Data & Analytics

New York – Gowex is launching a new “social WiFi” network called We2 in New York City on Dec. 15. We2 will work by harnessing the global presence of Wi-Fi by turning “private” hotspots, such as those found in shops and restaurants, into public hotspots, which can be accessed for free by users registered on the We2 network.

Cambridge, Mass. - GPShopper, a mobile solutions company whose offerings include mobile apps and websites for national retailers, has purchased Akamai Aqua Web Experience solutions to accelerate and optimize the delivery of its mobile technology. Built on the Akamai Intelligent Platform, a globally distributed cloud platform, Aqua Web Experience solutions are designed to provide end-users with optimal Web and mobile application experiences.

Hayward, Calif. -- Posiflex’s new TX4200E is a small industrial PC multipurpose controller that runs virtually any software to drive digital signage, kitchen control configurations, PC replacement, surveillance systems, point-of-purchase displays, POS and service, and wired or wireless vending or kiosk applications.

New York -- Nook Media LLC, a subsidiary of Barnes & Noble, Inc., is releasing the new Nook GlowLight e-reader.

At 6.2 ounces, it is the lightest Nook device ever, and new lighting technology light is evenly distributed, turns on instantly and adjusts with a touch. The built-in anti-glare screen on the re-engineered display offers what Barnes & Noble says is paper-like readability, even in bright sunlight.

Crossmark has appointed former GlaxoSmithKline executive Janet Carter-Smith as VP of business development.

In her role, Carter-Smith will be focused on working with new client opportunities across Crossmark’s portfolio of services.

Retail sales fell in September for the first time in six months, but the decline was credited to a drop-off in auto purchases. Most U.S. retail sectors actually experienced broad sales gains during the month, according to the National Retail Federation, which reported that, excluding automobiles, gas stations and restaurants, retail sales grew a seasonally 0.6% compared to the previous month and 3.8% unadjusted compared to the prior year.

Results of specific sectors include:

PriceGrabber, a leading distributed e-commerce platform and shopping site, conducted its Winter Holiday Shopping Survey and found that 69% of consumers plan to shop at the same retailers at which they shopped last year.

Closeout retailer Tuesday Morning reported a comparable-store increase of 9.1% for the first quarter ended Sept. 30, compared to the year-ago quarter. The comparable-store sales growth was fueled by a 13.4% increase in customer transactions and a 4.3% decrease in average ticket.

The company reported a net sales increase of 6.3% to $183.7 million, compared to $172.8 million in the year-ago quarter.

New York -- Consumer confidence fell sharply in October, according to The Conference Board, whose monthly consumer confidence measure dropped to 71.2 in October, down from 80.2 in September. Economists had expected a reading of 75.0 in October.

The Present Situation Index decreased to 70.7 from 73.5.The Expectations Index fell to 71.5 from 84.7 last month.

Waldorf, Germany – Retailers see a need for functional competencies leaning toward technology and data skills, even more than general business and people management. But a new survey of 76 retail managers from top retailers conducted by SAP during the recent SAP Retail Forum North America in Dallas, Texas revealed that 84% of retailers are worried that it will be challenging to find employees with these skills.