Data & Analytics

London -- An increasing number of U.K. consumers are spending more time at the nation’s shopping centers, according to a newly launched weekly statistic released Wednesday by the International Council of Shopping Centers and Path Intelligence.

Los Angeles -- Survey results released Wednesday by PriceGrabber found that with a record 247 million shoppers visiting stores and websites over the Thanksgiving weekend, there are still a significant number of December shoppers this year.

Dallas -- Alliance Data Systems Corp. said Wednesday that women’s apparel and accessories retailer Dots has signed an agreement for private-label credit card services.

"The benefits of the new dots card are multifaceted,” said Lisa Rhodes, CEO, Dots. “In addition to providing a finance option and exclusive offers, it's an opportunity for us to bond with our shoppers as they become advocates of our brand.”

Washington, D.C. -- A report released Wednesday by Shop.org, a division of the National Retail Federation, found that retailers are in tune with the last-minute shipping intentions of the average consumer.

According to Shop.org’s 2012 eHoliday Study conducted by BIGinsight, 45.7% of retailers will end standard shipping promotions by Monday, Dec. 17, in direct response to the average consumer’s tendency to wait until the last minute to finish holiday shopping.

Dollar General fined tuned its full year sales and profit forecast following better than expected third quarter results that also flashed a few warning signs.

NEW YORK — In an era of increasingly complex global supply chains and product safety concerns, Deloitte and Decernis have formed a strategic alliance to provide compliance solutions to consumer product, food service, retail and distribution companies.

The alliance combines Deloitte's food safety, quality and supply chain experience and the software platform and content provided by Decernis for tracking and alerting consumer businesses about compliance issues.

WAYNE, N.J. — Toys"R"Us has teamed up with leading game manufacturer Ubisoft to create a free toy store simulation game, a first of its kind.

The interactive social game called “Toys"R"Us Towers” is available on Facebook and will be available on mobile devices in the coming months. It also offers in-store discounts to those who play.

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Former Estee Lauder executive Suzanne Dawson has joined high-end skincare brand Murad as its new CMO. Dawson will oversee all global marketing, including brand development, advertising, public relations, creative and education for products, services and new market opportunities. She will report to GM Richard Murad.

Goodlettsville, Tenn. -- Dollar General Corp. on Tuesday posted a bigger-than-expected increase in quarterly profit and total sales in line with Wall Street expectations. But the chain said it remained cautious about the rest of the year, amid heightened pricing competition and

Dollar General said it plans to open approximately 635 stores in fiscal 2013, including some 20 Dollar General Market stores and 40 Dollar General Plus stores. The company also plans to remodel or relocate a total of approximately 550 stores.

Armonk, N.Y. -- The consumer of the future will be more mobile, social and self-sufficient, willing to share details on themselves and their preferences in exchange for highly personalized relationships with their favorite stores, according to a new IBM consumer survey. The study also found that consumers’ willingness to advocate for a particular retailer is becoming multi-faceted, with consumers looking for a flawless experience, whether it’s when they’re researching, purchasing, or receiving delivery.