Data & Analytics

CHICAGO — Searching for the best bargains has become pastime among shoppers, according to research conducted by Mintel Inspire.

According to the latest data, Mintel found that nearly two-thirds (64%) of U.S. moms said they're spending more time looking for sales, discounts and coupons, compared with last year; while 28% of U.K. consumers were classified by Mintel as "bargain hunters" due to their dedication to comparing prices and reading online reviews.

NEW YORK — One-in-six Americans (15%) uses an e-reader device, a new study from Harris Interactive found. This is up from less than 1-in-10 (8%) last year. 

CHICAGO, and COLLINGSWOOD, N.J. — A universal product sustainability score would influence the brand purchase decisions of health and eco-conscious consumers, according to new research from Ryan Partnership Chicago and Mambo Sprouts Marketing.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid is teaming up with OptumHealth to become the first to provide "virtual clinics" in a retail pharmacy setting.

Rite Aid announced Thursday the launch of NowClinic online care services at select Rite Aid stores in the Detroit area. NowClinic allows Rite Aid customers to interact in real time with doctors and OptumHealth nurses.

WASHINGTON — A report released Thursday by Bloomberg said that U.S. consumer confidence held last week at the second-lowest level of 2011 as the highest number of households in three years said it was a bad time to spend. 

The Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index was minus 49.3 in the period to Sept. 11, near the 2011 low of minus 49.4 reached in May. The buying climate gauge slumped to the lowest level since October 2008.

According to the report, the majority -- nine out of 10 -- of Americans polled had a negative view on the economy.

TORONTO — Safeway and Wegman’s Food Markets ranked highest across all customer service elements, according to a survey by Empathica.

Empathica, a customer experience management solution-provider, polled more than 16,000 consumers, and found that operations and merchandise were the two most important elements in grocery shopping versus other elements such as promotions, people and technology.

DALLAS — JCPenney will unveil the newest iteration of its store model with the opening of its new Dallas store in the TimberCreek Crossing shopping center on Sept. 30.

The 105,000-sq.-ft. single-level store provides an assortment of services under one roof, including dedicated in-store environments for MNG by Mango and a 1,700-sq.-ft. Sephora shop.

NEW YORK — Saks announced that Denise Incandela, president Saks Direct and EVP of Saks Fifth Avenue, has been named chief marketing officer for Saks Fifth Avenue, a newly created role. She also will continue as president Saks Direct.