Data & Analytics

Walldorf, Germany -- SAP AG and Hybris announced that SAP has completed the acquisition of Hybris, a leader in commerce technology. The two companies said they plan to combine the omni-channel commerce solutions of Hybris with robust enterprise technology and in-memory, cloud and mobile innovations from SAP to help facilitate new levels of customer insight and engagement.

New York – American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. is launching “Rock Your Walk,” a series of consumer-created videos showing them wearing American Eagle jeans the retailer says will create a “virtual denim runway” stretching across the U.S. Consumers can upload videos via Instagram or Vine on PC or mobile device and have them added to the virtual runway displayed online.

Dallas -- The Army & Air Force Exchange Service announced a refresh of the organization’s official website, Shopmyexchange.com, in preparation for the key holiday selling season.
 
Improvements include a new homepage layout design, complete with an updated visual look and industry-standard navigation; more product categories; easy-to-find links to specialty stores and online mall vendors; improved product pages; and easier checkout.
 

New York -- AT&T unveiled its newest store design, at a new location in LaGrange, Ill. The store is built around the customer experience, with a goal of providing a glimpse of what the future of retail will look like. The new design will be rolled out at new and redesigned store locations across the country, and continuing into 2014. (For a video tour of the store, click here.)

Camp Hill, Pa. — Rite Aid had another month of positive sales growth in July, the retail pharmacy chain said Thursday.

Rite Aid said same-store sales for the four-week period that ended last Saturday increased by 1.3% compared with the same period last year. The increase included a 0.7% increase in front-end same-store sales and a 1.6% increase in pharmacy same-store sales. Same-store scripts increased by 0.4%. Total sales for the month were $1.898 billion, a 0.9% increase over $1.881 billion last year.

New York -- HH Gregg saw a significant improvement in its financial results for the three-month period ended June 30. Despite a net loss of $1.3 million, or $0.04 per diluted share, the specialty retailer narrowed the gap from a net loss of $5.7 million, or $0.16 per diluted share, for the comparable prior-year period.

The decrease in net loss for the three month period ended June 30, 2013 was due, in part, to a comparable-store sales increase of 0.8%, offset by a decrease in gross profit as a percentage of net sales.

HH Gregg saw a significant improvement in its financial results for the three-month period ended June 30. Despite a net loss of $1.3 million, or $0.04 per diluted share, the specialty retailer narrowed the gap from a net loss of $5.7 million, or $0.16 per diluted share, for the comparable prior-year period. 

The decrease in net loss for the three month period ended June 30, 2013 was due, in part, to a comparable-store sales increase of 0.8%, offset by a decrease in gross profit as a percentage of net sales.

BURLINGTON, Mass. — Specialty retailer Wet Seal has signed on with Demandware to use the cloud commerce solutions provider’s commerce platform as a component of its e-commerce and digital marketing strategy. 

Wet Seal is looking to leverage the platform’s offerings — which according to Demandware include fast time-to-market, a rich set of merchandising capabilities and a secure, scalable environment to support omnichannel operations — to provide customers with optimal online and mobile shopping services. 

Net sale increases at HSNi’s HSN and Cornerstone operating segments had a favorable impact on the company’s total net sales, which increased 6% to $812.6 million for the second quarter ended June 30 from $767.2 for the same quarter last year.

HSN’s 5% net sales increase to $526.2 million for the quarter, from $502 million for the same quarter last year, was due in part to lower return rates. The average price point decreased 4% while units shipped increased 7% primarily due to an increase in clearance activity.

CHICAGO, Ill. — Echo Global Logistics, a leading provider of technology-enabled transportation and supply chain management services, has promoted Nick Hannigan to the role of VP, corporate development. 

In his new role, Hannigan will work closely with the executive team to develop and execute strategic acquisitions and partnerships as Echo continues to execute its growth strategy. During his six-year tenure with the company, he has held a variety of operating and management positions.