Data & Analytics

Total U.S. shopper traffic in retail stores and malls for May 2012

Retailers saw an uptick in foot traffic last month, a welcome change of pace after a slow April. May retail foot traffic increased 1.6% over the previous month. Two holidays in May, Mother’s Day and Memorial Day, drove the increase, but they weren’t enough to outpace the same period last year.

Indianapolis -- Simon Property Group said Thursday that 100% of its enclosed regional malls and Mills value properties now offer waste recycling to merchants.

"The fact that every one of our enclosed properties is now recycling cardboard is an accomplishment that makes us proud," said George Caraghiaur, senior VP energy and procurement at SPG, who coordinates the company's sustainability efforts. Caraghiaur also noted that pilot programs are underway for plastic film recycling and composting of food waste.

Canton, Mass. -- Casual Male Retail Group said Thursday that it has named Derrick Walker as senior VP and chief marketing officer.

Walker was previously VP marketing for Lenscrafters. He has also served as VP marketing for Finish Line and as director of marketing for RadioShack.
 

By Chris Precious, [email protected]

Dallas -- Tuesday Morning Corp. said Wednesday it has ousted CEO Kathleen Mason and will launch a search for a new chief executive.

Mason was named president and CEO in 2000 and has come under fire as the closeout retailer has suffered slowing sales and widening losses.

Tuesday Morning also announced that executive VP and COO Michael Marchetti has been promoted to president and COO and will service as interim CEO until a successor for Mason is found.

Vancouver, BC, Canada -- Lululemon Athletic Inc. reported Thursday that profit for the fiscal first quarter surged 40% to $46.4 million, compared with $33.4 million last year, but lowered second quarter and full-year forecasts have alarmed investors.

Revenue for the quarter surged 53% to $285.7 million, beating Wall Street’s expected $274 million, and same-store sales rose 25%. Online sales nearly tripled in the quarter.

AMSTERDAM — Royal Ahold's U.S. subsidiary saw net sales jump 2.8% to $7.8 billion during first quarter 2012, the company said Wednesday.

PITTSBURGH and PALO ALTO, Calif. — American Eagle Outfitters has expanded its partnership with Shopkick to reward customers just for walking into one of their American Eagle Outfitters or Aerie stores.

"Shopkick is an ideal partner for AEO as we strive to be an early adopter of technologies that matter to our customers," said Fred Grover, EVP American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. "We are excited to expand our long-time partnership with shopkick to delight customers in all of our stores nationwide."

ATLANTA — Ahead of its investor and analyst conference, Home Depot has provided an update on its strategic priorities and long-term financial targets.

Home Depot's strategic goals include creating a stronger connection with customers and simplifying its business, improving merchandise assortment and value, improving shareholder value,and developing a competitive platform across all commerce channels.

Target’s plan to achieve $6 billion in Canadian sales by 2017 is doable, according to Bernstein Research analyst Colin McGranahan, who notes the company’s goal is dependent on achieving sales productivity levels higher than the United States.