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By Derek Bonney, derek.bonney@manifestdigital.com

Technology has shifted everything, especially the retail experience. Not only has it changed how we locate, evaluate and purchase products or services, it has created a treasure trove of data for both retailers and marketers. So let’s examine something I call the “Retail Shift.”

New York -- More and more retailers are using digital technology to enhance the physical store experience and engage customers. In the latest example, Adidas has taken window shopping to a new level with an interactive digital window concept that connects with consumers’ smartphones, making it easy to shop at any time without an app or scanning various QR codes. Consumers shopping for the latest fashion items are using time during a six-week pilot test at the Adidas NEO Label store-front in Nürnberg, Germany.

By Jim Hogan, james.hogan@ge.com

The retail industry is a bellwether for U.S financial health given that consumer spending is roughly 60%-70% of the economy. While the economy has sent mixed signals of late -- consumer confidence down, unemployment up -- consumer credit has swung up decidedly and leading companies in a wide swath of retail segments can point to positive year-over-year same store sales. This is prompting some retailers -- particularly discount stores--to begin opening new stores.

Columbus, Ohio -- Express Inc. reported a 25% increase in net income for the second quarter. But the retailer slashed its profit outlook for the year and said that same-store sales barely rose last quarter and that it expects about the same for the rest of the year.

Express earned $15.8 million for the quarter ended July 28, better than analysts expected, compared with $12.6 million in the year-ago period.

Revenue increased 2% to $454.9 million, short of the $467 million analysts had expected. Same-store sales inched up 1%.

New York -- Greenway Medical Technologies Inc. has entered into a deal with Walgreen Co. whereby the drug store chain will use Greenway’s electronic health records in all of its stores.

Greenway said its records will allow Walgreen pharmacists to view a customer's entire prescription profile and health testing and immunization history even if the customer received those services at other Walgreen stores.

The service will be rolled out at all Walgreen stores by the end of next summer.

New York -- The Jones Group said Tuesday that its Nine West banner has launched a new YouTube network called Channel 9 that will feature premium programming and user-generated content.

"What we are creating goes far beyond providing branded content," said Richard Dickson, Jones Group president and CEO. "Channel 9 is a new and innovative first-to-market portal for the footwear and fashion obsessed that will bring brand adjacent content and entertainment to viewers.”

As a prelude to the upcoming World Retail Congress in London (Sept. 19-21), five retail leaders who will be speaking at the event participated in the following Q&A:

What would you say is the biggest issue facing retailers today?
 

By Shelley E. Kohan, shelley@bviretailnext.com

San Francisco -- Gap Inc. reported Thursday that net income for the quarter ended July 28 surged 29% to $243 million, prompting the retailer to raise its guidance for full-year 2012.

Sales increased 6% to $3.58 billion, compared with $3.39 billion for the second quarter last year. Same-store sales rose 4%.

“Our continued focus on product and store execution are helping to drive positive momentum and we’re committed to sustaining solid performance for the remainder of the year,”said Glenn Murphy, chairman and CEO.

The Annual State of the Industry Report is the centerpiece of this issue of Chain Store Age, and it’s a great read. It’s also very timely.

Michaels Stores is taking its energy conservation efforts to the next level. The arts and crafts retailer has rolled out several advanced extensions to its energy management system. The extensions are expected to bring Michaels’ total EMS-related savings to more than 30%.