Data & Analytics

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Target has become one of the largest retailers to enhance the in-store shopping experience while simultaneously bridging its physical and online experiences with new technology. 

The CEO of Fairway says promotional and merchandising efforts affected traffic in the first quarter as the company posted a sharp decline in same store sales.