Data & Analytics

Memphis, Tenn. - Fred's Inc. total sales for November 2014 increased 2% to $154.3 million from $151.2 million in November 2013. Same-store sales for the month decreased 2.3% compared to flat sales in the same period last year.
Fred’s said that same-store sales were in line with previously issued guidance and that the decision to close stores Thanksgiving Day pushed same-store sales from flat to negative growth.

Many retailers opened on Thanksgiving this year but regional discounter Fred’s remained closed and the impact of that decision was evident when the company reported a 2.3% decline in November same store sales.

Fred’s stores were open on Thanksgiving Day last year, but the operator of 702 stores closed its stores this year which made for a challenging comparison against the prior year period.

Miami – Google Glass has some competition on its hands. Luxottica Group S.pA. is launching a multiyear R&D collaboration with Intel Corp. to create eyewear infused with smart technology.

The ultimate goal is to deliver smart, fashion-forward products that are meaningful and desirable to consumers. The first product from Intel and Luxottica is expected to launch in 2015.

New Albany, Ohio – The cool kid might still be cool, after all. Abercrombie & Fitch reported net income of $18.2 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2014, compared to a net loss of $15.6 million in the same period the prior year and beating Wall Street forecasts.

Cincinnati – Ever wonder what to do with all those unused loyalty points you probably have floating around? According to a survey of 1,000 U.S. consumers by loyalty intelligence provider Colloquy, six out of 10 shoppers intend to use points they’ve earned through customer-loyalty programs to save money on holiday gift-buying this year.

That represents a 22% increase in the number of shoppers who are planning to cash in reward points on gift purchases, compared to the 2013 holiday season.

Minneapolis - Target Corp. continues to invest in new mobile and digital investments to drive traffic.  The retailer announced it is partnering with Google on an interactive mobile game experience that has a big in-store component.  The project is part of Google’s Art, Copy & Code program, which Google describes as partnerships that explore how creativity and technology can work hand in hand to build brands.

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. - Ikea plans to increase the solar array atop its store that opened eight years ago in Canton, Michigan. In September, IKEA began work on a 44,000-sq.-ft. expansion to the store, atop which new panels will be installed beginning spring 2015, with a completion by summer.

By Ken Morris, Boston Retail Partners

What a difference a year makes! We have seen a dramatic increase in the use of social media by merchandisers over the past year, as retailers look for innovative ways to enhance their merchandising decisions to deliver the products consumers want across a seamless shopping experience.