Data & Analytics

WASHINGTON — U.S. retail sales rose for the 10th consecutive month in April, increasing 0.5% to $389.4 billion, the U.S. Census Bureau reported Thursday.

The government agency also disclosed retail sales experienced a 7.6% jump above the year-ago period. Across retail sectors, grocery stores during April rose 1.5% to nearly $45.9 million, up from $45.3 million in March, while health and personal care stores, which have experienced positive numbers over the past several months, saw a surprise drop of 0.3% to nearly $22.7 million for the month.

Reston, Va. -- Online U.S. retail spending reached $38.0 billion for the first quarter, up 12% versus year ago, according to comScore. It marked the sixth consecutive quarter of positive year-over-year growth and second consecutive quarter of double-digit growth rates.

Dallas -- Transplace, a leading provider of transportation management services and logistics technology, announced that Anna’s Linens has selected the third-party logistics provider (3PL) as its 2010 Business Partner of the Year.

Anna’s Linens recognized Transplace, which manages all of the specialty retailer’s domestic transportation activities, for delivering supply chain improvements via the 3PL’s managed services solution and logistics technology.

Comfort and wellness-footwear products  manufacturer Aetrex Worldwide has opened its first retail store, in Englewood, N.J. Designed by Gensler, the store has an upscale look, and combines the latest in technology with eye-catching graphics, high-end millwork and a fitting areas shaped like the company’s corporate logo.

Organic growth initiatives come out on top (46%) when it comes to how to increase market share, followed by a mix of organic growth and M&A (22%) and primarily M&A (22%), according to a survey of 152 senior financial executives of global retail companies by KPMG International.

Menomonee Falls, Wis. -- Kohl’s Corp. said Thursday its first-quarter earnings rose 6%, helped by online sales and Easter demand in the Southeast.

Net income rose to $211 million from $199 million in the year-ago period. Sales in the quarter ended April 30 rose 3.1% to $4.16 billion. Same-store sales were up 1.3%.

Salisbury, N.C. -- Food Lion has opened its third LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)-certified store, in Hope Mills, N.C.

“By building our third LEED grocery store, we will reduce energy costs by more than 20% compared to a typical supermarket, as well as conserve 40% more water than other Food Lion stores,” said Kyle Mitchell, VP of store development for Delhaize America South. “Food Lion has one of the most advanced retail energy conservation programs in the country.”

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Caremark’s annual meeting of stockholders held Wednesday morning was an emotional and momentous occasion for the company as it marked the official retirement of Tom Ryan, former chairman and CEO, and the beginning of a new chapter as Larry Merlo takes the reigns as CEO.

Tejon, Calif. -- Ikea on Wednesday flipped the switch on a newly constructed solar energy system at its southwestern U.S. distribution center in Tejon, Calif. The 370,000-sq.-ft. solar array consists of a 1.8 MW system designed and installed by California-based REC Solar, and built with 7,980 REC Group panels.

Purchase, N.Y. -- Excluding auto sales, total retail sales in April 2011 grew by 8.8% year-over-year, stronger than March’s growth rate, and substantially higher than the average 7.1% year-to-year growth rate of the previous quarter, according to MasterCard Advisors’ SpendingPulse, a macroeconomic report tracking national retail and service sales.