Data & Analytics

Mooresville, N.C. -- Lowe's Cos. reported net earnings of $450 million for the fourth quarter ended Jan. 30, a 47.0% increase over the year-ago period. Sales for the quarter increased 7.6% to $12.5 billion, up from $11.7 billion in the year-ago quarter.

It’s no wonder Macy’s is looking to allocate part of its $1 billion capital expenditure budget into opening off-price stores when you look at the financial results TJX Co. reported for the fourth quarter.

The company reported an 11% increase in profit for the quarter ended Jan. 31. Net sales for the fourth quarter were $8.3 billion, a 6% increase over last year. Same store sales increased 4% over last year’s 3% increase. Net income was $648 million and diluted earnings per share were $.93, a 15% increase over last year’s $.81 per share.

Minneapolis -- Target on Wednesday reported a net loss of $2.6 billion (pre-tax loss of $5.1 billion) in its fourth quarter due to the impact of its exit from Canada, compared to a $520 million gain year-ago period. However, the chain’s adjusted earnings came in at $1.50 per share, beating Wall Street estimates of $1.46 per share.

Target’s sales increased 4.1% to $21.8 billion, also better than expected, on increased store traffic and online growth. It was the chain’s best sales growth in three years.

New York - L.L. Bean provided the best overall customer service in the fiscal fourth quarter 2014, topping the first quarterly release of Stella Benchmarks. Companies included are part of StellaService’s daily customer care evaluations and weekly product orders.

Two companies – J.Crew and L.L. Bean – managed to rank in the Top 25 overall every month in 2014. So, it comes as no surprise that those two retailers are at the top of the most recent benchmarks.

Scottsdale, Ariz. – For all the advancements in retail in recent years, the tools and processes supporting the global supply chain remain outdated.

Dublin, Ohio - The Wendy's Co. has increased the size of its board of directors from 10 to 11 members and elected Michelle "Mich" Mathews-Spradlin to serve as a director of the company, effective immediately.

Prior to her retirement in 2011, Mathews-Spradlin worked at Microsoft Corp. for 18 years, where she served, among other roles, as chief marketing officer and senior VP. In this position, she oversaw the company's global marketing function.
 

Hudson’s Bay Company is forming two joint ventures valued at $4 billion as it aims to bring even more value its lucrative property portfolio. 

Port Washington, N.Y. – The affinity of Millennial consumers for casual and activewear has resulted in a small boost in apparel, footwear and accessories sales. U.S. consumers spent $323 billion on apparel, footwear, and accessories in 2014, according to The NPD Group.

The 1% increase compared to 2013, resulting in an additional $2 billion in sales, was driven primarily by growth in sales of activewear, athletic performance footwear, and bags.