Data & Analytics

Bentonville, Ark. -- Wal-Mart saw respectable U.S. sales growth in the second quarter, but it wasn't enough to overcome expense pressures and a weak dollar. These negative factors caused the company to turn in one of its worst quarterly profit performances in recent memory.

The world's largest home improvement chain is benefiting from Americans spending more on their homes than on their wardrobes, as Home Depot reported record sales and earnings in the second quarter.

Framingham, Mass. – The TJX Companies Inc. showed value to its investors in a strong second quarter of fiscal 2016 where it beat Wall street expectations for both profit and sales. The elimination of a debt extinguishment loss and lower interest expenses helped push net income up 6% to $549.33 million, from $517.62 million the same period the prior fiscal year.

New York – Amazon.com provides a customer value proposition of convenience and the lowest prices. According to new analysis from managed analytics provider Ugam, competitors at least have a chance to beat Amazon on prices of some items.

Ugam conducted assortment intelligence analysis of two key sporting goods categories, identifying gaps in Amazon’s merchandising assortment and confirming that the retail giant doesn’t always have the lowest price on the most sought-after products.
 

Toano, Va. – Shuffling in the executive ranks continues at embattled Lumber Liquidators Holdings Inc., in the wake of accusations the retailer sold Chinese hardwood laminate products that had illegal levels of formaldehyde. Lumber Liquidators has hired Jill Witter as chief compliance and legal officer.  

Minneapolis – Target Corp. has reportedly reached a settlement with Visa Inc. that will reimburse issuers of Visa cards for costs related to the retailer’s 2013 data breach. According to the Wall Street Journal, the agreement will reimburse thousands of card issuers for potentially up to $67 million.

Despite efforts by her previous employer to block the transition, former Kohl’s CIO Janet Schalk is joining Hudson’s Bay Co. in the same capacity.

New York – Ever wondered what is really going on in the minds and lives of today’s college students? Barnes & Noble College, an operator of campus bookstores with more than 720 stores at college and universities nationwide, is accelerating its market research platform.

Expanded research access is intended to help the company’s partners, including colleges and universities, consumer brands and publishers, better understand the thinking, behaviors and expectations of current and future college students and faculty.