Data & Analytics

Franklin, Tenn. – Although mobile POS software installations by North American retailers grew 41% year-to-year, this rate did not meet expectations of analysts and industry experts. According to a new study from IHL Group, “Mobile POS Software Market Share,” the enterprise market of retailers with more than 50 stores only delivered 59% year-over-year growth, well below the expected 100% increase.

Palo Alto, Calif. – In science fiction and horror films, the arrival of pods is rarely a good development. But omnichannel consumers will likely be pleased by the arrival of the first Curbside Pickup Pod at the Glendale Galleria mall (a GGP property) in Southern California.

Omaha, Neb. – The retail e-commerce landscape just got a little wider. Discount department store retailer Gordmans Inc. is jumping from operating 101 brick-and-mortar stores in 22 states to offering an e-commerce site for consumers across the country.

The online store also offers an extended assortment beyond what's available in-store. This includes broader sizes and styles in the dedicated Levi's shop, MLB, NCAA and NFL sports team apparel and an expanded selection of holiday décor.

 In a shift to quality over quantity, Walmart has cut expansion plans for its Neighborhood Market stores despite the format’s consistently strong top line growth in recent years.

Atlanta – A continuing recovery in the U.S. housing market helped The Home Depot Inc. exceed Wall Street projections for net income and sales during the second quarter of fiscal 2015. Net income rose 9% to $2.23 billion, from $2.05 billion the prior-year period.

Dick's Sporting Goods says its focus on omnichannel retailing is yielding fruitful results, as the company reported an increase in profit and sales for the second quarter.

Dick’s reported net income of $90.8 million, or 77 cents per share, up from $69.5 million, or 57 cents per share, a year ago. That beat Wall Street’s average EPS estimate of 75 cents. Net sales were $1.8 billion, up 8% from $1.7 million during second-quarter 2014. Same-store sales for Dick’s Sporting Goods rose 1.5%.

Quincy, Ill. – In the latest sign that beacons are becoming a mainstream in-store technology, at least one independent grocery chain is rolling them out. County Market, a division of Quincy, Illinois-based Niemann Foods, has implemented the Birdzi platform in all of its stores to provide personalized digital savings and increased customer engagement for its shoppers.

Los Angeles – American Apparel Inc., which warned shareholders of poor second quarter results last week, had more bad news this week. In addition to reporting growing net loss and shrinking net sales in a tough second quarter of fiscal 2015, American Apparel said it does not currently have enough cash to last the next 12 months and shareholders may lose some or all of their investment.