Data & Analytics

CVS Health to open 'health 'innovation' lab
CVS Health has confirmed a report that it is planning to open a CVS Health Digital Innovation Lab this winter in Boston that will focus on “building customer-centric experiences in health care.”
Tiffany, Neiman Marcus and Saks face online competitor
Luxury goods retailers face a new competitive challenge from a consignment Web site called Couture Within Reach that has the potential to siphon off traffic and sales.

Retail sales rise ahead of holiday shopping

Washington, D.C. -- U.S. retail sales edged up in October, according to a report released by the Commerce Department, evidence that recent job gains and lower gas prices are lifting consumer spending as the holiday shopping season begins. Retail sales rose 0.3% last month after falling by the same amount in September. Excluding gas stations, where falling prices lowered spending, sales rose a solid 0.5%.
Woolworth's rolls out Galleria promotional display optimization solution

Chicago -- Accounting for over a third of grocery retailers' total sales, promotions are a top priority. Recognizing the profit potential, Australian retailer Woolworths prioritized the implementation of process improvements that would promote efficiency through its promotional strategies.
Survey: Consumers want Black Friday apps

New York –- There is a high demand among consumers for mobile apps that would make the Black Friday shopping experience easier. According to data from Verizon, 80% of consumers say knowing where to get the best Black Friday deals would make their experience easier.
Survey: 68% of consumers will do most or all of holiday shopping online

Redwood City, Calif. – About seven in 10 (68%) of consumers plan on doing most or all of their holiday shopping online. According to a new survey of nearly 1,000 consumers from from digital video advertising provider YuMe Inc., 77% are likely to buy some type of wearable technology. Other key findings include:
Exclusive: Tractor Supply, Aztec Shops improve HR with Kronos tech

Las Vegas –- At the recent KronosWorks 2014 conference in Las Vegas, clients across a variety of industries spoke about how they use Kronos solutions to better perform a variety of human resources and workforce management tasks.
Smart & Final reports increases in quarterly profit and sales

Commerce, Calif. -- Smart & Final Stores, Inc. reported that profit for the third quarter edged up 1.9% to $10.2 million. Sales surged 10.8% to $1.13 billion, and same-store sales leapt 6.6%. “We continue to grow sales in both of our store banners--Smart & Final and Cash & Carry--and this has translated into strong financial results.," said Dave Hirz, president and CEO.
American Eagle Outfitters delivers on European expansion promise

London -- Challenged to grow in the U.S., teen apparel chain American Eagle Outfitters is making good on its pledge to leverage the overseas market to kickstart expansion.
Holiday survey: 40% of smartphone/tablet users will increase mobile shopping

New York -- More shoppers will be leveraging their mobile phones for holiday purchasing than ever before. Burst Media and Rhythm NewMedia’s 10th annual holiday survey found that 39.5% of respondents who use a smartphone and/or tablet to shop will use their mobile devices more this holiday season versus last.
Popeyes and APT partner on Test & Learn software

New York -- Applied Predictive Technologies announced that Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen will license APT's Test & Learn software to test business initiatives such as menu strategies, pricing, and capital investments.
Study: Holiday shipping costs and online security top of mind for shoppers

New York -- A 2014 Kelly Scott Madison Holiday Shopping Study revealed that the top concerns for consumers this holiday season are shipping costs and online security, as 71% of respondents ranked both as top-of-mind. Other findings focused on timing and returns: