Data & Analytics

Belmont, Calif. -- SunEdison, a solar technology manufacturer and provider of solar energy services, announced the completion of a 306 kW DC (direct current) solar system for Whole Foods Market in Brooklyn, N.Y.

SunEdison designed the system using an innovative parking canopy structure that collects rainwater while protecting customers from the elements. The two companies have worked together since 2004 and have jointly deployed 1.5 MW (megawatts) of solar projects.

Atlanta – Supply chain technology provider Manhattan Associates Inc. both signed and expanded implementation agreements with a number of retail clients during fourth quarter 2013. New retail clients signed during the quarter include Arcadia Group, Body Central Stores, Desigual, and Woodcraft Supply.

In addition, Manhattan expanded relationships with existing retail customers such as Aldi, Belk, Cornerstone Brands, Devanlay SA (Lacoste), HEB Grocery, Phillips-Van Heusen, and Toys "R" Us.

Digital coupon marketplace RetailMeNot said that its investments are paying off, following a strong performance in the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31, 2013.

The company reported net revenues for the quarter of $78.5 million, an increase of 55% compared to $50.8 million the prior-year quarter. Organic net revenues, which exclude net revenues from acquired businesses not owned during both comparative periods, increased 50%.  

Foothill Ranch, Calif. – The Wet Seal Inc. reported declines in net and same-store sales for the fourth quarter and full fiscal year 2013, compared to the same periods in the prior year. During the fourth quarter, Wet Seal reported net sales of $122.8 million, down 22.8%, and a 16.5% drop in same-store sales.

Sionic Mobile, an m-commerce company that provides mobile gifting, payments and rewards, has added William Mills, CEO of William Mills Agency, to its advisory board of directors. Mills has more than 30 years of financial marketing and branding expertise.

Issaquah, Wash. — Costco Wholesale Club’s same-store sales rose 4% in January, topping analysts' expectations. The metric rose 5% in the United States, and was 1% internationally.

Removing the impact of lower gas prices and foreign currency fluctuations, same-store sales were up 6%, rising 5% in the United States and 8% overseas.

For the 22 weeks ended Feb. 2, Costco reported net sales of $46.3 billion, representing a similar increase of 6% versus the year-ago period.

Costco reported net sales of $8 billion for the four weeks ended Feb. 2, representing an increase of 6% from the similar four-week period last year.

Comparable store sales across Costco's U.S. store base were up 5%.

For the 22 weeks ended Feb. 2, Costco reported net sales of $46.3 billion, representing a similar increase of 6% versus the year-ago period.

The company plans to release its operating results for the second quarter Thursday, March 6.

Washington, D.C. -- Retail industry sales (which exclude automobiles, gas stations, and restaurants) will increase 4.1% in 2014, up from the preliminary 3.7% growth seen in 2013, according to the National Retail Federation. The association’s 2014 economic forecast, released Thursday, calls for online sales to grow between 9% and 12%.

A number of factors contributed to NRF’s 2014 economic forecast, including: