Data & Analytics

Camp Hill, Pa. -- Rite Aid Corp. on Thursday reported better-than-expected profit and sales for the second quarter. But the chain cut its full-year profit outlook, citing lower reimbursement rates and anticipated lower profitability from new generics and generic drugs that recently lost exclusivity.

Rite Aid’s second-quarter profit surged to $129.2 million, up from $32.8 million in the year-earlier period,

In a time of evolution and change, when buzz terms like right-sizing and asset management dominate retail real estate conversations, an unwavering focus on the tenant is more important than ever before. Chain Store Age talked with Jeff Kuchman, Principal/Director Tenant Brokerage, Mid-America Real Estate Corp., based in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois, about the company’s tenant representation business and how it has continued to take center stage.

Ace Hardware has expanded its partnership with eBay Enterprise to enhance its omnichannel capabilities as the company ramps up its efforts to stay competitive, drive sales and acquire new customers.

Two new Kindle e-readers from Amazon hit the market next month with a host of new features beyond the typical thinner and lighter claims.

Solid same store sales growth at Rite Aid caused second quarter profits to surge but looming pressure on pharmacy margins prompted the company to reduce its full year outlook.

Omnichannel investments are driving solid top line growth at Pier 1 Imports but having the opposite effect on profits as the company transitions to an integrated digital business model.

Canada’s leading food and drug retailer Loblaw Companies is highly regarded for its private label prowess and now its President’s Choice brand is the focus of the most ambitious marketing initiative ever.

Louisville, Colo. -- QuikTrip is North America’s favorite convenience store chain, according to a study by Market Force Information, a leader in customer intelligence solutions. More than 5,000 consumers were polled for the study, designed to uncover which convenience stores consumers prefer and why.
 

Fort Worth, Texas -- Pier I on Wednesday reported income and sales that missed Wall Street forecasts. The retailer also detailed its online growth and omnichannel investments.
 
Pier I posted net income of $9.2 million for the second quarter ended August 30, 2014, down $17.8 million from the year ago period, amid continued investments in omnichannel growth and increased fulfillment costs.

Westlake Village, Calif. -- Hhgregg ranks highest among appliance retailer websites, with a score of 865, up by a significant 41 points from 2013, according to the J.D. Power 2014 Appliance Shopper Website Evaluation Study. The improvement is attributed to an increase in the speed of the website, up 63 points to 875, and a redesign of the website review section to include the highest and lowest customer appliance ratings at the top of the site.  Following Hhgregg in the rankings are The Home Depot (842) and Best Buy and Lowe's in a tie (839).