Data & Analytics

Accenture: Retailers are scaling back global expansion
NEW YORK — The world’s largest retailers have been scaling back their global expansion activities, particularly in Asia, and turning their attention inward by integrating operations and strengthening their store, Internet and mobile sales channels, according to a new report by Accenture.
Consumer spending stays flat
Washington, D.C. -- U.S. consumer spending averaged $86 a day in April 2013, according to new figures from Gallup. This number is essentially flat compared to $89 in March and $83 in February.

According to Gallup analysis, the lack of change in consumer spending in recent months may reflect the recent increase in payroll tax, as well as the early Easter holiday. Consumer spending remains well above levels recorded during the economic recession of 2008-2011.

Walgreens April sales solid despite front-end dip

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens posted April sales of $6 billion, an increase of 3.8% as compared to the same month in fiscal 2012.

Total front-end sales decreased 2.9%, while comparable store front-end sales decreased 4.3%. Customer traffic in comparable stores decreased 5.9% while basket size increased 1.6%.
Hayneedle.com consolidates with its indie site

OMAHA, Neb. — Hayneedle, a leading online home furnishings retailer in the United States, will begin offering special, curated sales events from its independent flash sale site, the Foundary, at hayneedle.com starting May 6.
Workers worry about pay

New York -- Employees show increased levels of anxiety about their income, benefits and security, according to a new poll from Harris Interactive. Aggregated concern about these three issues rose from 56% in March to 57% in April.
Staples beats major retailers to the 3D punch

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. — Staples has become the first major U.S. retailer to have 3D printers available for purchase.

The Cube 3D Printer from 3D Systems, a leading global provider of 3D content-to-print solutions, is already available on Staples.com for $1,299.99 and will be available in a limited number of Staples stores by the end of June.
A whole new take on an old mall has a Colorado community celebrating

With the breathtaking Twin Peaks of the Colorado Rockies as backdrop, a new project underway in Longmont, Colo., is leveraging both the views and community demand to create a “top drawer outdoor village experience,” said Allen Ginsborg, managing director and principal of NewMark Merrill Mountain States, based in Fort Collins, Colo.
Study: Marketing's influence in retail IT decisions growing sharply

Austin, Texas -- The bond is growing stronger between retailers' marketing and IT departments, and investments and activity in marketing-related IT projects are on the rise, according to a new study from EKN. More than 60% of the survey respondents indicated that the number of IT projects focused on marketing initiatives will increase in 2013 over last year.
Sears Holding shifts focus to omni-channel

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Among the highlights of the first Sears Holdings shareholder meeting since Edward Lampert became chairman and CEO were details on the company's progress in combining its brick-and-mortar and online businesses.
Starbucks beefs up leadership team

Starbucks chairman, president and CEO Howard Schultz announced changes to the company’s senior leadership team, aimed to further accelerate the company’s global growth plans.

Accenture: Retailers are scaling back global expansion

Consumer spending stays flat

Walgreens April sales solid despite front-end dip

Hayneedle.com consolidates with its indie site

Workers worry about pay

Staples beats major retailers to the 3D punch

A whole new take on an old mall has a Colorado community celebrating

Study: Marketing's influence in retail IT decisions growing sharply

Sears Holding shifts focus to omni-channel

Starbucks beefs up leadership team