Data & Analytics

Atlanta – Much of the country is struggling with one of the snowiest winters in history, but The Home Depot Inc. is thinking green. Home Depot has begun filling more than 80,000 positions in the U.S. as it prepares for spring, the company's busiest selling season.

The company is now recruiting for positions both in its stores and distribution facilities. From sales and cashiers to operations and online order fulfillment, opportunities available include both permanent part-time and seasonal positions. Applications must be submitted online.

Chattanooga, Tenn. -- CBL & Associates Properties, Inc. announced the promotions of Andrew Cobb to senior VP and director of accounting, Stuart Smith to senior VP - planning/redevelopment, Jennifer Cope to VP - shared services, Jon Meshel to VP - development/redevelopment, and Ken Wittler to VP - development.

Andy Cobb joined CBL in June 2002, as VP - accounting. In February 2007, he was promoted to VP and director of accounting. Prior to joining CBL, Cobb was an audit manager for Arthur Andersen.

New York -- Home shopping giant HSN is number one in online customer experience, according to the E-tailing Group's 2014l Customer Experience Index. Overall results for the 8th year of the study came in at 72.06, rising above the mark of 71.06 in 2013’s analysis. On the 2014 index, eleven merchants hit the 80+ pinnacle, with HSN have the top score at 88, followed by Office Depot (84.75) and Dick’s Sporting Goods (83).

Urban Outfitters Inc. set a record and beat Wall Street expectations with its sales for the fourth quarter and full fiscal year 2014.

Total net sales grew 12% to $1.01 billion from $905.86 million, setting a record for the company. Same-store sales, including direct-to-consumer sales, rose 6%. For the full year, total net sales increased 8% to $3.32 billion, from $3.09 billion, also another record. Same-store sales grew 2%. For both the fourth quarter and full fiscal year, strong growth in the wholesale segment helped push up total net sales.

The fact that Home Depot is hiring 80,000 associates for its busy spring season may not seem like a big deal, but the retailer is arming these employees with unprecedented retailing technology.

Scottsdale, Ariz. -  P.F. Chang's China Bistro is getting conversational with its customers. The casual dining chain has selected Neuron ESB application and Web services integration software to unify backend systems that will power real-time customer communications for its P.F. Chang's and Pei Wei brands.

Philadelphia – Urban Outfitters Inc. beat Wall Street expectations with its sales for the fourth quarter and full fiscal year 2014. Total net sales grew 12% to $1.01 billion from $905.86 million.

Same-store sales, including direct-to-consumer sales, rose 6%. For the full year, total net sales increased 8% to $3.32 billion, from $3.09 billion. Same-store sales grew 2%. For both the fourth quarter and full fiscal year, strong growth in the wholesale segment helped push up total net sales.

One of the interesting retail real estate trends I’ve been seeing pick up steam in the last couple of years is the willingness of many retailers to look beyond the traditional mall locations. Many are choosing locations on “hot streets,” bustling avenues within major communities that happen to be the retail hub, or in the downtown/village center area of the market.