Data & Analytics

Gap had a good April in terms of sales, and a large part of the reason is the company’s Old Navy banner.

The company reported that April net sales increased 10% to $1.33 billion for the four-week period ended May 3, versus $1.21 billion last year. Gap’s comparable sales for April 2014 were up 9% versus a 7% increase last year.

For the first quarter so far, Gap’s net sales have increased 1% to $3.77 billion versus $3.73 billion last year. The company’s comparable sales so far have decreased 1% versus a 2% increase last year.

At an event with President Barack Obama, Walmart said that it will double the number of on-site solar energy projects at its U.S. stores, Sam’s Clubs and distribution centers by 2020. The commitment is part of Walmart’s global initiative to drive the production or procurement of 7 billion kWh of renewable energy by the end of 2020.

Tuesday Morning Corporation’s turnaround efforts paid off in the third quarter ended March 31. The company reported strong comparable store sales performance, increased inventory turnover and improved cash position during the quarter.

The leading closeout retailer that operates 811 stores across the U.S. reported net sales of $182.8 million, an increase of 2.6% compared to $178.1 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2013.

Citi is now offering its checking account customers the ability to use reward points to pay their bills. Citi ThankYou Rewards members can earn ThankYou points across their Citi banking and credit card relationship and use these points to pay virtually any bill online including phone, cable and electricity.

Reston, Va. - Among retailers and distribution firms that have deployed mobile apps to their workforces, 46% are using mobile apps for inspections, followed by 35% for checklists and 31% for surveys. According to a new survey of more than 1,100 business and IT decision makers conducted by mobile business app provider Canvas, 63% of all businesses surveyed see value in integrating core business applications, such as Dropbox, Square, Salesforce, Evernote and Quickbooks, with mobile devices and tools.

Boise, Idaho - Associated Grocers of Florida is adopting recall process management technology from Recall InfoLink. Recall InfoLink offers a Web-based product recall management platform that protects brand image and reduces liability for businesses involved in processing recalls.

It improves efficiency by providing standardized messages, automated communications, inventory tracking and reports for compliance efforts.

New York -- Many retailers reported better than expected sales in April, helped by warmer weather and a later-than-usual Easter. Gap Inc., L Brands, Costco Wholesale Club, The Buckle, Stein Mart and Zumiez all came in ahead of analysts estimates.

At Gap Inc., same-store rose a better-than-expected 9% in April. By banner, sales were up 3% at Gap stores, 7% at Banana Republic and 18% at Old Navy. Analysts had expected Gap’s total same-store sales to inch up 0.1%.

Dublin, Ohio – The Wendy’s Co. reported soaring net income in the first quarter of fiscal 2014 on lower costs and a sharp decline in interest expenses. The company also said it plans to open 60 new corporate and franchised stores, as well as remodel up to 400 corporate and franchised stores.

Wendy’s net income skyrocketed from $2.1 million to $46.2 million, aided by a $15 million year-over-year reduction in interest expense as a result of the company's 2013 debt restructuring.

Jacksonville, Fla. – Body Central swung to a net loss of $9.3 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2014 from net income of $2.7 million a year earlier. Net revenues decreased 26.6% to $59.7 million, compared to $81.4 million for the first quarter of 2013, and same-store sales fell 26.8%.

San Jose, Calif. - EBay and Invaluable are launching a partnership to offer traditional live auctions through real-time online bidding at auction houses around the world. Invaluable’s software solutions, including their online live bidding technology, will allow its partner auction houses to bring more than $4 billion of inventory onto the global eBay platform.