Data & Analytics

The number of eco-labels in the marketplace continues to grow. According to Ecolabelindex (http://www.ecolabelindex.com/, Oct 27), 426 labels circulate in 246 countries and 25 industries. Most commentators are quick to point out the negative consequences: consumer confusion, disinterest and mistrust. However, there is a growing wave of large companies that pursue product certification to appeal to and meet compliance demands from their B2B customers, including retailers.

Anaheim, Calif. -- Pacific Sunwear of Calif. Inc. reported Tuesday that its loss for the quarter ended Jan. 28 widened to $38.1 million, compared with a net loss of $35.2 million a year earlier. Sales dipped 1% to $234.2 million from $237.6 million, missing Wall Street’s expected revenue of $245.9 million.

PacSun has been in the throes of a right-sizing effort, working to build sales while closing underperforming stores. The company closed 87 stores during fourth quarter and ended fiscal 2011 with 733 stores.

New York City -- Fashion retail Zara, an Inditex brand, on Thursday will officially open its largest U.S. store – on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan – designed with the latest advancements in sustainability.

The new store, in the Tishman Building (666 Fifth Avenue, at the intersection of 52nd Street), features a three-floor layout that reflects an innovative approach to interior design. The shop opens onto Fifth Avenue and 52nd Street with five display windows and a dramatic façade.

Nothing is ever as easy as it seems in the retail industry. Take Target’s decision to not sell denim jeans that have been distressed using the sand blasting method. That means the company or its suppliers now have to amend or implement some type of reporting infrastructure and audit protocol to ensure any distressed jeans Target sells achieved their weathered look through appropriate means. For an insightful look at the issues of eco-labels and the certification process that underpins the validity of such claims, check out this column from Deloitte Consulting executive Chris Park.

Burlington, Ontario -- Ikea Canada said that it has turned its focus to sustainability in Canada during a period of expansion in the country.

As the retailer opens three stores this year in Canada, it said it is committed to having this new wave of stores be 40% more efficient than the last store built in 2004.

WASHINGTON — February retail sales rose 8.6% over last year, marking 20 consecutive months of sustained growth, The National Retail Federation reported Tuesday.

The seasonally adjusted increase -- stronger than expected -- was 0.5%, which excludes automobiles, gas stations and restaurants.

New York City -- A Tuesday report by Venture Beat said that Sephora is testing an iPad program in 20 stores during the month of March.

Sephora’s goal, according to the report, is to provide extra product details that could only be offered through the Internet, such as reviews and specific product information.

“We see a high overlap between Apple products and our consumers,” Julie Bornstein, senior VP for Sephora Direct, told VentureBeat.
 

Los Angeles -- Guess reported Wednesday that net earnings dipped 7.2% to $95.9 million for the quarter ended Jan. 28, compared with $103.3 million a year earlier.

Revenue for the quarter edged up 2.5% to $775.8 million, from $756.9 million. Same-store sales dropped 5% in the quarter.

The retailer’s greatest strength came from the performance of its Asian segment, which saw revenue surge 27.5% to $70.6 million in the fourth quarter.