Data & Analytics

Hoffman Estates, Ill. -- Sears Holdings Corp. said Thursday that it has earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Energy Star program’s highest honor: the Energy Star Corporate Commitment Award.

The award was given in recognition of Sears leadership in energy efficiency and commitment to continuous improvements. Sears is the fifth corporation to earn the distinction in the EPA's history, and is the first company to receive the award since 2005.

New York -- Most apparel retailers topped Wall Street estimates in February, as rising temperatures boosted sales, while increased consumer confidence and Valentine’s Day also helped boost spending, according to the Thomson Reuters Same Store Sales Index.

New York -- Results were mixed among the department store players in February, as Macy’s turned in a strong performance and Kohl’s missed expectations.

For the month, Macy’s reported a same-store sales gain of 4.6%, beating the 3.5% rise anticipated by Wall Street. Online sales for the operator of Bloomingdale’s and its namesake banner surged 31.3%, boosting the same-store sales percentage advance. Total revenue in February increased 5.5% to $1.86 billion.

New York -- In a month that was solid overall, the discount sector showed its muscle, turning in a strong February same-store sales performance nearly across the board.

After suggesting last week that sales had accelerated and returned to a pre-holiday pace, Target Corp. reported Thursday that same-store sales for the month rose 7%, beating Wall Street’s expected 5.2%. Total sales during the period rose 8% to $5.13 billion, boosted by strength in the food, healthcare and beauty categories. Accessories and apparel performed above average as well.

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. — When people are working -- whether at a small business or large corporation -- they need office supplies, so when a company such as Staples delivers a retail sales increase for the fourth quarter, it is good sign that the economy is improving.

EL SEGUNDO, Calif.  — Lack of snowfall throughout most of the major winter sports regions negatively impacted Big 5 Sporting Goods' results in the fourth quarter. 

The company reported a net loss for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011 of $9,000, or 0 cents per diluted share, including the non-cash impairment charge of 5 cents per diluted share. For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010, net income was $4 million, or 18 cents per diluted share, including a net charge of 7 cents per diluted share related to legal matters.

ISSAQUAH, Wash. — Costco is off to a good start in 2012, with high increases in second-quarter sales and earnings.

The company reported that net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2012 increased 10% to $22.51 billion, from $20.45 billion last year. Total comparable-store sales for the quarter increased 8%, consisting of an 8% increase at both U.S. and international clubs. Excluding the impact of fuel, comparable-store sales were up 7%, consisting of a 7% increase at U.S. clubs and a 10% increase at international clubs.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Three Wal-Mart Stores executives will share insights at two key retail conferences on March 7.

Youngstown, Ohio -- Cafaro Co. announced that it will make Me-Ality (Measured Reality) available at its South Hill Mall, in Puyallup, Wash., and Eastwood Mall, in Niles, Ohio.

Me-Ality is a free service that uses cutting-edge technology to precisely determine a customer’s exact body measurement and provide a list of recommendations of where to find the best-fitting apparel to flatter that body.

Dallas -- SRS Real Estate Partners said that Glori Rodriguez has been named a senior marketing coordinator in the South Florida office.

Rodriguez will be responsible for executing the national and local marketing strategies for the South Florida office including broker transaction support, identity building, and lead generation initiatives.

Prior to SRS, she was a business development coordinator at Bureau Veritas N.A.