Data & Analytics

Indianapolis -- More than half of U.S. consumers who’ve made at least one purchase on their smartphone have done so based on a marketing message delivered via mobile email, according to a new study by ExactTarget.

While calling, texting and emailing remain the most frequent daily activities for smartphone users, the study found consumers are increasingly using their smartphones for more than the basics.


Key findings of the research include:

Family Dollar disappointed its investors this week with a third-quarter earning report in which gross margin pressures caused the company to report earnings per share of 91 cents that were four cents shy of analysts’ consensus estimates. The operator of 6,900 stores also said its 4.7% same-store sales increase was short of guidance of 5% to 7% and then used the occasion to lower fourth-quarter sales and earnings forecasts.

With sales experiencing the peaks and valleys of a slowly recovering economy, retailers are watching their customers even closer than ever.

According to a study by accounting and consulting firm BDO USO, LLP, New York City, retailers have been less concerned in 2011 about consumer confidence and spending and, instead, are more watchful of consumer demand and interest.

Dallas -- A survey released by Lucernex Technologies that polled the National Retail Tenants Association members about preparedness for the upcoming FASB changes found that, for the most part, retailers are generally not ready for the new rules to take effect.

In the NRTA membership survey “FASB Preparedness in the Retail Industry,” five key findings were revealed:

By Brad Tuckman, ksckreate.com

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Same-store sales at Rite Aid increased by 1.8% in June, the retail pharmacy chain said Thursday.

During the four-week period ended June 25, front-end sales were up 1.5% over the same period last year, while pharmacy sales increased by 1.9%, including a reduction of about 163 basis points due to new introductions of generic drugs.

Total drug store sales for the month increased 1% to $1.93 billion, compared with $1.91 billion in June 2010.

Lewisville, Texas -- Consumer deal-seeking is here to stay, according to a new report by Parago. The study, Shopper Trend Report: Values, Deals & How Far They’re Willing To Go To Get Them, provides a comprehensive look at the entire deal landscape, from traditional clipped coupons to mobile applications. It finds that deal-finding has evolved from a necessity for cash-strapped consumers to an attractive, trendy activity that all shoppers now pursue. It also examines how these trends will likely continue to affect shopper behavior.

NEW YORK — Barnes & Noble is promoting the Nook by inviting customers to come into its stores to compare their e-readers with company's own version. Beginning July 1, customers can purchase a Nook, starting at $139, and receive an instant Nook Book collection -- 30 free digital titles valued at $315.