Data & Analytics

Columbia, Md. – Micros Systems Inc. is introducing two solutions designed to allow retail and hospitality staff members to perform multiple activities from one device. The Micros MTablet E-Series operates on Microsoft Windows 8.1 Embedded Industry Pro in eight- and 11-inch versions, with the 11-inch version fully compatible with the Micros MStation base, providing staff the flexibility to be mobile or use it as a workstation option with full peripheral connectivity.

Optional sleeves for either MTablet size facilitate secure payment on the device.

Back in September, Pinterest unveiled plans to experiment with Promoted Pins. Now, the social media site is working with a small group of brands in the U.S. to roll out a paid test in its search and category feeds.

“These brands will help us test Promoted Pins to make sure they’re tasteful, transparent, relevant and improved based on your feedback,” said product manager Julie Black, adding, “so that Pinterest continues to be a great experience for everyone.”

Indianapolis - Papa John’s International Inc. has promoted senior VP of global operations Steve Ritchie to the position of COO. In addition, the company’s founder, chairman and CEO John Schnatter, will assume the additional role of president, continuing to focus on all aspects of the company’s business while also acting as brand spokesperson.

Nearly one-third (32%) of United States and Canadian consumers can’t identify which tier they belong to in their favorite loyalty rewards programs, according to a study recently released by Colloquy.

Colloquy's research reveals that the familiar gold, silver and bronze tiering system no longer works. The study shows the three-tiered structure is outdated as a way for brands to keep their customers engaged — sometimes creating confusion rather than inspiring loyalty.

Reston, Va. -- Desktop e-commerce spending in the first quarter of 2014 rose 12% year-over-year to $56.1 billion, marking the eighteenth consecutive quarter of positive year-over-year growth and fourteenth consecutive quarter of double-digit growth, according to comScore. M-commerce spending on smartphones and tablets added $7.3 billion for the quarter, up 23% vs. year ago, for a digital commerce spending total of $63.4 billion in the first quarter.

Other highlights from the first quarter included:

While other retailers saw sales affected by a winter that overstayed its welcome, Dillard’s marked its 15th consecutive quarter of positive sales.

Despite weak sales in home and furniture, Dillard’s said sales trends in the first quarter were strongest in the men’s apparel and accessories category and the juniors’ and children’s apparel category followed by ladies’ accessories and lingerie.

Same store sales and operating profits declined at Sam’s Club during the first quarter prompting president and CEO Rosalind Brewer to call the reporting period, “one of our more difficult quarters.”

Research Triangle Park, N.C. - Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions, is releasing the TCxWave Model A30. This new model brings the design of the original TCxWave model to a smaller frame, allowing retailers with less space for the docked machine access to the capabilities of the original solution.

The TCxWave features a wide touch-screen interface, and is operated by the Intel Celeron Bay Trail quad core processor, supporting Windows 7, POSReady 7, Windows 8.1 and Windows Embedded Industry 8.1.

The product will be available starting in July.