Data & Analytics

Ascena Retail Group, the operator Lane Bryant, Justice and Dress Barn stores, cited increased spending on growth initiatives and a challenging sales climate for a second quarter profit decline and its second full year earnings guidance reduction in two months.

New York -- After over 25 years in business, Dots, an Ohio-based women’s fashion discount retailer, is closing its doors.  Store-closing sales will begin on Friday, March 1, with discounts on all merchandise, as well as store furniture, fixtures and equipment. Dots filed for Chapter 11 protection on January 20, 2014.

Adverse weather in many of Pier 1 Imports’ major markets has continued to plague the home furnishings retailer, prompting president and CEO Alex W. Smith to update fourth-quarter and full-year expectations.

The severe winter has resulted in considerably softer store traffic and has even forced the retailer to close some stores temporarily, further pressuring fourth quarter sales and merchandise margin.

New York - Verizon Enterprise Solutions has opened the Verizon Cyber Intelligence Center (VCIC). The new center will offer advanced detection and response capabilities to better manage and mitigate cyber attacks.

A little more than a week after Signet Jewelers said it plans to acquire all of the issued and outstanding stock of Zale for $21 per share in cash consideration, Zale reported net earnings of $51 million in the second quarter, a 10% increase from $41 million in the prior-year period.

Same-store sales increased 1.9%, but revenues slipped 2% to $656 million from $671 million.

Forth Worth, Texas -- Pier I reduced its fourth quarter and fiscal 2014 profit forecasts, blaming the negative impact of severe winter weather. The home furnishings chain is the latest in a series of retailers to credit the extremely cold weather as the main reason for its reduced outlook.

Hong Kong - Hong Kong-based supermarket chain ParknShop has chosen Galleria Retail Technology Solutions to further enhance its merchandising operations. ParknShop will use Galleria category planning, automation and optimization solutions to obtain insights via clustering and demand signal analytics, as well as optimize and execute its store strategy.

Verizon Enterprise Solutions has opened the Verizon Cyber Intelligence Center (VCIC). The new center will offer advanced detection and response capabilities to better manage and mitigate cyber attacks.