Data & Analytics

Framingham, Mass. -- Staples announced the promotion of Christine Putur to chief information officer. In her new role, Putur will have global responsibility for information technology strategy and execution.

Putur joined Staples in 1999, and has since held various leadership roles on the company’s e-commerce, technology strategy, program management and US Retail technology teams. She most recently served as senior VP information systems for the company’s North American Delivery businesses.
 

ANN ARBOR, Mich. and WASHINGTON — When given a choice, American consumers prefer to purchase organic foods, according to the Thomson Reuters-NPR Health Poll. The survey found that 58% of Americans say they choose organic over conventionally produced foods when they have the opportunity, a number that spikes higher among both young and highly educated respondents. Sixty-three percent of respondents under the age of 35 prefer organic foods, as do 64% of those with a bachelor's degree or more.

New York City -- Wal-Mart de Mexico SA said second-quarter profit fell 3.4% as the chain increased spending to open new stores and integrate Central American operations.

The Mexican unit of Wal-Mart Stores reported a net income of 4.49 billion pesos ($380 million) in the April-June period, down from 4.65 billion pesos during the same three months of 2010. Revenue rose 9% to 88.37 billion pesos ($7.49 billion).

CEO Scot Rank says spending to open new stores cut into profits but will help performance in the second half of the year.

New York City -- While the majority of global consumers still perceive store brands to be the same as or better than national brands, a one year trend analysis indicates that their positive perceptions toward store brands may be starting to decline slightly. This is the latest finding from a study conducted by Ipsos Marketing, Consumer Goods.

PORT WASHINGTON — Consumer electronics are growing increasingly popular with children, as indicated by NPD's latest survey, which revealed that in the past year 78% of portable video game systems purchased, and 56% of portable digital media players (PDMP) purchased were given to the child. 

For households with kids ages 4 to 14, newer devices such as e-readers and media tablets were acquired at single-digit rates (8% and 5%, respectively) in the past year, slowly driving up the number of homes where kids have access to these devices. 

By Karen VanBrunt, [email protected]

Waterford, Conn. -- Westport, Conn.-based Charter Realty & Development Corp. said it has been hired by Chase Enterprises to lease the 300,000-sq.-ft. Cross Roads Plaza, located in Waterford, Conn.

Cross Roads Plaza is anchored by Lowe’s, BJ’s, Bob’s and Regal Cinema.
 

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. — Staples has announced the promotion of Christine Putur to CIO. In her new role, Putur will have global responsibility for information technology strategy and execution. Putur will report to John Mahoney, Staples vice chairman and CFO.

"Chris has demonstrated great leadership at Staples," said Mahoney. "She has deep knowledge of our customers and company with proven ability to align information systems to business goals. Chris will drive the IT organization as an important part of our success in the years to come."