Data & Analytics

New York -- Checkout remains the number one in-store pain point for 73% of U.S. consumers, according to a survey by Synqera, a global technology startup that uses big data to bring personalized digital experiences to the physical retail store.    

The survey found that more than two-thirds of Americans prefer to shop in traditional, brick and mortar stores than online commerce sites, and that shoppers gravitate towards retail locations that offer customized shopping experiences but that

NEW YORK — The Buckle and Zumiez all reported better-than-expected same-store sales for April, even as concerns about the job market bit into other retailers’ results.

The Buckle, Inc. reported a 6.2% increase in same-store sales for April, well ahead of the 1.5% same-store revenue growth anticipated by Wall Street analysts. The teen apparel retailer also reported year-to-date same-store revenue growth of 1.2% and total sales of $269.7 million, a 2.3% increase. 

Princeton – A substantially higher percentage of Americans (60%) would rather save money than spend it (37%), according to a new Gallup poll. Consumer show little difference in these preferences according to demographic categories such as age, gender, education and political party.

New York -- TJX Cos. has joined the growing ranks of retailers who no longer report monthly same-store sales. On Thursday, the retailer announced that it will report results on a quarterly basis going forward. Also, as previously announced, Ross Stores will no longer be reporting same-store sales after the April results.

That will leave 11 U.S. retail chains reporting monthly sales, down from a peak of 68 in 2006, according to Reuters.

Hoffman Estates, Ill. -- Sears Holdings announced that Jeff Balagna will join the company as executive VP and CIO. In his new role, Balagna who most recently served as CIO at Eli Lilly, will be responsible for all technology and infrastructure initiatives for the company in its support centers and in-store.
   

ATLANTA — Elavon, a leading global payments provider and wholly owned subsidiary of U.S. Bancorp, has promoted Simon Haslam to the position of president and CEO. Haslam succeeds Mike Passilla, who recently departed the company.

Haslam joined Elavon in 2005 and was president of Elavon International Markets. He is credited with leading Elavon’s successful expansion throughout Europe, South America and Latin America, including the company’s recently completed joint venture with Banco Santander.

Jacksonville, Fla. -- Revenue at stores open at least one year climbed 8% last month for discount retailer Stein Mart. According to Stein Mart, strong sales of linens and ladies’ casual and career sportswear helped drive revenue growth and offset weaker sales in dresses, ladies’ accessories and men’s sportswear.
 
For the quarter to date, revenue at stores open at least a year increased 1.2% and total revenue climbed 3.8% to $321.4 million.

NEW YORK — Foot Locker has started the ball rolling toward acquiring Runners Point Warenhandelsges, a specialty athletic store and online retailer based in Recklinghausen, Germany, for a total cash consideration of approximately $94 million.