Data & Analytics

Chicago -- Positive economic, retail and consumer trends are setting the stage for a positive back-to-school season, according to consumer insights and location-based analytics provider ShopperTrak.

A new infographic from the company details key trends and also reveals the important role millennials will play in back-to-school shopping.  

The idea of pure play retail has evaporated. Retail’s continuing transformation and complex landscape now centers on the convergence of digital and physical channels, otherwise known as “digical.” The industry can no longer talk about analytics in isolation anymore – the shopper’s journey is channel-agnostic and retailers are in catch-up mode.

Asheville, N.C. – Profit stayed essentially flat at Ingles Markets Inc. for the third quarter of fiscal 2015. Ingles reported net income of $13.78 million, compared to $13.83 million the same quarter the prior fiscal year.

Lower interest and income tax expenses helped Ingles keep profits steady in the face of net sales declining 3% to $945.97 million, from $978.26 million. Declining gasoline prices negatively impacted sales.

Lakeland, Fla. -- Publix Super Markets is racking up another record year even as other grocers, including Whole Foods Market, are struggling under the weight of new competition.

Publix reports that sales for the second quarter were $8 billion, a 6% increase from last year’s $7.5 billion. Same store sales for the second quarter increased 4.1%.

Net earnings were $482.7 million, compared to $404.1 million in 2014, an increase of 19.5%.

While Whole Foods and other food retailers struggle against increasingly stiff competition, Publix seems to be answering potential threats to its business with ease, if the company's second quarter results are any indication.

The importance of technology is highlighted in a promotion at Whole Foods Market.

Boca Raton, Fla. - Office Depot, Inc. has been recognized for outstanding product quality and service by privately-held home builder David Weekley Homes.

This marks the 10th consecutive year that Office Depot has received the “A,A Partners of Choice” award given this year to 15 of David Weekley Homes’ suppliers.

Hoboken, N.J. – Newly launched Amazon rival Jet.com promises to deliver the lowest prices available online through a dynamic pricing system that constantly scans the Internet for the best possible deals.