Data & Analytics

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens on Wednesday reported September sales of $6 billion, an increase of 5.4%. Sales in comparable stores increased 3.1%. The effect of calendar day shifts negatively impacted total comparable sales by 10 basis points.

Issaquah, Wash. -- Costco Wholesale Corp. reported an 11% increase in its fourth quarter net income, below forecasts. The company also announced that it will raise its membership fees starting Nov. 1.

Costco's net income rose to $478 million for the period ended Aug. 28, up from $432 million in the year-ago period. The quarter included a "last-in, first-out" inventory charge of four cents per share. This charge reflects a requirement that the company revalue its inventory if prices rise or fall notably.

Boston -- Survey results released Tuesday by Shop.org showed that almost half of all retailers plan to offer eGifting this holiday season and 44% are looking at location-based deals as a key element of their mobile marketing strategies. 

The survey, sponsored by CashStar and conducted in September at the annual Shop.org Retail Summit in Boston, found a growing concern among retailers about the lack of personalization of gift cards. 

The pricing gap between Target and Walmart narrowed last month to a scant 1.7% as Walmart took prices up slightly during August while Target did the opposite, according to a monthly survey by the retail research team at Credit Suisse.

Indianapolis — The Finish Line, Inc. said Tuesday it has named Sally McKelvey as VP strategy for the Finish Line brand.

McKelvey previously served as senior director, operations financial planning and analysis, at 7-Eleven.

McKelvey is charged with leading the evaluation, development and implementation of strategic growth initiatives for the Finish Line brand. She will analyze, recommend and implement programs that will provide growth opportunities, increase operational productivity and enhance profitability for the company.

Chicago -- Claire's Stores, Inc. said Tuesday that it has named Beatrice Lafon President of the European Division, effective immediately.

In her position as President of Europe, Lafon will lead the continued growth and expansion of the European business, with direct oversight of buying, merchandising and allocation, supply chain, stores, and the overall operations for approximately 1,100 stores across 13 countries.

Lafon will report to Gene Kahn, CEO. 

San Diego — Teradata announced Tuesday that Hallmark Cards Inc. has expanded its data warehouse environment with new enterprise data warehouse platforms, including new data warehouse appliances, as well as the latest Aprimo Relationship Manager application from Aprimo, a Teradata company.

The upgraded platforms and software tools were implemented while realizing a 30% reduction in total cost of ownership. Hallmark also added utilities for backup and recovery, as well as Teradata Viewpoint and Professional Services support.

Atlanta -- First Data Corp. and Associated Bank said Tuesday that the companies have signed a long-term merchant services renewal agreement.

Through the agreement, First Data will continue to provide merchant processing services to the bank’s business clients nationwide, providing them access to a comprehensive line of electronic payment solutions, including acceptance of all major credit cards including PIN and signature-based debit cards, gift cards, customized reporting and electronic check verification services.