PR

molly.reynolds@sikich.com

Molly Reynolds / Kristin Ellertson

Sikich Marketing & Public Relations

(312) 541-9300 ext. 107 / 101

kellertson@sikich.com

Retail Sales, Traffic Continue to Improve in First Half, Says ShopperTrak

2/12/2013 11:24:24 AM

– Shopper-counting company estimates increased shopper activity –

CHICAGO – Feb. 13, 2013 – Shopper activity will continue to improve intermittently through the first half of 2013, according to ShopperTrak, the world’s largest counter of retail foot traffic.

ShopperTrak estimates that during the first quarter of 2013, national retail sales will increase 3.2 percent and retail foot traffic will increase 3.5 percent, when compared to the same period last year. The company estimates that during the second quarter of 2013, national retail sales will increase 2.9 percent, though foot traffic will remain flat with a zero percent change, when compared to the same period in 2012.

“This year is starting strong,” said ShopperTrak Founder Bill Martin. “Indeed, the first quarter will not only include the usual sales events for Valentine's Day and Presidents Day, but also grab Easter sales as the holiday falls earlier in the calendar this year. This activity will cause a spike in the first quarter and a lull in the second, for which retailers need to prepare.”

Holiday Ups and Downs

Retailers pushed to extend the high levels of holiday season shopping activity into the first quarter of the year. The Martin Luther King Jr. holiday fell on Jan. 21, several days later than it has been the past few years. This gave retailers extra time to promote their post-holiday sales. Many of them seized the opportunity and were able to drive elevated levels of retail sales and foot traffic.

This surge in shopper activity calmed in late January. The shopping lull between Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Valentine’s Day generally is brief because consumers soon begin to shop for their valentines. ShopperTrak forecasts that Winter Storm Nemo will negatively impact retail traffic and sales for this Valentine’s Day.

“Winter Storm Nemo pounded the Northeast during the final weekend before the holiday, impeding foot traffic to stores,” said Martin. “Traffic could be impacted further based on how long the region requires to recover. However, many shoppers will head back to stores the following weekend for Presidents Day sales.”

ShopperTrak forecasts that retail sales and foot traffic will continue to steadily increase through Easter, which falls on March 31 this year. The early date places the holiday and its shopper activity within the first quarter, sapping sales and traffic from April and the second quarter.

“Easter generally drives a flurry of shopping for spring clothes, shoes and gifts,” said Martin. “While the holiday’s traffic and sales usually boost the second quarter, this year Easter activity will be attributed to March. After planning their marketing and operations against the first quarter holidays, retailers will need to carefully manage and optimize their operations to the shopper activity throughout the second quarter.”

About ShopperTrak’s NRSE

ShopperTrak measures foot traffic in more than 60,000 global locations and analyzes the data in a proprietary, econometric model to create its ShopperTrak National Retail Sales Estimate™ (NRSE) of general merchandise, apparel and accessories, furniture and other sales (GAFO). Its estimate precedes the federal government’s official reports by several weeks.

About ShopperTrak

ShopperTrak is a retail technology company that anonymously counts people, analyzes data and identifies opportunities to increase revenue for retailers, mall developers and entertainment venues. Founded in 1995, ShopperTrak counts billions of shoppers annually in more than 60,000 locations across 75 countries. The Chicago-based company has more than 200 employees with offices in High Wycombe, England; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Shenzhen, China; and San Francisco, Calif. Find out more at http://www.shoppertrak.com.

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Media Contacts:

Teresa Krueger

ShopperTrak

(312) 529-5414

Molly Reynolds / Kristin Ellertson

The Reynolds Communications Group

(312) 541-9300 ext. 107 / 101

kellertson@reynoldsgroup.com

ShopperTrak Adds New Interior Counting Feature to Managed Service Solution for Retailers

1/14/2013 7:32:35 AM

NRF CONFERENCE AND EXPO, NEW YORK – January 14, 2013 — A new shopper counting feature that allows retailers to count shoppers in each department or at various locations throughout the store is now available from ShopperTrak, the world’s largest counter and analyzer of retail foot traffic.

