Data & Analytics

Sharp Imaging names Wilson Group as an authorized deal
MAHWAH, N.J. — Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America, a division of Sharp Electronics Corporation, announced that The Wilson Group has joined its extensive nationwide network of authorized dealers. As part of the agreement, The Wilson Group will now offer a range of integrated technology solutions, including Sharp's extensive portfolio of copiers and multifunction printers (MFPs).
Kohl’s receives EPA Sustained Excellence in Green Power Award
Menomonee Falls, Wis. -- Kohl’s Department Stores has been recognized with a 2012 Sustained Excellence in Green Power Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This is the company’s sixth consecutive year receiving a Green Power Leadership Award.

Kohl’s purchased 1.5 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of green power in 2012 and generates more than 28 million kWh through its solar program, offsetting more than 100% of the company’s electricity use for the third consecutive year.

Ikea goes live with largest solar installation to date

Round Rock, Texas -- Ikea has officially plugged in its largest U.S. rooftop solar installation to date, at its store in Round Rock, Texas. When combined with Ikea projects atop stores in Houston and Dallas-area Frisco, the new installation also makes Ikea the largest solar owner in Texas.
ShopperTrak adds in-store analytics

Chicago -- ShopperTrak announced the beta release of a new interior counting system for retailers in North America and the United Kingdom. The system builds on the company's existing Managed Service people counting solution by adding wireless location technology from WirelessWERXT.
Study: 54% of shoppers rate physical stores as most preferred channel; Brits most unhappy shoppers

New York -- As women age, they find the shopping experience less enjoyable, according to a survey by global design consultancy Fitch. The study finds that the most fulfilled female shopper is between 16 and 24 years of age, suggesting that shops are designed for the young.

“There is a big opportunity for retailers to redress the balance and improve all our shopping experiences — which is better for business and better for shoppers,” said Tim Greenhalgh, chief creative officer office, Fitch.
A+ School Rewards program returns to Giant Food

LANDOVER, Md. — Giant Food is bringing back its A+ School Rewards program.
Study: Amazon, Trader Joe’s and Costco Tops With Consumers

Amazon.com, Trader Joe’s and Costco Wholesale Corp. came out on top with consumers in a survey by global consulting firm OC&C Strategy Consultants. Rounding out the top five were Zappos and iTunes.
Bombay Company Is Back!

For many retail brands, Chapter 11 is not always the end of the story. Just consider the sequel being crafted by home furnishings retailer Bombay Company, which was founded in 1978 as a mail-order operation and grew to a national presence with 461 stores before filing for bankruptcy in late 2007 and closing all its U.S. locations.
Focus on: E-commerce

The e-commerce experience has expanded beyond desktop environments and moved in-store via Web-based kiosks and consumers’ personal mobile devices. One of the biggest hurdles for retailers is delivering a consistent, rich, user experience across all digital channels. Eager to overcome this challenge, Best Buy Canada sought a solution to streamline digital information delivery.
Legacy Modernization

With the increasing popularity of mobile devices and social networks, managing the omni-channel experience will be a key priority for retailers this holiday season. Leading experts say that retailers need to update their legacy technology systems to handle the large amounts of data being generated by these channels.
Around the World

Abercrombie & Fitch understands that the key to international branding is to deliver a consistent store experience across the globe.

By adopting an open operating platform and integrated point-of-sale infrastructure, the company is able to centrally manage all business operations, including supply chain, inventory management and POS processing, across international borders. The retailer’s international stores now garner close to $1 billion in sales.
Focus on: Lighting

Brookshire Brothers has launched a comprehensive lighting update involving in-store, parking lot, exterior signage and refrigerated case fixtures.

Using a combination of new linear fluorescent lighting and LED technologies — from GE Lighting, East Cleveland, Ohio — Brookshire Brothers will reduce its annual operating costs more than $235,000. The relamping has eliminated more than 3.8 million lbs. of CO2 emissions, with a reduction of 2.4 million kilowatt hours (kWhs) in electricity use.