Data & Analytics

Shipments of digital signage displays to the retail sector are expected to triple by 2013, according to market research firm iSuppli Corp. That’s encouraging news in an industry that faces an uncertain holiday buying season.

Boston -- O’Reilly Auto Parts, one of the largest auto parts retailers in the United States with over 3,700 stores in 39 states, has chosen OneView Commerce’s Enactor Commerce Platform as the foundation software for delivering point-of-sale and other commerce solutions to its stores nationwide.

Chicago -- Up to 60% more shoppers will enter stores on Dec. 26 than on the same day last year, according to ShopperTrak, the world's largest provider of retail and mall foot traffic counting services. The reason for the increase is due to the calendar: Shoppers will come out in full force on the day after Christmas because it falls on a Monday for the first time in six years. That day will rank third in foot traffic for the holiday shopping season, surpassed only by Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, and Super Saturday, the Saturday one week before Christmas.

Consistent with promotional strategies from previous years, Target is offering some insane prices on popular electronics items. Unfortunately, if holiday shoppers follow the advice of Consumer Reports this year they won’t be coming to Target.

Wayne, N.J. -- Toys “R” Us said Friday that it has expanded its mobile offerings for the holiday season, providing an enhanced shopping experience for on-the-go shoppers.

In addition, the retailer said it has made updates made to its iPhone and Android experience, as well as announced partnerships with eBay, Google and shopkick to help customers use their mobile devices to locate product, pay for purchases and source discounts.

Foothill Ranch, Calif. -- The Wet Seal reported Thursday that net income for the third quarter rose to $3.7 million, from $2.6 million a year earlier.

Sales increased to $152.1 million from $146.4 million. Same-store sales declined 0.9% on a consolidated basis.

The company had six store openings and two store closings at Wet Seal and four store openings and no store closings at Arden B during the third quarter. It expects to have 22 net Wet Seal store openings and three net Arden B store openings for the full year.
 

PHOENIX — Even in a tough economy, consumers are reluctant to cut back spending on their pets, as was made clear by PetSmart's whopping 32% growth in earnings and strong sales performance during the third quarter.

The retailer reported reported earnings of 50 cents per share, up 32% compared with 38 cents per share in the third quarter of 2010. Net income totaled $56 million in the third quarter of 2011, compared with $46 million in the third quarter of 2010.

New York City -- With the start of the 2011 holiday shopping season approaching, retailers need to ensure they have plans in place to address the increased risk of a flash mob event, according to Marsh, a leading insurance broker and risk advisor.