Data & Analytics

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Meijer conducted a survey of its customers, which revealed that 90% of them plan to spend the same or more than they did last year and 40% will have completed their back-to-school shopping before the school year begins. 

Median spend will range between $101-$150 per student and $201-$250 in total. In addition, 15% of parents expect students to help pay for a portion of school expenses and nearly 30% will get help from grandparents.

There has been a recent trend in retail of new dynamic store formats that make the physical store experience more closely mirror the virtual store experience. Examples include Staples “omni-channel” stores that feature kiosks offering access to Staples’ full product inventory and RadioShack’s new concept store in Manhattan that includes interactive product fixtures such as display speakers that customers can test with music from their own personal devices.

Huntington Beach, Calif. — To capture and capitalize on mobile traffic growth, retailers are looking to optimize their digital marketing campaigns across various devices. As a result, top investment priorities include email and paid search. 

Aston, Pa. -- Action Services Group, a national lighting, sign and electrical maintenance and service company, said that it has been officially authorized as a member of the PICS Consortium.

Los Gatos, Calif. -- French manufacturer, distributor and retailer of high-end women’s lingerie and ready-to-wear apparel Aubade has selected Centric Software as its product lifecycle management (PLM) software provider.

Deerfield Park, Ill. -- Walgreens has named Mark Lelinski as its new corporate VP, market access. Lelinski will be responsible for contracting and pricing strategies, integration efforts across Walgreens pharmacy, health and wellness division, sales and account management, and developing the company’s managed market strategies.

Increased shipping volumes and moderating fuel prices helped J.B. Hunt Transport Services grow second quarter sales 10.1% to nearly $1.4 billion while profits disappointed slightly.

Profits for the period ended June 30 increased to $87.7 million, or 73 cents a share, compared to $80.5 million, or 67 cents a share, during the comparable period the prior year. Earnings per share were a penny less than analysts’ forecast and operating margins contracted to 10.7% from 10.9%.

Furniture chains of North America have united — in the digital space, that is — in the form of a re-launch of Furniture.com.

Described as a “unique online shopping experience powered by the merchandising and service capabilities of top brick-and-mortar furniture chains,” the partnership includes RoomsToGo, Schottenstein Stores and Leon’s Furniture of Canada.

The retailers will provide sourcing, warehousing and delivery capabilities for the e-commerce site, planned to be re-launched later this year.