Data & Analytics

PERRYVILLE, Md. — Ikea has plugged-in the solar energy system installed at its distribution center in Perryville, Md. 

Assurant Solutions, a leading provider of extended protection programs and services, has appointed Jeff Unterreiner as SVP of its extended protection solutions business. 

Unterreiner now has overall management responsibilities for the company’s extended service contract and vehicle service contract business. 

NEW YORK — According to survey results by Deloitte, 94% of Americans indicate they will remain cautious and keep their spending for food, beverage and household goods at its current level, despite an improving economy.

Deloitte's 2013 American Pantry Study found that 92% of Americans said they have become more resourceful, and 86% say they are getting more precise in what they buy — attitudes that have remained consistent in the three years Deloitte has conducted the study, and across income levels.

BURLINGTON, Mass. — Crabtree & Evelyn, an international luxury brand known for its bath, body and home fragrance products, turned to Demandware to re-launch its U.S. e-commerce site, crabtree-evelyn.com. 

LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. — GS1 US has appointed two supply chain veterans to its industry engagement team. Melanie Nuce has been named VP of apparel and general merchandise and Michael Pheney has been named VP of healthcare.

New York -- Walmart is eyeing greater energy efficiency and less reliance on fossil fuels as key drivers of its low cost, low price business model.

Seattle — Online retailer Amazon has launched its 50+ Active and Healthy Living Store, which features hundreds of thousands of nutrition, wellness, exercise and fitness, medical, personal care, beauty, entertainment items and more — all in a single destination for customers in the 50+ age range.

New York -- Overstock.com founder Patrick M. Byrne has returned as CEO of online discount retailer.

Byrne took a medical leave of absence in February to address cardiac issues thought to be associated with cancer treatments received much earlier in his life.

Plano, Texas -- J.C. Penney Co. on Monday announced it has drawn $850 million from its $1.85 billion revolving credit line. The company said it will use the proceeds  to fund working capital requirements and capital expenditures including replenishing inventory in anticipation of the completion of for its newly overhauled in-store home departments, which are due to be unveiled next month.

New York -- The Deloitte Consumer Spending Index ticked down slightly in March, but has remained relatively steady with a reading over 4.0 the past five months. The Index tracks consumer cash flow as an indicator of future consumer spending.