This enhancement to ShopperTrak’s existing Managed Service uses in-store location technology to help retailers make more informed decisions at store, department and product levels. The wireless technology is both easy to install and to adapt to ever-changing store merchandise displays.

Designed to collect shopper data from store level down to the precision of one square meter, the interior counting feature measures both the number of customers in the area (represented graphically with heat mapping) and shopper dwell time (the amount of time shoppers remain in one area).

These insights, combined with the store's anonymized foot-traffic data and conversion rates, help retailers fine-tune their observations about shopper engagement and make better business decisions. Store managers, for example, can staff with greater precision by positioning employees in the areas with the highest shopper traffic. The new counting feature also allows them to adjust the merchandise mix, signage and store layout to encourage shopper engagement. Further, it enables them to measure marketing effectiveness at the department or product level.

“The enhanced Managed Service offers our customers powerful new insights into what is happening in their stores,” said ShopperTrak Chief Marketing Officer Ed Marcheselli. “Retailers can define and measure in-store counting zones for a deeper understanding of shopper engagement and conversion — and better serve customers.”

To learn more, visit ShopperTrak booth 2229 at the NRF Conference & Expo.

About ShopperTrak

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Media Contacts:

Teresa Krueger

ShopperTrak

(312) 529-5414

Kristin Ellertson / Anahita Wadia Khan

The Reynolds Communications Group

(312) 541-9300 ext. 101 / 104

ShopperTrak Launches Enhanced, Web-based Reporting Portal

1/14/2013 7:30:25 AM

– Provides More Powerful Retail Insights and Decision Support Tools –

NRF CONFERENCE AND EXPO, NEW YORK – January 14, 2013 – An enhanced reporting portal newly-launched by ShopperTrak, the world’s largest counter and analyzer of retail foot traffic, now makes it easy for retailers to find answers quickly to their most pressing questions regarding marketing and operations.

ShopperTrak’s enhanced web-based portal simplifies data management by providing users with rapid access to critical insights that can be tailored to each manager’s needs. The portal features a sleek, intuitive design and showcases store performance metrics – including conversion rates, STAR (shopper-to-associate ratio) and Power Hours™ – to identify improvement opportunities. Customers combine benchmark retail traffic data and analytics with information from their workforce management and POS solutions to gather a more comprehensive picture of their retail operation.

“We now make it even easier for retailers to run their stores efficiently and profitably by giving them the information they need, when they need it,” said ShopperTrak Chief Marketing Officer Edward Marcheselli. “Our customers come to us with specific questions that vary based on their roles. The new portal will help a marketing executive find insights based on store foot traffic changes resulting from a promotional campaign. An operations manager will be able to quickly identify the top- and bottom-performing stores in the region. All of our customers can zero in quickly on those insights most critical to improving their business bottom lines.”

To learn more, visit the ShopperTrak booth 2229 at the NRF Conference & Expo.

About ShopperTrak

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Media Contacts:

Teresa Krueger

ShopperTrak

(312) 529-5414

Kristin Ellertson / Anahita Wadia Khan

The Reynolds Communications Group

(312) 541-9300 ext. 101 / 104

Holiday Season Ends on Positive Note for Retailers, According to ShopperTrak

1/9/2013 9:00:00 AM

— Retail Sales, Foot Traffic Increased this Season —

CHICAGO — January 9, 2013 — More shoppers spent more at the cash register during the 2012 holiday season than they did the previous year, according to ShopperTrak, the world’s largest counter of retail foot traffic.

ShopperTrak estimates that during the holiday shopping season of November and December 2012, national retail sales increased 2.5% and foot traffic also increased 2.5% when compared to the same two months last year. ShopperTrak’s initial data indicates that shoppers spent $248.8 billion during this period. The U.S. Department of Commerce will release its December GAFO sales numbers in February.

The 2012 holiday season marked the third consecutive year with positive total retail sales. It also was the second holiday season of the past three with positive foot traffic changes.

