Data & Analytics

There’s no question about it: Shoppers will have more options than ever before when it comes to shopping this holiday, from where and how they shop to how they pay. Given the myriad of choices available, experts agree that one of the keys to a successful holiday season — and long-term survival — is customer engagement.

Michaels Stores is taking its energy conservation efforts to the next level. The arts and crafts retailer has rolled out several advanced extensions to its energy management system. The extensions are expected to bring Michaels’ total EMS-related savings to more than 30%.

Toronto -- Sears Canada reported Wednesday a loss of $9.8 million in the second quarter, widened from a loss of $200,000 in the year-ago period.

Revenue fell 8.5% to $1.050 billion, from $1.148 billion. Same-store sales dropped 7.1%.

The retailer attributed much of the problem to warm, dry weather in many areas of Canada, which impacted sales of outdoor power equipment.

CINCINNATI — Kroger on Tuesday announced it will place self-use health screening kiosks at all of its 1,950 locations to help their pharmacy patients "know their numbers."

"Our customers tell us they want to make healthy choices but don't always know where to start," Kroger's health strategy coordinator Matthew Feltman said. "We're pleased to expand the availability of Kroger HealthCenters to help customers take their first steps toward overall health and wellness."

New Albany, Ohio -- Abercrombie & Fitch reported Wednesday that net income in the second quarter slid 52% to $15.5 million, compared with $32 million in the year-ago period.

Total sales rose 4% to $951.4 million, missing Wall Street’s forecast of $954.9 million, and U.S. sales fell 5%. The retailer said Wednesday it is cutting its 2012 earnings guidance and will open fewer international Hollister stores in fiscal 2012 than initially planned.
 

GLENWILLOW, Ohio — Fashion retailer Dots has named former Walmart SVP, Lisa Rhodes as its new CEO.

Rhodes, who led Walmart's U.S. apparel merchandising division, has been charged with leading Dots’ march toward 1,000 stores.

Prior to her role at Walmart, Rhodes was EVP and chief merchandising officer for Maurice’s.

By Steven Kramer, [email protected]

Fashion and apparel retailers are using multichannel retailing to augment the in-store experience for brand conscious shoppers. In the process, they’re delivering a compelling customer-centric expression of the retail brand that elevates the destination status of their physical stores.

Atlanta -- The Home Depot reported Tuesday that profit for the second quarter rose to $1.5 billion from $1.4 billion in the same quarter last year.

Sales edged up 1.7% to $20.6 billion, and same-store sales climbed 2.1% overall and 2.6% in the U.S.

"As expected, second-quarter sales reflected the pull forward of seasonal activity into the first quarter," said Frank Blake, Home Depot chairman and CEO. "But we saw continued demand for core products and delivered second-quarter earnings above our expectations."