Data & Analytics

The number of planned store closures at Talbot’s was bumped to 110 units recently when the company reported disappointing first-quarter results and indicated most of the underperforming units would close during the second half of the year.

Hartford, Conn. -- RBS recently completed a $20 million senior credit facility for FM Global Holdings (FM Facility Maintenance). The proceeds will be used to provide working capital for growth and acquisition financing.

PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y. — NPD Group named Perry James, a 16-year veteran with the research firm, as the new president of home and office supplies. 

James replaces Peter Goldman, who moved on to a position within NPD as SVP technology analyst business. 

Before his current position, James was president of NPD’s office supplies and software businesses. From 2005 through 2007, he was with the home group on the business development side.

Amsterdam -- Dutch retailer Koninklijke Ahold N.V. reported Tuesday that profit for the first quarter increased 6% to $423.84 million, citing a 6% sales rise and lowered operating costs for the improved performance.

Ahold generates more than half its sales in the United States through its Stop & Shop, Giant Carlisle and Giant Landover banners. In the Netherlands, it operates under the Albert Heijn banner.

The company didn't give any guidance or detail on its growth strategy.
 

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Boyd Clark was named SVP buying at Big 5 Sporting Goods following the resignation of long-time head merchant Thomas Schlauch, the company announced.

Miami -- NGC said Tuesday that Aeropostale has selected its supply chain management software as the retailer’s international supply chain management system.

According to NGC, Aeropostale wanted to improve visibility, collaboration and communication between its vendors and international licensees.

CHICAGO and CAMBRIDGE, Mass. and SPRINGFIELD, Mass. and BOSTON — Through a partnership with Incentive Targeting and HaloEffect, Big Y Foods will become the first grocery retailer to offer Groupon deals digitally loaded to shoppers’ loyalty cards, the companies announced.

Austin, Texas -- Digby announced Tuesday that U.K. apparel retailer Republic has launched a mobile optimized website through Venda’s advanced mobile platform powered by Digby.

Through the platform, Republic is introducing mobile as a strategic channel that complements its e-commerce site and more than 110 retail stores across the United Kingdom. The mobile shopping experience will allow customers to search, browse and buy products in as little as 60 seconds from mobile devices such as iPhone/iPod Touch, BlackBerry and Android.