Data & Analytics

New York City -- Confidence among U.S. consumers increased more than forecast in November to the highest level in five months. The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan final index of consumer sentiment rose to 71.6 during the month, from 67.7 in October. Economists had projected a reading of 69.5.

The report came as retailers prepared for the Black Friday shopping onslaught, the official start of the holiday shopping season.

New York City -- Online spending should increase by 11% this holiday shopping season, according to date collected by comScore. Already, consumers have spent $9 billion online in the first 21 days of November, a 13% increase versus the corresponding days last year.

ComScore is forecasting that online spending from the November to December period will reach $32.4 billion, representing an 11% gain versus a year ago.

New York City -- Verizon Wireless has joined the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star program. Seventy-five Verizon Wireless Communications Stores have already earned the Energy Star designation for superior energy performance.

Under the partnership, Verizon Wireless pledges to measure and track energy performance at hundreds of its stores, switching centers, cell sites and other facilities throughout the United States.

Cincinnati -- The Kroger Co. announced that senior VP Robert "Pete" Williams plans to retire in May after 37 years with the company.

Williams, who began his Kroger career in 1977 as a management trainee, has served in his current role since 2007. Currently, he leads seven supermarket divisions. His replacement will be named.

Los Angeles -- Guess said its fiscal third-quarter net income rose 7.8% to $69.1 million from $64.1 million a year ago, surpassing analysts forecasts. The company lifted its full-year earnings forecast.

Revenue for the quarter ended Oct. 30 rose 17% to a record $613.9 million, also topping predictions, with a strong boost from international sales.

The company's retail stores in North America generated revenue of $253.7 million in the third quarter, up 5.9% from the same period a year ago. Same-store sales increased 1.5%.

New York City -- Tiffany & Co. reported a 27% gain in third-quarter profit, topping analysts’ estimates, as sales rose globally. The jewelry retailer raised its full-year earnings forecast.

Net income rose to $55.1 million, from $43.3 million in the year-ago period, better than analysts had expected.

Pittsburgh -- American Eagle Outfitters has launched a mobile gift-card program.

Santa Clara, Calif. -- A study of some of the country’s largest retailers’ return policies has found significant failings, according to CrossView, a premier provider of cross-channel commerce solutions.