Data & Analytics

Ecova survey: Cost top driver of energy, sustainability management programs
Spokane, Wash. - Over half (57%) of retail respondents have an energy/building management system installed, according to an annual survey by energy and sustainability management company Ecova.
Consumers can sue Target over breach
New York - A federal judge has ruled that customers suing Target for last year’s data breach may move forward with their claims. U.S. District Judge Paul Magnuson in St. Paul, Minn., dismissed claims by plaintiffs in certain states but largely denied Target's request to toss out the proposed class action lawsuit. Magnuson rejected Target's argument that the consumers lacked standing to sue because they could not establish any injury.

Famous faces wish Las Vegas a happy holiday season on Miracle Mile Shops' strip-side LED screens

Las Vegas - Through Dec. 31, Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino is broadcasting a series of special holiday greetings from prominent Las Vegas personalities, headliners and show cast members on its LED screens at the heart of Las Vegas Boulevard.
Tech Guest Viewpoint - Make Room for ‘Webrooming’ in Your Store

By James Han, Tyco Retail Solutions
Study – Marketing execs have IT purchase power

Franklin, Tenn. - Vendors are leaving billions on the table because they forget to market to the chief marketing officer (CMO) rather than just the CIO and IT department. According to a new study from IHL Group, “Hidden Treasure – The CMO’s Budget in Retail,” in 2015, the amount of IT purchased through the CMO’s budget will amount to $7.5 billion in North America.
Millennials more likely to make impulse holiday purchases

Wilmington, Del. - The urge to impulse shop during the holidays runs strong among Americans, but even stronger among Millennials. According to the Chase Blueprint Holiday Impulse Purchases Survey, 83% of Millennials admit to having made an impulse purchase in the past.
Amazon offers cash rebates with Ibotta

Seattle – Amazon.com is partnering with retail shopping app provider Ibotta Inc. to enable Amazon shoppers to receive additional cash back on a range of products purchased directly on Amazon.com.
Return fraud will cost retailers $10.9 billion in 2014

Washington, D.C. – Apparently, a lot of fraud artists will get their names on the “naughty list” this year. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF) 2014 Return Fraud Survey completed by loss prevention executives at 60 retail companies representing grocery, department, discount, specialty and small retailers, the industry will lose an estimated $10.9 billion to return fraud this year.
Finish Line pulls ahead with Q3 income

Indianapolis – The Finish Line Inc. reported an 11% improvement in net income during the third quarter of fiscal 2014, rising to $2.58 million from $2.32 million. Lower impairment and store closing charges, a slowed pace of growth in cost of sales, and an income tax benefit all helped spur the growth in profit. Consolidated net sales were $395.8 million, an increase of 9% from $364.45 million. Same-store sales rose 4.5%.
Pier 1 meets Street with Q3 profit decline

Fort Worth, Texas – Pier 1 Imports Inc. met Wall Street expectations with a 33% year-over-year decline in profits during the third quarter of fiscal 2015. Net income fell to $17.9 million from $26.8 million, with an increase in selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses driving the reduction.
Consumer spending reaches 11-month high

New York - The Deloitte Consumer Spending Index reached its highest point since November 2013, rising to 4.5 from 4 the prior month. The Index tracks consumer cash flow as an indicator of future consumer spending. The Index comprises four components – tax burden, initial unemployment claims, real wages and real home prices. Highlights include: Tax Burden: The tax rate has been effectively unchanged from the previous month at 11.8%.
Amazon teams up with Ibotta on rebates

Amazon.com is getting deeper into the cash rewards game by partnering with a rebate shopping app.

For the first time ever, Ibotta will make it possible for anyone shopping on Amazon.com to earn cash rebates.