Data & Analytics

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University received a $1 million grant from the Walmart Foundation. IVMF will launch a competitive grant program for veteran vocational education at community and technical colleges in California, New York, Texas and North Carolina. 

Chicago -- General economic conditions and federal, state and/or local regulations rank as the top two risks facing the retail industry, according to a new report by BDO USA. The report, an analysis of the risk factors listed in the most recent 10-K filings of the largest 100 public U.S. retailers, found that federal, state and local regulations have increased as a risk among the nation’s largest retailers.

Indianapolis -- Simon Property Group announced that it plans to enhance and expand Woodbury Common Premium Outlets, in Central Valley, N.Y. The $170 million project will include architectural improvements to existing buildings and the development of new retail spaces and facilities, landscape improvements, and the integration of new customer amenities.

REDLANDS, Calif. -- Esri announces that Carrefour Group, the second-largest retailer in the world with nearly 10,000 stores around the globe, has implemented an enterprise-wide marketing solution from Esri partner Galigeo.

Framingham, Mass. -- Staples reported that its first-quarter profit was $169.9 million, down from $187.1 million in the year-ago period, hurt by a stronger dollar and weak same-store  sales in North America and Europe. Its results missed Wall Street forecasts.

Total sales fell 3.5% to $5.81 billion, also falling short of estimates. In North America, same-store sales were down 2% on weak demand for computers, software and technology accessories.

New York -- Sears Canada reported a net loss in its first quarter of C$31.2 million ($30.3 million) compared with a net profit of C$93.1 million, a year earlier amid weakened demand for major appliances and home products.

Revenue fell more than 6% to C$867.1 million. Same-store sales fell 2.6%.

The company also named E.J. Bird as CFO. Bird was appointed interim CFO in March, two months after Sharon Driscoll resigned from the post.

DALLAS -- PeopleAnswers has announced a five-year software licensing agreement for The Bon-Ton Stores to use the PeopleAnswers HR-focused business solution to improve its in-store employee sales performance while lowering employee turnover.

Minneapolis -- Target Corp. reported a 26% drop in its first-quarter profit as unseasonably cool weather, the payroll tax increase and other economic pressures took a toll on sales.

Target earned $498 million the three months ended May 4, down from $697 million in the year-ago period. Sales rose 1% to $16.71 billion.

Same-store sales fell 0.6%. The number of transactions fell 1.9%.

Dallas — Zale Corporation, a specialty retailer of diamond and other jewelry products, has elected former Signet CEO Terry Burman as a director and as chairman of the board. John B. Lowe Jr., who has served as chairman for the past five years, will remain on the board.

New York -- Cool weather affected sales at Lowe's for the first quarter ended May 3. 

Lowe’s saw net earnings of $540 million for the quarter, a 2.5% increase over the same period a year ago. Sales for the quarter decreased 0.5% to $13.1 billion from $13.2 billion in the year-ago quarter, while comparable-store sales decreased 0.7%. 

The world’s second largest home improvement retailer reported its results a day after rival Home Depot announced first-quarter sales of $19.1 billion, up 7.4%.