Eye-on-Retail Tipsheet 2/7/13: Walmart goes green on Twitter; PwC shopper study

“In-store Shopping Still Center of Shopping Experience, Says PwC US” “Retailers should have realistic expectations when it comes to channels and devices, as shopping trends may not change drastically and social media and tablets are likely not taking over any time soon according to our survey respondents,” said Susan McPartlin, PwC’s U.S. retail & consumer sector leader. “While many forecasts point toward devices and social media dominating in retail, companies today need to utilize their multiple channels to engage with consumers and use social media as a marketing and communication tool to create value. Our report finds that the physical store remains the centerpiece of the purchase journey, while devices are used significantly for product research and deals.” The report addresses 10 myths about multichannel retailing and captures some ideas that companies can consider to keep up with their customers…” Read more: https://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/latest.jsp?resourceid=6257062&access=EH

“Walmart and Mother Nature Network Take Search For Sustainability Ideas To Twittersphere” “Walmart and Mother Nature Network are inviting people to share their ideas and innovations on Twitter for a chance to win a $100 Walmart gift card. The contest is inspired by The Leaderboard, a new editorial destination from Walmart and Mother Nature Network celebrating innovators and visionaries who are improving our world. The contest begins at 11 a.m. CST when @WalmartGreen will post the inaugural question: “Tell us your idea for an eco-friendly gift for your Valentine.” To be eligible to win, users must follow @WalmartGreen and reply to @WalmartGreen with their response.” Read more: https://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/latest.jsp?resourceid=6258427&access=EH

“How Startups Should Prepare For The Day When Technology Merges With Our Brains” by Megan Rose Dickey at Business Insider. “By 2045, human beings will become a new species, half human, half machine. Or so futurist Ray Kurzweil believes…So what does that mean for startups today? In order to prepare for the singularity, Rose says, entrepreneurs need to figure out what technology will change and over how long, determine what effect that technology will have on a particular market, figure out what holes there will be to fill, and then actually build a business that will intercept that market hole when it comes around. Amazon, Rose says, is the perfect example of a company that built a business with the singularity in mind. Read more: https://www.businessinsider.com/amazon-is-a-singularity-focused-company-2013-2#ixzz2KDJtPaKC

“Costco Wholesale Corporation Reports January Sales Results” “Costco Wholesale Corporation today reported net sales of $9.35 billion for the month of January, the five weeks ended February 3, 2013, an increase of seven percent from $8.74 billion during the similar period last year…For the first twenty-two weeks of its fiscal year ended February 3, 2013, the Company reported net sales of $43.77 billion, an increase of nine percent from $40.18 billion during the similar period last year.” Read more: https://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=83830&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1782612&highlight=

“The Home Depot Canada To Hire 6700 Associates For Spring Season” “The Home Depot Canada is currently hiring 6700 employees to support its anticipated sales growth this spring. As both the company’s busiest hiring and selling period, spring serves as The Home Depot’s annual peak season, similar to the Christmas selling season for many retailers. “As part of the world’s largest home improvement retailer and a leader in the industry, we’re gearing up for continued success in 2013,” said Bill Lennie president, The Home Depot Canada.” Read more: https://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/latest.jsp?resourceid=6255823&access=EH

“Who wins the grocery war: Walmart or grocery store?” at USA Today (Video). “A Minnesota grocery store chain (Cub) goes head-to-head with Walmart on which outlet will save shoppers more money on everyday needs.” See more: https://www.usatoday.com/videos/news/nation/2013/02/06/who-wins-the-grocery-war-walmart-or-grocery-store/1897559/

“Target needs other catalysts other than entry into Canada” by Jonathan Ratner at Financial Post. ““Over the past three years, Target has launched multiple initiatives, but they seemingly haven’t delivered a significant change in business momentum,” said Michael Exstein, a New York-based analyst at Credit Suisse. The company’s current initiatives include converting stores to the PFresh grocery format to encourage more frequent visits by shoppers, growing the REDcard rewards program, and reducing the number and duration of non-food promotions such as Missoni and Neiman Marcus to minimize gross margin rate risk. Despite these efforts, Mr. Exstein noted that Target has only reported two quarters of same-store sales above 4% in the past three years. “Consequently, we wonder, has Target arrived at the point where its sales growth is simply subject to U.S. GDP?” the analyst asked.” Read more: https://business.financialpost.com/2013/02/06/target-needs-other-catalysts-other-than-entry-into-canada/

“Why Walgreens Isn’t That Interested In The Mobile Gaming Business” by Laura Stampler at Business Insider. “Walgreens’ mobile app isn’t that much fun, and that’s OK, head of digital marketing and emerging media Rich Lesperance said at Business Insider’s Social Commerce Summit. “As we see mobile increasingly used in the stores you are questioning how much fun people want to be having while they’re at the store,” Lesperance said. “Ask, ‘Do people want to play a game while they’re at Walgreens?'” Read more: https://www.businessinsider.com/why-walgreens-feels-ok-about-not-being-much-fun-on-social-media-2013-2#ixzz2KDLdZwBg

“CVS Caremark Reports Record Fourth Quarter And Full Year 2012 Results”

Full Year Highlights:

* Net revenues increased 15.0% to a record $123.1 billion, with Pharmacy Services up 24.7% and Retail Pharmacy up 6.8%

* Retail Pharmacy segment same store sales increased 5.5%

* Operating profit increased 14.2% to a record $7.2 billion

* Adjusted EPS of $3.43, excluding the loss on early extinguishment of debt

* Generated free cash flow of $5.2 billion; cash flow from operations of $6.7 billion

“New Brand Satisfaction Study Reveals The Top 20 Brands with The Most Loyal Fans on Facebook” “Brand Satisfaction compiled millions of responses from Facebook Fans of over 15,000 Facebook pages to determine the Top 20 brands with the most loyal Fans.The surprising survey findings reveal that a non-profit tops the list over brand stalwarts Facebook and Google:”

1. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

2. Facebook

3. Google

4. Walt Disney World

5. ALDI USA

6. Xbox

7. Starbucks Frappuccino

8. Google Chrome

9. Duncan Hines

10. Adobe Photoshop

11. Tim Hortons

12. Hershey’s

13. In-N-Out Burger

14. Dove Chocolates

15. NFL

16. Portillo’s

17. BRAVO

18. Disneyland

19. Dollar Tree

20. AMC Theatre

Thanks for reading…

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