“Our data indicates that more people visited more stores this holiday season than the previous year,” said ShopperTrak Founder Bill Martin. “Retailers who understood their foot traffic were able to staff, stock and market to best serve their customers, ultimately converting more of the browsers into buyers.”

Strong End to the Season

The 2012 holiday season had the longest interval possible between Black Friday and Christmas. Within these 32 days, shoppers had an extra weekend of holiday shopping. As a result, many consumers procrastinated in finishing their holiday shopping.

But once the late-bloomers headed out to stores, their last-minute shopping and post-Christmas exchanges drove large increases in both retail sales and foot traffic during the final days of December. ShopperTrak forecasts that for the week ending Dec. 29, sales increased 18 percent and traffic increased 14.4 percent compared to the same period last year. This indicates the largest year-over-year increase of the holiday season.

“Heavy discounting by retailers at the end of December led to increases in shopper activity across the board,” said Martin.

Indeed, ShopperTrak estimates that three of the busiest foot traffic days occurred in late December. Though “Black Weekend” held its own – Black Friday, Nov. 23, retains the top spot and Saturday, Nov. 24 comes in as the fifth-busiest traffic day – the weekends leading up to Christmas saw the most shoppers at stores and malls. ShopperTrak reports that “Super Saturday,” Dec. 22, was the second-busiest shopping day of the season, followed by Saturday, Dec. 15 in third and Sunday, Dec. 23 ranking fourth.

Similarly, the top sales days of the holidays took place largely toward the end of the season. Black Friday again led the pack, followed by Super Saturday. Dec. 23, Dec. 21, and Dec. 15, in that order, rounded out the top five best sales days of the holidays. They helped to close the holiday season on a high note, according to Martin.

“The presidential election and Hurricane Sandy drew consumers’ attention away from shopping at the outset of the holiday retail season,” said Martin. “However, lower unemployment, higher consumer confidence and stable gas prices positively influenced shoppers to make purchases this holiday season.”

For more information about ShopperTrak’s holiday season data and more, visit booth 2229 at the National Retail Federation’s Big Show, taking place Jan. 13-16 at the Javits Convention Center in New York, N.Y., or visit www.shoppertrak.com.

About ShopperTrak’s NRSE

About ShopperTrak

ShopperTrak is a retail technology company that anonymously counts people, analyzes data and identifies opportunities to increase revenue for retailers, mall developers and entertainment venues. Founded in 1995, ShopperTrak counts billions of shoppers annually in more than 50,000 locations across 74 countries. The Chicago-based company has more than 200 employees with offices in High Wycombe, England; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Shenzhen, China; and San Francisco, Calif. Find out more at http://www.shoppertrak.com.

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Media Contacts:

Teresa Krueger

ShopperTrak

(312) 529-5414

Molly Reynolds / Kristin Ellertson

The Reynolds Communications Group

(312) 541-9300 ext. 107 / 101

ShopperTrak Reports Retail Sales, Foot Traffic Increased Over Last Week

12/27/2012 8:57:32 AM

–Weekly sales up 39.1 percent –

CHICAGO – December 27, 2012 – Last-minute shopping activity drove large increases in both retail sales and foot traffic last week. ShopperTrak, the world’s largest counter of retail foot traffic, reported that for the week ending Dec. 22, sales increased 39.1 percent and traffic increased 32.0 percent compared to the previous week.

Compared to the same week last year, however, retail sales declined 2.5 percent and foot traffic declined 3.3 percent.

“This final week of shopping before Christmas finished strong,” said ShopperTrak Founder Bill Martin. “Procrastinators finally headed to the stores and helped several days of this past week secure places as the best-performing retail days of the year.”

“Super Saturday,” Dec. 22, was the second-busiest retail sales and foot traffic day of the year, behind Black Friday (Nov. 23). Additionally, Friday, Dec. 21, was the fourth-busiest sales and traffic day.

ShopperTrak forecasts that Wednesday, Dec. 26, will be the fifth-best retail foot traffic day and the seventh-best sales day of the year.

