Data & Analytics

Old Bridge, N.J. -- An improved picture in both ‘big-box’ and smaller store spaces combined to push the retail vacancy rate along central New Jersey’s major shopping corridors to a six-year low of 7.6% from 9.8% in 2013, according to the latest study by R.J. Brunelli & Co. Looking back over the past 10 years, the 2014 figure compared with the high of 10.5% in 2011 and low of 3.4% in 2006.  

Mooresville, N.C. –- Lowe’s Companies Inc. is among the first users of an omnichannel fulfillment solution that is being jointly developed by JDA Software Group Inc. and IBM. The new initiative from the two technology providers will combine JDA intelligent fulfillment and labor productivity solutions with IBM Commerce and order management technology.  

Luis Orbegoso, ADT Business   A recent survey by the National Retail Federation found that 20 to 40 % of small and mid-sized retailers’ annual sales occur within the last two months of the year. So what does this mean for small- and medium-sized business owners? It can mean hordes of customers coming through the door, inventory flying off the shelves, and the overwhelming need to be more prepared than any other time of year.   

By Ahsin Rasheed      

Alexandria, Va. — Declining gas prices may increase holiday spending this year—especially among men and those ages 18-34, according to a new national survey on consumer optimism conducted by the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS).  

Salisbury, N.C. -- Food Lion has unveiled a new, easier shopping experience for customers in 45 remodeled stores in the greater Greenville, New Bern and Jacksonville, N.C., market.    "Our customers told us that they want a grocery experience where it's easy to shop, easy to save and easy to figure out what is for dinner tonight," said Meg Ham, president of Food Lion. "In these stores, we've worked to deliver just that.”

The retail inventory specialist firm WIS International named merchandising and marketing services veteran Jim Rose as its new president and CEO.

Rose most recently served as president of marketing services at CROSSMARK, a leading provider of marketing and merchandising services. Rose also previously served as chairman and CEO for Mosaic Sales Solutions and also held senior roles at The Nielsen Company and MPG, a global advertising and communications company.

Macy’s third quarter sales were lower than expected but the company still managed to grow profits by 30% and expressed optimism regarding the fourth quarter.

The department store retailer said same store sales declined 0.7% while total sales    declined 1.3% to slightly less than $6.2 billion during the third quarter ended Nov. 1. Net income increased 22.5% to $217 million while earnings per share, aided by the repurchase of nine million shares, increased 30% to 61 cents a share.

IBM and JDA Software Group have developed an integrated omnichannel supply chain solution to help retailers address what today is arguably the greatest operational challenge facing most retailers.