Data & Analytics

By Craig Rowley, [email protected]

Markham, Ontario -- Maple Lake Ltd. said that Aerosoles has selected Maple Lake’s QuickAssortment software to refine and centralize the retailers’ merchandise, store and assortment planning activities. The retailer has already completed Phase I of the implementation process.

AUSTIN — While the White House may be working with several retailers to combat so-called food deserts, those who can afford to spend more on their grocery bill are doing just that, helping to drive up profits at Whole Foods.

The company reported that its third-quarter profit rose 35% to $88.5 million, compared with $65.7 million in the year-earlier period.

Shopper marketing conversations these days may be dominated by digital strategies, but the time worn free-standing insert continues to dominate as the distribution vehicle of choice when it comes to coupons.

FSI’s accounted for 89.6% of the 167 billion coupons distributed during the first half of the year, versus 87.3% for the same period the prior year, while digital coupons accounted for less than 1% of total volume, according to the U.S. mid-year 2011 Consumer Packaged Goods Coupon Facts Report released by NCH Marketing Services Inc., a Valassis company.

Lowe’s home improvement stores, in partnership with General Electric (GE), will introduce an electric vehicle charging station for home or commercial use at five California stores this August. Following the California introduction, the E WattStation will be available to 60 total stores in September, Lowe’s said, and nationwide through Lowes.com.

NEW YORK — Gilt Groupe Inc., a members-only online shopping destination, has named Melissa Liebling-Goldberg as editorial director for the women's category, effective immediately. In this position, Liebling-Goldberg is charged with expanding the category's editorial voice and building strong, lasting partnerships in the category while producing dynamic content for the website. Liebling-Goldberg will report directly to Jyothi Rao, general manager of Women's at Gilt Groupe.

New York City -- A Thursday report by Crain’s New York Business said that Lord & Taylor has signed a two-year contract with Green Mountain Energy Co. to provide the department store retailer with 100% of its electricity needs at two stores, including the Fifth Ave. flagship location.

The move has garnered the attention of the Environmental Protection Agency, which places Lord & Taylor, effective August, as No. 17 on the its Green Power Partnership list of Top 20 retailers embracing clean energy.

Seattle -- Starbucks Corp. reported Thursday that it scored record results in the quarter ended July 3, prompting the retailer to accelerate its 2012 new store opening targets to 800 net new stores globally.

Starbucks grew profits 34% in the third quarter, to $279 million from $208 million in the year-ago period. Sales rose 12% to $2.9 billion from $2.6 billion, topping Wall Street estimates.

Same-store sales globally surged 8%, buoyed by a 6% increase in traffic and a 2% increase in average ticket.

North Bergen, N.J. -- Vitamin Shoppe reported Thursday that net income in the second quarter increased 64% to $11.95 million, compared with $7.3 million in the year-ago period. The retailer cited strong sales both in-store and online for its improved performance.

Revenue rose 12.3% to $215.9 million, topping Wall Street expectations.  Same-store sales increased 8% in the quarter.

Vitamin Shoppe said it is on track to open 48 new stores in the fiscal year.
 

BENTONVILLE, Ark.  — The Walton Family Foundation revealed Wednesday that it will donate $50 million to Teach For America, a commitment that stands to nearly double the size of the organization’s teaching ranks.

The charity that was created by the founder of Wal-Mart Stores will mete out half of the funds over a three-year period, and will increase the number of teachers to 15,000 by 2015. The remaining half of the donation will support the training of existing Teach for America instructors in seven communities.