“Shopping on the day after Christmas won’t be as strong this year,” said Martin. “Last year, Dec. 26 fell on a Monday. Many people had the day off, which they spent shopping. This year, the day after Christmas was a Wednesday – many people were back at work, not out in stores.”

ShopperTrak will release its retail sales and foot traffic numbers for the week ending Dec. 29 as part of its holiday wrap-up news on Jan. 8.

About ShopperTrak’s NRSE

ShopperTrak measures foot-traffic in more than 50,000 global locations and analyzes the data in a proprietary, econometric model to create its ShopperTrak National Retail Sales Estimate™ (NRSE) of general merchandise, apparel and accessories, furniture and other sales (GAFO). Its estimate precedes the federal government’s official reports by several weeks. The U.S. Department of Commerce will release its December GAFO sales numbers in February.

About ShopperTrak

ShopperTrak is a retail technology company that anonymously counts people, analyzes data and identifies opportunities to increase revenue for retailers, mall developers and entertainment venues. Founded in 1995, ShopperTrak counts billions of shoppers annually in more than 50,000 locations across 74 countries. The Chicago-based company has more than 200 employees with offices in High Wycombe, England; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Shenzhen, China; and San Francisco, Calif. Find out more at http://www.shoppertrak.com.

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Media Contacts

Teresa Krueger

ShopperTrak

(312) 529-5414

Molly Reynolds / Kristin Ellertson

The Reynolds Communications Group

(312) 541-9300 ext. 107 / 101

ShopperTrak Lowers Holiday Sales Forecast

12/19/2012 12:12:19 PM

– Revised holiday forecast indicates 2.5 percent year-over-year sales increase –

CHICAGO – December 19, 2012 – Retail foot traffic and sales continued to increase last week, as the holidays drew nearer and more consumers headed back to stores. For the week ending Dec. 15, retail foot traffic increased 15.1 percent over the previous week. Retail sales increased 16.4 percent during the same period.

Though week-over-week traffic and sales increased, ShopperTrak, the world’s largest counter of retail foot traffic, reported traffic and sales were down from the same period last year. In year-over-year comparisons, foot traffic declined 4.4 percent and sales declined 4.3 percent.

“Hanukkah-related shopping helped boost retail sales last week, but many consumers delayed their Christmas shopping — and with good reason. They saw 32 shopping days between Black Friday and Christmas, the longest interval possible,” said Bill Martin, ShopperTrak founder. “However, time is running out and Christmas is less than one week away.

“As a result, we forecast the week ending Dec. 22 will experience the largest weekly sales volume of the year. And Saturday, Dec. 22 will be one of the five busiest shopping days of the season.”

Despite this last-minute rush, ShopperTrak now forecasts holiday sales for the months of November and December will increase by about 2.5 percent over last year — down slightly from the 3.3 percent increase it projected in September. ShopperTrak still maintains holiday season foot traffic will increase 2.8 percent over last year. This represents the first increase in retail foot traffic during the holiday season since the recession in 2008. Several factors contributed to the company’s decision to lower its forecast, including heavily discounted merchandise and the impact of Hurricane Sandy.

About the National Retail Sales Estimate (NRSE)

ShopperTrak measures foot traffic in more than 50,000 global locations and analyzes the data in a proprietary, econometric model to create its ShopperTrak National Retail Sales Estimate™ (NRSE) of general merchandise, apparel and accessories, furniture and other sales (GAFO). Its estimate precedes the federal government’s official reports by several weeks. The U.S. Department of Commerce will release its December GAFO sales numbers in February.

About ShopperTrak

ShopperTrak is a retail technology company that anonymously counts people, analyzes data and identifies opportunities to increase revenue for retailers, mall developers and entertainment venues. Founded in 1995, ShopperTrak counts billions of shoppers annually in more than 50,000 locations across 74 countries. The Chicago-based company has more than 200 employees with offices in High Wycombe, England; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Shenzhen, China; and San Francisco, Calif. Find out more at http://www.shoppertrak.com.

