Data & Analytics

DALLAS — While the still struggling economy may have rendered most Americans cautious spenders, such luxury retailers as Neiman Marcus remain resilient. The company reported that total revenues for the fourth quarter were $919.7 million compared with $826.3 million for the prior year. Comparable revenues increased 11%. Operating earnings for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2011 were $17.5 million compared with $4.5 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2010.

CINCINNATI — Consumer sentiment toward the economy continues to be negative, acknowledged David Dillon, Kroger chairman and CEO, a factor that may drive many consumers toward more of the value-driven store brands in which Kroger is investing.

"The sluggish economy continues to strain household budgets while increasing consumer anxiety," Dillon said. "In fact, customers tell us their expectation for the economy are more pessimistic now than at any time this year."

CINCINNATI — Macy's Inc. has announced the launch of a series of technology innovations in its Macy's and Bloomingdale's stores and websites designed to improve shopper experience.

Winston-Salem, N.C. — Family Dollar Stores has found itself a way to better understand how customers respond to its in-store displays and promotions, and how they can be improved to generate more sales. The discount retailer has engaged RockTenn, manufacturer of consumer packaging solutions and BVI Networks, a provider of real-time in-store monitoring, to open the first large format "ShopperGauge" branded retail learning lab at Family Dollar Stores.

MINNEAPOLIS — Earnings and comparable-store sales slipped at Best Buy, where the retailer suffered slower sales in key departments and a slowdown in consumer spending. Best Buy  has reported net earnings of $177 million, or 47 cents per diluted share, for its fiscal second quarter ended Aug. 27, compared with $254 million, or 60 cents per diluted share, for the prior-year period.

Winston-Salem, N.C. -- RockTenn and BVI Networks announced the debut of its first large-format ShopperGauge Retail Learning Lab at Family Dollar Stores.

The goal is to provide a state-of-the-art “learning laboratory” in a set of real stores where Family Dollar and its suppliers can test designs, displays and promotions with customers, ultimately improving the in-store shopper experience.

New York City -- For every $100 in fraudulent transactions, retailers incurred a “true” cost of $230, according to a new study released Tuesday by LexisNexis Risk Solutions.

According to the study, retail merchants and financial institutions reported an overall decline in fraud rates and transactions while total retail sales rose. Consumers also experienced a decline in fraud losses overall but the average time it took to resolve fraud issues rose by 57% and the out-of-pocket costs of fraud rose by $244.

Andover, Minn. -- Twin Cities grocery/fuel chain Bill’s Superette said Tuesday it has launched store management solutions from LOC Software.

The new system, which was fully rolled out with the support of reseller North Country Business Products in the spring of this year, is helping the retailer improve the management of all store-level and headquarters-level activities such as POS transactions, POS/keyboard maintenance, labor scheduling, in-store promotions, complete price book maintenance and the company’s loyalty program.

Cincinnati -- Macy’s said Tuesday it is piloting or launching a series of tech innovations designed to engage customers and drive sales.

Among the announced programs are free WiFi service in Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s stores to enable customer use of smartphone apps and in-store tablet shopping. The service, accessible by the end of October, will be activated in 230 Macy’s and nine Bloomingdale’s stores, as well as in the junior’s and young men’s departments of another 79 Macy’s stores.

Washington, D.C. -- Applied Predictive Technologies said Tuesday that family restaurant chain Denny’s Corp. has licensed APT's Test & Learn Management System.  

Denny’s will use APT’s solution to test strategic and tactical initiatives across its 1,670 restaurants.