Data & Analytics

How did a social network overtake Walmart?
In a little over three years as a public company, Facebook may now be worth more than Walmart.

The question is, will the social network's surge last?

According to Quartz, over the last year, Facebook’s stock has jumped roughly 30% as the broader S&P 500 has barely managed to keep its head above water. The climb has added more than $65 billion to Facebook’s market value, bringing it to more than $236 billion, just above Walmart’s $235 billion.
RSR: Retailers place high value on competitive price intelligence
Walnut Creek, Calif. – Retailers are increasingly placing a high value on competitive price intelligence.

A new survey of 123 retailers from RSR Research co-sponsored by 360pi, “Pricing 2015,” indicates 59% of respondents reported competitive price intelligence as very valuable.

The survey also shows that competitive price intelligence was cited as the top intent for change at 34% of “retail winners” and 50% of “retail laggards.” Additional takeaways include:

Home Depot focused on omnichannel

New York — The Home Depot is focused on making goods flow more smoothly.

In fact, the company’s common order management system, or COM, has been called the largest IT project in the history of the Atlanta-based retail giant. And during the recent Goldman Sachs Annual dotCommerce Day presentation, Kevin Hofmann, Home Depot’s senior VP and president –online, explained to investors how the retailer intends to flex its order management muscle.
Combatant Gentlemen going after wedding business with The Groom's Suite

Irvine, Calif. — Online menswear retailer Combatant Gentlemen Inc. is seeking to expand one of the fastest-growing segments of its business.

The company has launched The Groom's Suite, an online dashboad offering suits starting at $160 and tuxes starting at $200, to attract budget-conscious brides and grooms who prefer to buy rather than rent.
Kroger’s King Soopers extend organic, omnichannel reach

Cincinnati —The Kroger Co.’s King Soopers division is tapping into consumers’ growing appetite for food delivery and natural and organic products with a new digital initiative.

The company has launched a new website that offers over 36,000 natural and organic products for customers who live in and around the Denver metro area. Every product is free from more than 101 artificial ingredients and preservatives that many customers prefer to be left out of products.
Kroger testing grocery delivery in Colorado

The King Soopers grocery chain is trying to meet rising demand for fresh food delivery with a new digital initiative.

King Soopers, a division of the Kroger Co. has launched an e-commerce website KingSoopers.com/LiveNaturally.
Amazon to open FC in Target's backyard

Ever-growing Amazon.com Inc. is expanding its e-commerce capabilities in Target's home turf.

The e-commerce behemoth has announced it will open an 850,000 square foot fulfillment center in the Minneapolis area, its first DC in the state of Minnesota.
Staples/Office Depot deal awaits FTC action

Office Depot shareholders approved of the company’s acquisition by Staples in a vote that will prove to be largely symbolic if federal regulators determine a deal involving two direct competitors is not in the best interest of consumers.

Office Depot agreed to be acquired by Staples on Feb. 4 and on June 19 a preliminary vote total showed that 99.5% of shareholders approved of a deal that involves them receiving $7.25 in cash and 0.2188 of Staples stock for each share of Office Depot stock.
Head merchant at Aeropostale is out

Aeropostale is losing a key executive and handing over merchandising responsibilities to the company's CEO.
Why Staples and Office Depot need to merge

Amazon.com launched its new Amazon Business marketplace earlier this year and now companies such as cloud-based e-commerce solution provider ChannelAdvisor are making it easy for suppliers to tap into the platform’s potential.

"The combined company will allow us to provide more value to customers and more effectively compete in a rapidly evolving environment,” said Ron Sargent, Staples chairman and CEO.
Home Depot boosts its omnichannel firepower

With sales of its online channel approaching $4 billion, the Home Depot is heavily engaged in making goods flow through that channel more smoothly.
Q&A with CVS Health’s chief digital officer, Brian Tilzer

Boston -- Brian Tilzer, senior VP and chief digital officer of CVS Health, sat down with Chain Store Age at the opening of the CVS Digital Innovation Lab in Boston to discuss the strategy behind the lab and CVS’ larger goals for transforming health care through digital technology.