Data & Analytics

The Harris Poll has released its 29th annual study of America’s top brands, and Kohl’s is one of the retail brands on top.   Kohl’s earned the top position in the department store category of the poll, in which more than 100,000 U.S. consumers assessed more than 4,000 brands across more than 450 categories.    Other retailers named as Brands of the Year included:     Luxury department store: Nordstrom  Off-price: TJ Maxx 

CVS Pharmacy continues to make a concerted effort to transform its stores, with the goal of fostering a better customer experience.   The retailer on Wednesday officially unveiled a new store design to enhance the retail customer experience with a new assortment of healthier food, health-focused products and expanded beauty selections, paired with informational signage throughout the store to help customers discover new offerings. The retailer hosted an event at The Garage in New York City on Wednesday to showcase the enhancements firsthand.

One of the fastest-growing regions in the nation--in both jobs and population — will be home to another retail-heavy mixed-use project.   RPS development and High Street Residential, a Trammel Crow unit, will be building 342,000 sq. ft. of retail and restaurant space encompassing 23 buildings in Allen, Texas, according to the Dallas Morning News.  

There’s no denying that Amazon has changed the face of retail, but there are many misconceptions about how the company actually operates. Many wrongly believe that Amazon makes most of its profits from e-commerce, while others incorrectly view Amazon as the long-tail poster child. Unfortunately, these fallacies are leading many retail companies into making bad strategic business decisions as they try to duplicate Amazon’s success.   The following is a breakdown of some Amazon myths along with a few takeaways: 

Amazon’s newest win could expand its foothold in the private-label apparel category.    The online giant won a patent on Tuesday, April 18, for an on-demand apparel manufacturing system. The solution includes a textile printer, textile cutter, and a computing device that will work in concert to design apparel once customers place an order.  

As more shoppers embrace digital solutions, apparel retailers must merge online and offline experiences to drive e-commerce sales.   This was according to “Apparel Trend Report: Reconciling the Tech with the Tactile,” a report from Criteo that highlights the latest shopping trends in the apparel and accessories retail category. The report offers insight into shifting shopper behavior and actionable intelligence for retailers and brands as they seek to fully capitalize on the apparel e-commerce ecosystem.  

Managing a diverse inventory and high transaction volume is no laughing matter.   This process becomes even harder when data is being supported by a legacy merchandising system. Ready for a change, Spencer’s conducted “an exhaustive search of the enterprise retail systems market,” according to the chain’s CIO Carey Lowrey.  

GNC Holdings’ income and revenue declined in the first quarter, but the company said it is encouraged by the results of its marketing and pricing revamp.    Net income totaled $23.9 million, or 35 cents per share during the quarter, compared with $50.8 million, or 69 cents per share, in the year-ago period year. Adjusted earnings were 37 cents per share, which was above estimates.   Revenue totaled $644.8 million during the quarter from $668.9 million last year, but still above estimates.