Data & Analytics

Study: Two-day shipping bigger Amazon Prime driver than video
Boston - Americans are more likely to subscribe to Amazon Prime for free two- day shipping than for Prime Instant Video, and in the U.S. when they do subscribe, are more likely to use Netflix than Prime Instant Video. According to a new study from global intelligence firm Strategy Analytics, nearly two-thirds (63%) of Amazon Prime subscribers used Netflix in the previous month compared to 59% who used Prime Instant Video.
Tech Guest Viewpoint: Reimagining the In-Store Experience
By Andy Wong, co-founder and VP of client services, Mobispoke

The rapid adoption of e-commerce in the digital age has fundamentally changed the way people shop. The online shopping experience today is not only richer and more engaging than in-store, but it is also personalized to each individual consumer, offering outfit pairings and special discounts based on a consumer’s profile.

Family Dollar profits beat Street; Dollar Tree merger expected in May

Matthews, N.C. – Profits slid at Family Dollar Stores Inc. during the second quarter of fiscal 2015 compared to last year, but still beat Wall Street predictions. The discounter reported net income of $76.7 million, down 18% from $90.9 million.
Study: Loyalty programs more important than ever

More and more consumers are motivated by loyalty programs than ever before, according to the 2015 Bond Brand Loyalty Report.

Bond Brand Loyalty’s fifth annual study shows consumers overwhelmingly agree that loyalty programs are worth the effort.
Beacons to get a boost from tech partnership

ShopperTrak is teaming up with a shopping app called Shopkick to enhance the value proposition retailers offer to their customers in-store.

ShopperTrak, a global provider of consumer behavior insights and location-based analytics, and Shopkick is the most widely used real-world shopping app. Their partnership aims to leverage the market leadership and experience of both companies to deliver superior in-store experiences and rewards for shoppers, while also providing the retail community with an analytics tool to optimize the shopper’s experience in the store.
Pharmacy sales help drive profits for Rite Aid in 2014

Rite Aid said higher prescription sales and stronger cost control helped the drugstore chain report a profit surge for the fourth quarter.
Kroger Co. names new Dillons chief

A 38-year Kroger employee who started out in the company bagging groceries at a Cincinnati area store has been promoted to president.
February chills Family Dollar sales

Cold weather in February caused profits to slide at Family Dollar Stores Inc. ahead of its impending merger with Dollar Tree.
Best Buy gets geeky in Canada

Best Buy is strengthening its commitment to educating Canadian kids about technology with the launch of a Geek Squad Academy.
Japanese eyewear brand JINS opens U.S. flagship

Japan’s largest eyewear brand is opening its first U.S. flagship store in California with a unique, gallery-like setting designed by San Francisco architecture firm Kwan Henmi.

Shoppers at JINS will be able to choose trendy, customized eyeglass styles for each face and personality with affordable prices ranging from $60 to $120, including high-quality aspheric lenses.
Bed Bath & Beyond may follow wage hike trend

Bed Bath & Beyond indicated in its fourth quarter earnings report that it may be joining Walmart and other retailers with plans to increase wages.

The company said it is lowering its 2015 earnings guidance due to "an increase in investments in compensation and benefits in 2015 beyond those historically planned."
Adidas debuting RunBase format in Boston, with store on marathon’s finish line

Boston -- The Boston Marathon is getting its very own permanent store — and it will be located just steps from the finish line, on Boylston Street. The 2,000-sq.-ft. shop, dubbed Boston Marathon Run Base, is operated by athletic footwear giant Adidas and the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.), organizer of the Boston Marathon, in partnership with Marathon Sports.