Data & Analytics

New York City -- Gap executives reaffirmed its commitment to reducing square footage at home, aggressive international expansion and online growth during a presentation at Gap Global Creative Center in New York City. Gap also revealed that its online-only Piperlime division will explore a store concept next year and is testing men’s apparel.

SUNBURY, Pa. — Weis Markets reported its third quarter sales increased 6% to $678.6 million and that its comparable-store sales increased 6.5% during the thirteen-week period ending Sept. 24 compared with the same period a year ago.

During the period, the company's net income increased 4.1% to $17 million compared with the same period a year ago.  The company's third quarter earnings per share increased to 63 cents compared with 61 cents per share in 2010.

LOS GATOS, Calif. — FoodLink, an online network for fresh food retailers, wholesalers and suppliers, on Tuesday announced its status as a certified partner to Giant Eagle. With 228 supermarket locations, Giant Eagle is one of the largest produce buyers in the country, FoodLink stated.

New York City -- Research released Wednesday by PwC found that retail and consumer executives are spending less on security due to insufficient capital, but that they maintain confidence in their information security, despite an increase in security incidents.

Norwalk, Conn. -- A report released Wednesday by GE Capital found that the majority of retail CFOs are fairly optimistic about their industry, even though the outlook for the economy has soured.

According to the GE Capital Middle-Market CFO Survey, 58% of retail CFOs believe their revenues will increase in 2011. However, that has dropped from 80% in the first quarter. Less than half – 42% -- expect to increase capital expenditures, up from 38% in the first quarter.

By Martin Walker and Martin Walker, A.T. Kearney’s Global Business Policy Council

The fastest-growing age group worldwide in this century will be people over the age of 60. What must retailers and manufacturers know to adapt to this older consumer group? In the first-ever international survey of consumers over the age of 60, A.T. Kearney interviewed 3,000 people in 23 countries to find out what mature consumers want. The short answer: prices and labels they can read, packaging they can open, and more places to sit down in stores.

Duluth, Ga. -- NCR Corp. announced the launch of CPMobile, a mobile retail management solution designed to enable specialty retailers to engage more directly with consumers throughout the sales process and provide a level of customer service that will drive revenue and differentiate them from their competition.

New York City -- Ann Inc., parent to Ann Taylor and Loft brands, announced Wednesday it will launch a four-year investment in young women’s leadership.

BOCA RATON, Fla. — Office Depot announced that Office Depot stores hold the top three spots for retail energy efficiency gains at the midpoint of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Energy Star National Building Competition.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. - Increased localization of shopper marketing efforts at Walmart is now possible via Facebook following the retailer’s announcement that it would create approximately 3,500 store-specific Facebook pages to serve its nearly 9.5 million fans.

Walmart chief marketing officer Stephen Quinn said the move was an example of the company’s ongoing effort to engage with and listen to customers who desired a more localized experience on Facebook.