Data & Analytics

Redmond, Wash. -- Apparel retailer Rue21 has selected PlayNetwork to produce and program in-store music and messaging for 672 Rue21 retail sites in 44 states.

The rue21 stores will be the first to feature PlayNetwork’s new MC550 media player, which which enables businesses to securely deliver immersive entertainment programming featuring music, video, digital signage and branded messaging content.

Seattle -- Starbucks Coffee Co. met its 2010 goal of purchasing renewable energy equivalent to half of the electricity used in its North American company-owned stores, the company reported in its tenth annual "Global Responsibility Report." The report details Starbucks’  fiscal 2010 performance in environmental stewardship, ethical sourcing and community involvement.

Secaucus, N.J. -- The Children's Place Retail Stores said Tuesday that its customer email address database, which is stored at an external email service provider, was accessed by an unauthorized third party.

According to the provider, email addresses were accessed and no other personal information was obtained.

The Children's Place said it is notifying its customers and has launched an investigation.
 

Dedham, Mass. -- Party goods retailer iParty Corp. reported Wednesday a loss of $1.51 million in the quarter ended March 26, compared with a loss of $1.49 million in the year-ago period.

Revenues for the quarter edged up 1.7% to $15.1 million. Same-store sales dipped 1.1%.

iParty Corp. operates 53 iParty retail stores in New England and Florida.

Basking Ridge, N.J. -- Eighty-five Verizon Wireless Communications Stores across the country have been awarded the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star certification, placing Verizon Wireless among the top third of retailers with certified buildings nationwide and the leading wireless retailer.

Additionally, 41 Verizon Wireless stores have received LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC).

DEERFIELD, Ill. — As part of Earth Month in Illinois, Gov. Patrick Quinn Tuesday morning toured a Walgreens drug store in Oak Park, Ill., that features the first geothermal energy system used in a chain drug store in the country, Walgreens stated in a release.

The system, which went live when the store opened last October, has reduced the store's expected energy usage by 60%.

New York City -- A survey released Tuesday by Deloitte found that falling home prices and rising energy costs have negatively impacted consumer purchasing power.

The Deloitte Consumer Spending Index tumbled in March due to a drop in real home prices and a decline in real wages driven by rising energy prices. The Index tracks consumer cash flow as an indicator of future consumer spending.

New York City -- A recent survey by Deloitte found that the proliferation of smartphones – coupled with social network popularity -- has had a significant impact on what consumers expect from retailers and their in-store shopping experience.

Bentonville, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores on Monday released its "2011 Global Responsibility Report." According to the report, the chain has made steady year-to-year improvement towards its goals of creating zero waste, using 100% renewable energy and selling products that sustain people and the environment.

Chicago -- Fifty percent of Americans use a mobile device to navigate their shopping journey, according to a new study released by Arc Worldwide, Leo Burnett’s marketing services arm.

The study -- “Marketing to the Mobile Shopper” -- found that mobile shopping has become a way of life for Americans. This trend is changing the traditional shopping journey and leaving companies with a serious ultimatum: deliver valuable mobile experiences or risk losing customers.