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Data & Analytics

  • Retail sales fall 0.4% in March

    New York - U.S. retail sales fell 0.4% in March, the biggest decrease in nine months, amid a slowdown in hiring and higher taxes. Excluding sales of autos, gas and building materials, core sales dropped 0.2% in March, following a 0.3% increase in January.

  • Engaging the Walmart content engine

    Walmart marketing executives shared new insights on the company’s price comparison advertising campaign and other outreach efforts this week during a presentation at the 12th annual Shopper Marketing Summit.

    Clint McClain, senior director of marketing communications platforms, and Ken Mantel, senior director of marketing, shared the stage during a presentation that shed light on how to work with Walmart on select marketing initiatives in a media landscape that is being rapidly transformed by digital alternatives.

  • Consumer confidence falls to nine-month low

    New York -- A report released Friday found that confidence among American consumers declined in April to a nine-month low. The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan preliminary index of consumer sentiment declined to 72.3 in April from 78.6 a month earlier, lower than Bloomberg’s earlier estimates that called for a flat reading.

    The decline reflects consumer pessimism about the economy and continuing effects from the increased payroll tax.

  • Tempur-Pedic goes to bed with HGTV

    LEXINGTON, Ky. — Tempur-Pedic has partnered with HGTV to feature a wide range of sleep products in the first-ever HGTV Smart Home, which showcases the latest products in home technology, coupled with eco-friendly features. 

    Built by HGTV in the community of Paradise Key South Beach in Jacksonville Beach, Fla., the high-tech home will be awarded to a winner on June 13, as part of an HGTV Smart Home Giveaway.

  • Report: J.C. Penney hires Blackstone to raise some $1 billion

    New York -- J.C. Penney Co. has hired the Blackstone Group explore how best to position the firm financially and help it raise cash, the Wall Street Journal reported.

    The company is reportedly seeking $1 billion in cash, according to the Wall Street Journal, which added that options could include selling a minority stake. Penney already has been in contact with several private equity firms about a potential investment, according to the report.  

  • Dell, Microsoft partner to improve supply chain efficiency for OEM customers

    ROUND ROCK, Texas — Dell OEM Solutions announced that it has worked with Microsoft Corp. to become a global distributor, outsource manufacturer and integrator for Windows Embedded products.

    The agreement, which went into effect on April 1, enables Dell to provide Windows Embedded product licenses (COAs) with Dell product solutions. This means it is easier for Dell OEM Solutions customers to bring their products and solutions to market through:

    • Shorter lead times with in-stock COAs

  • Cold weather and early Easter hamper March sales

    New York -- L.Brands, parent of Victoria's Secret, reported better-than-expected 3% sales in same-store sales for March. Zumiez Inc. and Buckle Inc. also both reported better-than-expected numbers.

    But other retailers were hampered by a colder-than-normal March, which caused many shoppers to put off buying warmer-weather clothing, and an early Easter. At The TJX Companies, same-store sales fell 2% in March, a bigger drop than was expected.

  • Pier 1 income down in Q4

    FORT WORTH, Texas — Pier 1 Imports reported net income of $61.7 million, or 58 cents per share, for its fourth quarter. For the fourth quarter ended Feb. 25, 2012, the company reported net income of $115.2 million, or $1.04 per share.

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