Data & Analytics

Incandescent era comes to an end at Meijer
Technological advancements and shifting shopper expectations have prompted Meijer and GE Lighting to embark on a major merchandising and first-of-its-kind education initiative.

As incandescent bulbs continue to disappear, the retailer and its largest light bulb supplier are creating a new shopping experience which will help shoppers navigate the many new options available as they prepare for the longer winter nights.
QVC adds new touch to mobile app
Digital retailer QVC is adding new in-app features that allow customers to make easy and quick purchases with just a touch of their finger.

Using Apple’s fingerprint sensor technology, Touch ID, the QVC for iPhone app now gives customers the option to log in to their QVC accounts on all iOS 8-enabled iPhone 5S, 6 and 6+ mobile devices using only their fingertip for authentication.

Walmart pares Japanese store portfolio in EDLP move

Walmart’s Japanese subsidiary Seiyu plans to close 30 stores and remodel 50 others next year in an effort to strengthen its every day low price strategy.
Best Buy vet to become Tile Shop CEO

Specialty retailer Tile Shop announced a senior leadership transition involving long time CEO Robert Rucker and current COO Chris Homeister.

The company said Homeister, a former Best Buy merchant who joined Minneapolis-based Tile Shop a year ago, would be elevated to the role of CEO effective Jan. 1. He replaces current CEO Robert Rucker who founded the company 29 years ago. Rucker will remain with the company on a full time basis until Aug. 1, 2015 as an advisor and board member.
Study: Nordstrom--online and in-store--top luxury retailer

New York -- Nordstrom came out on top in a ranking of luxury retailers by the Luxury Institute. According to the group's 2014 Luxury Multichannel Engagement Index, Nordstrom had the highest incidence of customers spending online (26%) and in-store (45%). It also led in its share of total fashion spend (17%).
Report: Amazon uses Facebook feedback to rate holiday toys

Seattle –- Amazon.com is reportedly using feedback collected from its “Amazon Moms” Facebook group and other corporate Facebook pages to help create promotional lists of holiday toys.
Luxottica sees higher Q3 profit, revenue; to pay Cavatorta $6 million

Milan, Italy –- Specialty eyewear retailer Luxottica Group S.P.A. reported increases in profit and revenue during the third quarter of fiscal 2014. Net income grew 10% to $259.2 million from $236.8 million in the third quarter of the prior fiscal year, while net sales rose 5% to $3.01 billion from $2.85 billion.
Survey: 6 in 10 shoppers ‘showroom’ in store

Ann Arbor, Mich. -- Fifty-seven percent of consumers use their smartphones to assist shopping activities in store. According to new data from CFI Group's report "Holiday Shopping 2014: Shutting Down the Showroom Effect," which surveyed 1,000 U.S. consumers and is sponsored by EBay Enterprise, 60% of survey respondents compare retailer's prices to their online competitors, while 63% use their phones to check prices at other local stores.
Big 5 tops Street in Q3 profit, revenue; will open 10 stores

El Segundo, Calif. –- Although Big 5 Sporting Goods Corp. saw its net income decline 17% to $7.5 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2014 from $9.1 million in the same period a year earlier, the retailer still beat Wall Street profit expectations. Big 5 also surpassed Wall Street forecasts with net sales of $265.1 million, up 2% from $259.1 million.
Study: Kate Spade provides best online customer service in September

New York -- Kate Spade provided the best overall customer service in Sept. 2014. This marks the retailer’s first time topping Stella Benchmarks from customer service research firm Stella Service in 2014. The retailer ranked in every area measured across fulfillment and customer care.
Survey: U.S., U.K., Germany most desirable global e-shopping destinations

Stamford, Conn. -- The U.S., U.K. and Germany are the most desirable e-destinations for consumers to purchase goods online outside their own country. According to new global online research from Pitney Bowes Inc., Australians are the most likely to buy products online from retailers outside their own country (63%) followed by Canada and Russia (both 54%).
Outback Steakhouse introduces Click Thru seating

Tampa, Fla. -- Outback Steakhouse is introducing Click Thru Seating. With Click Thru Seating, customers visit Outback.com from any connected device to view the current wait time at their local Outback restaurant and put their name on the waitlist for now or later. Unlike a traditional reservation, late customers will not be dropped from the wait list or penalized. The service will also soon be available on the Outback mobile app.