Data & Analytics

CHELMSFORD, Mass. — Multichannel home furnishings specialty retailer has tapped Kewill, a leading provider of software for supply chain execution, to help it consistently manage domestic and international shipments from multiple shipping locations across North America.

Crate and Barrel will utilize Kewill's Flagship parcel shipping and Netship expense management software to streamline its supply chain and integrate a roster of carriers to ensure it selects the best available rate and service every time.

Camp Hill, Pa. – Rite Aid reported a slight boost in monthly same-store sales but a decreased in year-to-date same-store sales. For the four weeks ended June 29, 2013, same-store sales increased 0.7% from the prior-year period. June front-end same store sales increased 0.4%, while pharmacy same store sales increased 0.9% despite the negative impact of generics.  

NAPERVILLE, Ill. — OfficeMax is taking its new Business Solutions Center store concept to Chicago’s business-rich Streeterville neighborhood later this summer. The retailer opened its first center in Milwaukee back in April to test the pilot concept. 

The currently unoccupied street-level location at 550 St. Clair St. will give the retailer 3,900-sq.-ft. of retail space where it will be able to showcase business services, solutions and products to help local entrepreneurs grow their businesses. 

Deerfield, Ill. -- Walgreens on Wednesday reported June sales of $5.79 billion, an increase of 2.5% from the year-ago period.

Total front-end sales increased 2.2% compared with the same month last year, while comparable store front-end sales increased 0.8%. Customer traffic in comparable stores decreased 2.9%, while basket size increased 3.7%.

Every week, retailers unleash significant advertising and promotion efforts in the perpetual competition to engage shoppers, drive trips and grow sales. Annual retail sales and market share are the result of the competition that played out in the preceding 52 individual weeks, and many companies highly value “winning the week.” But some weeks can be much more competitive than others, creating challenges for retailers also facing strong pressures to be efficient and limit costs.

New York -- RadioShack Corporation has opened the first of the next generation of stores scheduled to roll out across the country and around the world over the next several months.

Progress Financial may not be directly affiliated with Walmart, but a Bloomberg story this week reveals the companies are connected in some interesting ways.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens reported June sales of $5.8 billion, an increase of 2.5% from the same month in fiscal 2012.

June pharmacy sales increased by 2.9%, while comparable store pharmacy sales increased 3.3% and increased by a calendar day-shift adjusted 560 basis points. This year's June had one additional Sunday and one fewer Friday compared with June 2012, Walgreens reported. Calendar day-shift adjusted comparable store pharmacy sales were negatively impacted by 280 basis points due to generic drug introductions in the last 12 months.