cents a share, in the year-ago period.
Good news for brick-and-mortar retailers about back-to-school

Chicago -- Retailers still have time to capitalize on what is turning out to be a late back-to-school shopping, according to a just-released study.
Dismal Q2 for Kohl’s

New York -- It’s been a rough week for department stores.

Kohl’s Corp. joined Macy’s and Dillard’s this week in reporting disappointing earnings and weak same-store sales growth.

Kohl’s posted a profit of $130 million in the second quarter ended Aug. 1, down from $232 million in the prior-year quarter.
Another giant enters the mobile payment wars

New York -- Move over Apple and Google — and make way for Samsung.

Samsung Electronics Co. on Thursday announced Samsung Pay, a mobile payment service that will let customers pay with their phones at nearly any credit-card terminal. The new system will launch in Korea on Aug. 20 and in the United States on Sept. 28.
The turnaround plan at Kohl's isn't working

Kohl’s has joined other major retailers this week reporting disappointing earnings and anemic same store sales growth.

The Wisconsin-based retailer posted a profit of $130 million in the second quarter ended Aug. 1, below the $232 million in the prior-year quarter. Earnings per share were 66 cents, compared with $1.13 in the second quarter of 2014. Same store sales grew a measly 0.1%. Overall revenue increased by just 0.6%, to $4.27 billion for the quarter.