Data & Analytics

Washington, D.C. -- A report released Monday by the Commerce Dept. said that March consumer spending in the U.S. advanced more than forecast – rising 0.2% after a 0.7% increase in February.

Gander Mountain, the nation’s largest retail network of stores for hunting, fishing, camping and marine products and accessories, is turning to Manhattan Associates to help it enable its omni-channel strategy.

Gander will use Manhattan Associates' enterprise order management and store inventory and fulfillment solutions to create a seamless experience for its customers across all channels by giving them a single view of inventory and letting them control how and when they take delivery of Gander merchandise.

St. Paul, Minn. -- Manhattan Associates said Monday that outdoor chain Gander Mountain has selected its Enterprise Order Management and Store Inventory & Fulfillment solutions to help drive omni-channel enterprise transformation.

Gander is using the Manhattan solutions to create a seamless experience for its customers across channels with a single view of inventory, and to allow Gander shoppers to control how and when they take delivery of Gander merchandise.

Indianapolis -- Simon Property Group announced that it has named Liz Zale as senior VP in a newly created role overseeing corporate affairs and communications, effective May 1.  

Zale's responsibilities will include supervision of Simon’s investor relations, public relations, corporate communications, and government relations functions.
 
She previously served as senior VP investor relations for Nielsen Holdings.

Washington, D.C. -- Applied Predictive Technologies said Monday that AutoZone has extended its relationship with APT to license APT’s Test & Learn Management System on a long-term basis.

AutoZone will continue implementing the Test & Learn Management System to assess strategic marketing, capital expenditure, merchandising, labor, and store operations initiatives.

GLENVIEW, Ill. — Crystal Light, a leading beverage mix brand, is launching an e-commerce platform, Shop.CrystalLight.com. 

"For years we have heard from some of our most loyal fans that they want easier access to the flavors they love, especially Crystal Light Pure," said Adam Butler, senior brand manager for Crystal Light. "This new e-commerce platform enables us to make a wide variety of unique flavors and varieties readily available to fans anywhere in the country."

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. — Kohl’s has opened a new IT office in the Silicon Valley to support its online sales growth and strategic focus on omni-channel initiatives, including process automation and the re-platforming of Kohls.com.

The 52,000-sq.-ft. office space in Milpitas, Calif., will be an extension of the IT team at the company’s Menomonee Falls, Wis., corporate office and will initially employ 30-plus Kohl’s associates with the potential to accommodate future growth, said the retailer.

Lodi, N.J. -- Charter Realty & Development said that Blink Fitness will open a 20,000-sq.-ft. facility in Lodi, N.J.

The fitness facility operator has grown to 13 locations in the New York Tri-State area, with another approximately 15 openings scheduled over the next 12 months.