Data & Analytics

WASHINGTON — The National Retail Federation announced that it has asked the Commerce Department to delay implementation of a controversial plan to vastly expand Internet domain names, saying retailers and other businesses need more information before moving forward.

BOCA RATON, Fla. — Office Depot delivered higher profits for its third quarter, but sales were down thanks in part to weak comps at its North American retail division. Office Depot reported that total company sales for the third quarter of 2011 were $2.8 billion, a 2% decrease compared with the third quarter of 2010. Net earnings for the quarter were $92 million, or 28 cents per diluted share, compared with $32 million or 12 cents per diluted share for the same period last year.

QUINCY, Mass. — Stop & Shop announced that it has expanded the availability of its SCAN IT! Mobile shopping app. 

First introduced last June for iPhone 3GS and 4G in three stores, SCAN IT! Mobile is now also available for many Android devices which will double the reach of customers, the company said. In addition, the pilot will expand to an additional 42 Stop & Shop stores in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.

Minneapolis -- Target Corp. confirmed Tuesday that its website crashed for the second time in six weeks, going down at approximately 12:50 p.m. EDT and then coming back up two hours later, at 2:50 p.m. EDT.

Target.com also crashed on Sept. 13, after the retailer’s online introduction of its new line of Missoni apparel and items.

Target has not yet said what caused Tuesday’s crash.
 

Fort Worth, Texas -- RadioShack Corp. announced Tuesday a 100% increase in its dividend and the authorization of a $200 million share repurchase program as part of a new capital allocation strategy.

The strategy, according to the company, is designed to balance business growth opportunities with continued strong cash flow and provide a more consistent return of excess cash to long-term shareholders.

Quincy, Mass. -- The Stop & Shop Supermarket Co. said Tuesday it has expanded the availability of Scan It! Mobile – a grocery app that allows customers to use their personal mobile device to scan, tally and bag their groceries while they shop.

First introduced last June for iPhone 3GS and 4G in three stores, Scan It! Mobile is now also available for many Android devices which will double the reach of customers. In addition, the pilot will expand to an additional 42 Stop & Shop stores in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut.

By Steven Kramer, [email protected]

New York City -- Apple brands dominate the youth market, and account for the top rankings in computers, tablets and mobile phones, according to the 2012 Harris Poll Youth EquiTrend study by Harris Interactive. The annual study tracks the brands that Americans aged 13 to 24 prefer. It estimates that

With young Americans expected to spend $211 billion in 2012, knowing which brands they favor will help corporate America prepare for the upcoming holiday season, according to the survey.

Boca Raton, Fla. -- Office Depot's fiscal third-quarter net income more than doubled, but its adjusted results missed analysts’ expectations amid sales declines in North America.

The company earned $91.7 million for the period ended Sept. 24, compared with $32 million a year earlier. But excluding $6 million in restructuring charges and other costs and a $99 million tax benefit, the company lost about $700,000, or break-even per share.

MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Following the recent launch of its "Never Stop Improving" marketing campaign, Lowe's announce that it has introduced MyLowe’s, an integrated online experience that will help customers manage their biggest asset - their homes. Both the new campaign and website are part of Lowe's strategy to position itself as a destination for home improvement projects and to better appeal to the average consumer.