Data & Analytics

LOS ANGELES — Virtual Piggy initiated a consumer acquisition campaign to start building its subscriber base. Throughout the past four months, Virtual Piggy has added more than 400,000 new accounts most of which are based in the U.S. and some which were recently added in Canada.  

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Strength in ladies accessories and lingerie contributed to a 1% second quarter same store sales increase that helped Dillard’s exceed profit forecasts.

Washington, D.C. -- Following negative numbers in four of the last five months, import volume at the nation’s major retail container ports is expected to grow 1.7% in August over the same month last year and should continue to see gains through the holiday season and the remainder of 2013, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released Tuesday by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates. The year is expected to end with a 2.4% increase over 2012.

Richfield, Minn. -- Best Buy Canada is attempting to combat showrooming in its stores with the 360pi 360mobile solution. The solution provides real-time data on competitors’ pricing to Best Buy Canada store associates, allowing them to better anticipate and respond to customer requests for discounts.

Costa Mesa, Calif. -- Anna’s Linens is optimizing its e-commerce site for mobile device users. The retailer says nearly one-third of its online traffic originates from mobile devices, prompting the move.

New York -- Online shopping site Gilt has appointed Tracey Weber as COO, effective Sept. 3.  She will have responsibility for many of Gilt's operations, including Gilt City, international, customer service, and merchandise planning, as well as oversee several new strategic initiatives.
   
Weber joins Gilt from Citibank, where she was the managing director, North America Internet and mobile and global product.

By Ron Menich, Ph.D., EVP and chief scientist, Predictix

Wherever you turn today, Big Data is impacting every facet of society and business — and retail is no exception. For example, consider the impact of weather patterns on retail sales.

Washington, D.C. -- U.S. retail sales edged up 0.2% in July from June, according to figures from the Department of Commerce. This followed a 0.6% month-over-month boost in sales in June, driven by strong auto sales. The slower sales uptick reflected a drop in purchases of automobiles, along with furniture and electronics.

Pittsburgh – Giant Eagle is deploying EPiServer CMS and commerce solutions to enhance its customer online experience. The company leverages EPiServer technology to extend and deliver a multichannel, multi-platform experience online.

Acton, Pa. -- Action Services Group, a national lighting, sign and electrical maintenance company, has signed a service agreement with The Starboard Group to provide exterior sign and lighting maintenance services for its 75 Wendy’s restaurant units.

The two-year maintenance program covers proactive, scheduled quarterly visits to the Wendy’s restaurant units located in Alabama, Florida, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia under a fixed monthly fee.