Data & Analytics

Los Angeles – Interest in Apple Watch may extend beyond simple “buzz.” Bizrate Insights, a division of Connexity, found in a survey of more than 6,000 online buyers that there is significant consumer interest in the new wrist-worn mini-computer.

About 5% of online buyers said they wanted to buy the watch now, while 22% said they were interested. The most interested customers’ profile is someone who already uses an iPhone, is an adult under the age of 50, and more likely male.

San Diego – Net income at PriceSmart Inc. fell 12% to $24.83 million during the second quarter of fiscal 2015, from $28.28 million in the same period a year earlier. Increased operating expenses helped cut profit even as revenues grew 10% to $750.3 million, from $674.38 million.

PriceSmart also attributed the drop in net income to the devaluation of the Colombian peso.

Having reliable concrete slab moisture information is key to selecting the right product before installation, as well as avoiding flooring failures after installation. Independent Floor Testing and Inspection (IFTI) is the North American specialist in third-party independent testing for the construction and architectural community.  Meet Lee Eliseian of IFTI, as he discusses how to launch an accurate, independent risk management program designed to prevent or solve flooring issues and failures.

The National Retail Federation is investing millions of dollars into research for the retail industry by creating a new center.

NRF plans to form a new department called the Retail Research and Analysis Center to bring together all existing research within NRF and expand upon the wide range of issue areas and trends already studied. The center will focus on four main areas: the economy, legislative and regulatory policy, the retail industry and consumers.

Surging sales at Old Navy helped Gap Inc. offset sales declines at its namesake division and its Banana Republic stores in March. 

Gap Inc. reported that net sales for the five-week period ended April 4 increased 1 percent to $1.53 billion compared with net sales of $1.51 billion for the five-week period ended April 5.

Build-A-Bear Workshop is rewriting the rules on stuffed animals with a new line of toys that are linked to a mobile app.

The retailer’s new Promise Pets feature a free mobile app that families can download to bring the experience of pet care to life, teaching children about animal care through an interactive play experience. Breeds in the collection include the Golden Retriever, Beagle, Yorkshire Terrier and Persian Kitten. Build-A-Bear plans to introduce more breeds throughout the year.

Petco has filled two key executive roles as it continues to build a team to successfully execute key strategic initiatives.

The company has named Michael M. Nuzzo as EVP and chief financial officer and Michael W. Zuna as SVP and chief marketing and digital officer.

The parent company of Safeway and Albertson's has promoted its executive chairman and created a four-person Office of the CEO.

Millennials are not loyal to fashion brands, according to a new study. In fact, 45% of those surveyed by LIM College say nothing can be done to retain them.

This is according to the results of a new survey, "Shopping Trends Among 18-25 Year-Olds," conducted by LIM College Professors Robert Conrad and Kenneth M. Kambara, Ph.D.

American Eagle is leveraging the star power of Brad Pitt to launch an innovative denim recycling program that will put needy people in affordable homes.

Customers can bring their old denim into any of American Eagle Outfitters’ 823 stores throughout the U.S. and Canada and receive a 20% discount on a new pair of jeans. Any collected unwearable denim will be shredded and recycled into UltraTouch Denim Insulation and other building materials for use in Make It Right’s affordable homes around the country.