Data & Analytics

By Francesca Nicasio, Retail Expert, Vend

Implementing rewards programs is a common best practice in retail for a host of reasons. These programs can increase sales, encourage repeat purchases, and can provide a wealth of data and insights into the shopping behaviors of customers.

Following fourth quarter results that missed Wall Street expectations, Ascena Retail is looking ahead to fiscal 2015, which CEO David Jaffe said will see the continuation of a critical, multi-year investment to build the company’s omnichannel platform.

The company reported net earnings of $15.7 million, compared with $29.8 million in the year-ago period.

San Jose, Calif. – Neighbrhds, a product of mobile marketing provider Urban Living Marketing, has recently released more than 50 apps, each focused on providing the user with local information tailored specifically to their neighborhood. Each app, named after its corresponding neighborhood, aims to provide residents and visitors with instant access to community events, local businesses and more.

Salt Lake City -- Mexican restaurant chain Taco John’s is partnering with InMoment, a cloud-based customer experience optimization platform that gives companies the ability to listen to and engage with customers to improve business results. InMoment is providing the technology for Tell TJ, Taco John’s guest satisfaction survey program.

Chicago -- The strategic merits of Burger King Worldwide's leveraged buy-out of Tim Hortons Inc. will be tested by Monday's enactment of tightened U.S. Treasury tax rules on U.S. companies seeking to re-domicile their headquarters in countries with more favorable tax systems, according to Fitch Ratings. The new regulation is meant to reduce the attractiveness of inversions and is effective immediately.

Neuhausen, Switzerland - Tyco Retail Solutions has integrated its traffic intelligence solution with RetailNext, a provider of Big Data solutions enabling retailers to monitor, analyze, and act upon shopper behavior within the store environment. This combination, which leverages Tyco's multi-sensor portfolio of traffic devices and RetailNext's in-store analytics platform, enables retailers to capture and interpret key metrics to optimize their store operations and drive sales.

Wayne, N.J. – Toys ‘R Us Inc. plans to hire 45,000 seasonal employees at its stores and distribution centers nationwide, more than doubling the company’s workforce, as it prepares for the 2014 holiday shopping season.

The positions include sales associates, stock crew and omnichannel fulfillment teams, as well as distribution center workers and department managers.

Seattle – The retail industry is expected to benefit from mobile commerce, free shipping offers, in-store pickup promotions and e-commerce videos during the 2014 holiday season. According to global analytics and insights firm Blueocean Intelligence, the top six digital and social media trends that will drive sales for retailers in the upcoming holiday season are: