Data & Analytics

Free standing inserts remain a popular promotional vehicle, but weakness in other aspects of the Valassis business model have CEO Rob Mason vowing major changes after a third quarter sales decline.

New York – Grocery discounter Aldi has been ranked the world’s “simplest” brand, with simplicity defined as a clarity of purpose that enables employee innovation and customer service. According to the annual 2013 Global Brand Simplicity Index from strategic marketing firm Siegel & Gale, Amazon.com is ranked second, followed by Google, which came out on top this year. The report is based on a study of 10,000 consumers in seven countries,

Despite the challenging economic landscape and a decrease in firearms sales, Cabela’s comparable store sales for the third quarter ended Sept. 28 increased 3.9% — the company’s eighth consecutive quarter of comp store sales increases. Excluding firearms, comparable store sales increased 5.3%.

Sidney, Neb. – Cabela’s said that strong performance from its next-generation store format helped drive its third quarter net income up 16.6%, to $49.9 million compared to $42.8 million in the year ago quarter. The company also announced plans for three new stores.

Revenue grew about 15%, from $741.2 million to $850.8 million. Same-store sales grew 3.9%.

GNC plans to make some major supply chain investments in 2014, including opening a fourth distribution center serving domestic stores, located near Indianapolis, following strong results for the third quarter.

The company reported a net income increase of 17.3%, from $62.2 million to $73 million.

Revenue grew about 9%, from $621.6 million to $675.6 million. Same store sales increased approximately 6.7% in domestic company-owned stores, including GNC.com sales, in the quarter, while in domestic franchise locations, same-store sales increased 5.9%.

Mountain View, Calif. – Coupons.com Inc. has hired Mir Aamir, former president of loyalty and digital technologies at Safeway Inc., as the company’s COO and CFO. Aamir brings more than 18 years of finance, strategy and operating experience, primarily in the retail CPG industries.

Coupons.com has appointed former Safeway executive Mir Aamir as the company’s CFO and COO.

Pittsburgh – GNC Holdings reported strong results for the third quarter of fiscal 2013, reporting a net income increase of 17.3%, from $62.2 million to $73 million.

Revenue grew about 9%, from $621.6 million to $675.6 million. Same store sales increased approximately 6.7% in domestic company-owned stores (including GNC.com sales) in the third quarter of 2013, while in domestic franchise locations, same-store sales increased 5.9%.