Data & Analytics

Acquisition provides FTD with Q2 boost
Downers Grove, Ill. – FTD Companies Inc. was provided a substantial financial boost in the second quarter of fiscal 2015 as a result of its December 2014 acquisition of floral gifting company Provide Commerce. The added business helped almost quadruple net income to $17.8 million from $4.7 million in the same period the previous fiscal year.

Consolidated revenues were $365.8 million, roughly double $168.1 million. New revenue from Provide Commerce, as well as increases in consumer and florist revenue, drove the sales growth.
Zumiez has a fizzling July
Lynnwood, Wash. – Specialty sports retailer Zumiez Inc. had a fizzling July. Net sales decreased 2% to $61.4 million, from $62.8 million the same four-week period a year earlier. Same-store sales dropped 7.6%.

Etsy assembles loss in Q2

Brooklyn, N.Y. – Etsy Inc. assembled a growing net loss in the second quarter of fiscal 2015, despite improving sales results. Net loss doubled to $6.4 million from $3.2 million in the second quarter a year earlier.
Study: The online journey begins in the marketplace

Seattle – Consumers are partial to online marketplaces when it comes to choosing a starting point for digital shopping journeys. According to a new research study from Amazon.com and Pymnts.com titled “Innovation and the Digital Shopper,” 64% of respondents begin their shopping journey on online marketplaces.
Rewarding customers pays for National Coney Island dining chain

Roseville, Mich. – Developing customer rewards programs costs money, but when done correctly pays big dividends. The National Coney Island restaurant chain has successfully increased guest frequency and spend with its Paytronix-powered Coney Bucks rewards program.

An instant-wins promotion almost doubled new Coney Bucks registrations over the average previous months' registrations. National Coney Island replaced its coupon-based advertising program with the Coney Bucks rewards program, which is built on the Paytronix Rewards Platform.
Listen: Consumer Industries: Using Real-time Consumer Insights

New York – Dan Berthiaume, senior editor of Chain Store Age, recently participated in a one-hour panel discussion, “Consumer Industries: Using Real-time Consumer Insights,” sponsored by SAP as part of its “Coffee Break with Game-Changers” Internet radio series.
Nike’s newest showplace

New York -- Nike has given its Seattle flagship a makeover that includes technology to help customers select running shoes that are the perfect match for their feet and gait.

Located on Sixth Avenue and Pike Street, the store incorporates unique design elements, including a custom neon sculpture celebrating sport icons and a number of the city's cultural symbols. An art installation signed by Seattle Seahawks players honors Seattle's sports fans.
World Retail Congress to honor U.S. retailer

New York -- Kip Tindell, founder, chairman and CEO of The Container Store, will be inducted into the Retail Hall of Fame at the upcoming World Retail Congress, which will be held Sept. 8-10, in Rome, Italy. Tindell is also the current chairman of the National Retail Federation.
Vitamin Shoppe profit tops Street; on track for 50 stores

North Bergen, N.J. -- Vitamin Shoppe Inc. had a tough quarter but its earnings still beat the Street.

The retailer on Wednesday reported second-quarter net income of $14.2 million, down from $16.9 million in the year-ago period, but still topping Wall Street expectations.

The company also said it plans 50 new stores in 2015.

Revenue increased 5.3% to $322.3 million in the period, short of analysts’ forecasts for $327.9 million.
Tractor Supply Company overhauls online site with IBM

Armonk, N.Y. -- IBM has partnered with Tractor Supply Company to revamp and migrate the retailer’s online operation to provide Tractor Supply customers with an easier way to connect, browse and shop for goods and services online.

At the heart of the solution is a completely redesigned website for Tractor Supply that provides optimal viewing across all devices, easier integration with social media pages, and a simplified check-out process.
Strategic appointment by Fitch

Columbus, Ohio -- Retail and brand consultancy Fitch has announced a new senior appointment in North America.

Michelle Fenstermaker returns to Fitch in the role of strategy director. She will lead the team and be responsible for spearheading strategic planning and vision for Fitch North America.
Target testing beacons in 50 stores; more stores, features to come

Minneapolis -- Target Corp. has made its first major foray into beacon technology as the retailer continues to look for ways to enhance the in-store shopping experience with digital tools.

The retailer announced it is testing beacons at 50 stores nationwide, including locations in Chicago, Denver, Minneapolis, New York City, Pittsburgh, Portland, San Francisco and Seattle. The company said it plans to expand the service to more stores later this year.