Data & Analytics

Scottsdale, Ariz. — P.F. Chang’s China Bistro Inc. is the latest retailer to investigate a possible data breach.

The retailer emailed has been contacted by banks and law enforcement agencies about online reports that credit card and debit card numbers matching ones used at P.F. Chang’s locations between March and May 2o14 have appeared for sale on underground hacker websites.

Media reports indicate the U.S. Secret Service is also investigating the potential breach, although the Secret Service has not publicly commented.

Indianapolis — In a finding that may not surprise some of their elders, Millennials share complaints online two times more than Gen X and three more than Boomers. “The Social Media Behaviors of Millennials, Gen X & Boomers,” the latest study from consultative social media research firm Fizzilogy firm, also explores the social media habits of these three generations.

Key findings include:
Millennials
•    Millennials live-tweet sporting events at more than twice the rate of both Boomers and Gen Xers.

San Jose, Calif. — PayPal has launched PassPort, a website designed to provide small businesses with free tools to expand their global sales. PassPort provides country-specific guidance on seasonal sales peaks; shipping and distribution logistics; currency exchange and fees; and customs procedures and taxes.

In addition to holiday-specific content, PassPort presents buying and selling patterns around the globe and across key corridors. PassPort helps businesses start selling internationally quickly via direct links to eBay Marketplace tools.

SAN FRANCISCO — Big Data personalization provider WibiData has launched WibiRetail, a new software platform designed for retailers to rapidly deploy algorithmically-driven personalized shopping experiences. WibiRetail provides intent-aware commerce applications that use in-the-moment data to determine whether a consumer is shopping for herself, a family member or a partner.

Dallas — Speed Commerce Inc., a vertically integrated, omni-channel platform of e-commerce services, has launched Sara X, a pre-configured, feature-rich accelerator for Oracle Commerce.

Indianapolis, Ind. — Simon Property Group has begun a collaboration with elevate DIGITAL, a developer of interactive digital technology, to install digital concierge solutions in a number of Simon’s U.S. retail shopping centers.

Washington, D.C. — Consumer spending rose 0.3% in May, marking four consecutive months of rising U.S. retail sales.

The Commerce Department reported Thursday that May results were boosted by strength from the auto sector, which recorded a 1.4% sales increase during the month. U.S. retail sales rose 0.5% in April and 1.5% in March.

Mooreseville, N.C. — Lowe’s has launched Lowe’s Innovation Lab, with a goal of creating new technology to solve common consumer frustrations while working alongside start-ups, universities, specialized professionals and other companies. The first concept to come out of the lab is the Lowe's Holoroom, a home improvement simulator that applies 3D and augmented reality technologies to provide homeowners an intuitive, immersive experience in their dream rooms.

Dallas — Neiman Marcus saw adjusted profits slip in the third quarter, even as revenues and comps rose.

For the quarter ended May 3, the company reported a net loss of $2.7 million, compared with net income of $70.8 million in the year-ago period.  On an adjusted basis, however, the company reported earnings of $45.1 million compared with $78.7 million last year.

Also in the quarter, the company reported total revenues of $1.16 billion, up from $1.10 billion in the year-ago period. Same-store sales rose 5.9%.

Corte Madera, California — Furniture and housewares retailer Restoration Hardware reported a profit of $1.8 million in the quarter ended May 3, compared with a loss of $161,000 last year. Results topped Wall Street expectations and prompted the company to raise its outlook for the year.

Revenue grew 22% to $366.3 million, from $301.3 million in the year-ago period. Wall Street predicted $346.7 million.