Data & Analytics

ADA and e-commerce: What retailers should know
By Michael Wippler

We are or should be familiar with the Americans with Disabilities Act’s (“ADA”) requirements for accommodating the physically disabled. Wheelchair ramps, handicap stalls, handicap parking, lifts, and other items designed to assist the physically disabled are commonplace. However, the ADA is much broader than this, and the United States Department of Justice (“DOJ”) and the courts are focusing on making the internet more accessible for the visually impaired.
Finish Line Q4 profit falls; announces new buyback plan
Indianapolis -- The Finish Line Inc. on Friday reported a decline in its fourth-quarter profit and cautioned that profits in its current year may not hit expectations of a fiscal fourth-quarter net income of $40.8 million.

The retailer also authorized a new 5-million-share buyback program.

The Finish Line’s earnings in the fourth quarter fell 5% to $40.8 million.

Consolidated net sales for the quarter were $551.3 million, an increase of 6.3% over the prior year period. Same-store sales increased 2.6%.

Restoration Hardware retooling its strategy

Restoration Hardware is in the middle of a strategy overhaul that may slow down revenue growth, but the retailer did post better-than-expected profits in the fourth quarter.

Restoration Hardware Holdings Inc. reported that its profit for the fourth quarter increased a better-than-expected 25% to $42.5 million from $34 million in the year-ago period. Restoration Hardware’s total sales in the fourth quarter grew 23.5% to $582.7 million. For the year, the company reported profit of $91 million. Revenue was reported as $1.87 billion.
Nielsen does deal to expand insights offering

Retailers can measure every aspect of shoppers’ behavior on their Web sites and now an agreement between Nielsen and RetailNext means some of the same insights can be obtained from the physical world.
Finish Line falls behind in revenue race

The sports retail market has been strong for Foot Locker and similar retailers, but not for Finish Line, which reported a drop in holiday quarter profit.
American Apparel's struggles continue

Trendy teen retailer American Apparel reported a deep decline in fourth quarter revenue, as the company grapples with a social media scandal and losses stemming from an investigation of its former CEO.
Aldi accelerating expansion with Bottom Dollar

Aldi's pace of growth is about to quicken now that its acquisition of Delhaize Group's Bottom Dollar Food store locations is complete.

The retailer announced it has completed its purchase of 66 real estate assets from the Delhaize Group. The transaction includes the land, buildings and leasehold improvements associated with Delhaize's recently retired Bottom Dollar Food operation.
GBT Realty acquires East Cobb County parcel

Atlanta -- GBT Realty Corporation acquired a 1.7-acre site in East Cobb County, Atlanta, at the intersection of Roswell Road and East Cobb Drive near Johnson Ferry Road. Currently the site of a 10,240-sq.-ft. building occupied by Chuck E. Cheese’s, the firm plans to redevelop the parcel with demolition slated this spring.

GBT acquired the site from Empress Theatres for $1.65 million. No additional terms were disclosed.
Lululemon bounces back as Q4 tops estimates

Vancouver -- Lululemon Athletica Inc. is apparently back on track, reporting better-than-expected results for the fourth quarter amid increased traffic. On the company’s quarterly conference call, executives said the retailer hopes to post double-digit square footage growth for the United States and Canada in its current fiscal year, in addition to continuing to grow its brand overseas.
Capgemini report finds loyalty programs lacking in a digital age

New York -- U.S. companies spend $2 billion on loyalty programs, but the investment isn’t yielding the type of increased engagement which drove implementation of the programs, according to a new report from Capgemini Consulting. For example, the firm found that the average U.S. household is a member of 21 loyalty programs, but only actively uses 44% of them.
Signet Q4 earnings jump 30%

Hamilton, Bermuda -- Signet Jewelers Ltd. on Thursday posted a better-than-expected 30% surge in profit its fourth quarter.
Soft Surroundings enhances customer experience with Ambius scenting

Reading, Pa. -- Specialty retailer Soft Surroundings has chosen Ambius Premium Scenting to enhance the shopping experience for its customers at all 18 retail locations. The scenting is designed to create greater customer dwell time and increase purchasing intent for this innovative retailer.