Data & Analytics

Atlanta -- A report released Tuesday by First Data Corp. found that dollar volume growth rebounded in January, improving to 6.2% versus 4% in December despite the payroll tax increase.

The First Data SpendTrend report, which tracks same-store consumer spending by credit, signature debit, PIN debit, EBT, closed-loop prepaid cards and checks at U.S. merchant locations, found that improved retail spending was a large contributor to the January growth.   

NEW YORK — With Toy Fair happening now in New York City, the Toy Industry Association has revealed what it believes are the top toy trends for 2013. 

The leading online source for auto repair information has received additional funding and deepened its relationship with Cars.com.

RepairPal, already a featured content partner on Cars.com's Web site, gives shoppers access to auto repair and maintenance estimates and advice for common problems from technicians which can result in a visit to a local auto parts retailer or a service department of a dealer or local repair shop.

Woonsocket, R.I. -- CVS Caremark said Monday it has named Brian Tilzer as SVP, chief digital officer for the drugstore chain.

Tilzer, previously SVP global e-commerce for Staples, is charged with developing and leading CVS digital innovation efforts and connecting current and future digital initiatives.

NEW YORK — American Express has launched a new venture with Twitter, that could lead to a whole new category of shopping.

Total U.S. Shopper Traffic in Retail Stores and Malls for January 2013

Retailers pushed to extend the high level of holiday shopping and foot traffic by promoting post-holiday specials and markdowns on seasonal merchandise in January. However, as expected, shopper traffic continued to drop off significantly after the end of the holiday season. 

Purchase, N.Y. — MasterCard Advisors, a division of MasterCard, and analytics firm Mu Sigma announced a new partnership to develop analytic products toward solving business challenges such as acquiring customers and increasing customer loyalty.

As part of the partnership, MasterCard has acquired an equity stake in Mu Sigma. Additional terms of the deal were not disclosed.

With nearly two out of three* consumers using mobile devices to research products and make purchases, the adaptation to this ever changing consumer shopping behavior is more crucial than ever.