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Media Contacts

Teresa Krueger

ShopperTrak

(312) 529-5414

Molly Reynolds / Kristin Ellertson

The Reynolds Communications Group

(312) 541-9300 ext. 107 / 101

Retail Sales Increased Over Last Week, Says ShopperTrak

12/13/2012 10:23:20 AM

– Retail Foot Traffic for Week Ending Dec. 8 Up 7.8 Percent –

CHICAGO – December 13, 2012 – Shoppers continued their holiday quest during the week ending Dec. 8, according to ShopperTrak, the world’s largest counter of retail foot traffic. Consumer activity drove a 7.8 percent increase in foot traffic and 6.5 percent increase in sales from the previous week.

Consumers, however, were not as active as they were at this time last year, and retail foot traffic decreased 0.7 percent and sales decreased 1.5 percent when compared to the same period in 2011.

ShopperTrak expected last week’s slight lags in year-over-year foot traffic and sales. This holiday season holds an extra full weekend between Thanksgiving and Christmas, allowing shoppers more time to postpone their holiday purchases. Additionally, last week’s unseasonably mild weather across the country hindered sales of cold-weather seasonal merchandise.

While foot traffic and sales may have decreased slightly compared to last year, the week-over-week numbers improved, thanks in part to the onset of Chanukah. Many shoppers spent the week completing their purchases before the holiday began on Saturday, Dec. 8. ShopperTrak expects this pattern to continue with gains in foot traffic and sales leading up to the week of Dec. 16. The retail technology company forecasts that the week before Christmas will generate the largest weekly sales volume of the year.

“Shoppers have twelve days, including two full weekends, to complete their Christmas purchases,” said Bill Martin, ShopperTrak founder. “After this week, stores and malls are going to see business picking up as droves of consumers tick off the final items their shopping lists. The best way for retailers to translate this expected increase in retail foot traffic into more sales is to measure and manage their shopper conversion rates. This information will allow them to respond to the holiday shopper’s uneven behavior and secure their bottom lines as the year draws to a close.”

ShopperTrak analyzed retail foot traffic from more than 50,000 locations across 74 countries to create this National Retail Sales Estimate™ (NRSE) of general merchandise, apparel, accessories, furniture and other specialty categories.

About ShopperTrak

ShopperTrak is a retail technology company that anonymously counts people, analyzes data and identifies opportunities to increase revenue for retailers, mall developers and entertainment venues. Founded in 1995, ShopperTrak counts billions of shoppers annually in more than 50,000 locations across 74 countries. The Chicago-based company has more than 200 employees with offices in High Wycombe, England; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Shenzhen, China; and San Francisco, Calif.Find out more at http://www.shoppertrak.com.

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Media Contacts:

Teresa Krueger

ShopperTrak

(312) 529-5414

Molly Reynolds / Kristin Ellertson

The Reynolds Communications Group

(312) 541-9300 ext. 107 / 101

Slight Increase in Retail Sales for Week after Thanksgiving Compared to 2011

12/6/2012 10:23:23 AM

– Retail Foot Traffic for Week of Nov. 25 Up 3.7 Percent –

CHICAGO – December 5, 2012 – Retailers restocked their inventory and recovered from busy Black Friday sales during the week after the Thanksgiving holiday. Meanwhile, retail foot traffic increased 3.7 percent and sales increased 2.3 percent year-over-year for the week beginning Nov. 25, ending Dec. 1. This represented a 28.8 percent decline in traffic and 22.4 percent decline in sales from the 2012 Black Friday shopping week.

According to ShopperTrak — the world’s largest counter of retail foot traffic — this sharp decline in retail foot traffic and sales is typical of the week following Thanksgiving. Shoppers may visit stores for Black Friday promotions, but often stay at home the following week as they assess current budgets and create new shopping lists.

“The holiday season has just begun. Black Friday shopping remains an American tradition – and consumers took advantage of promotions the entire week this year. Many usually scale back their in-store visits around this time in favor of online shopping for Cyber Monday deals,” ShopperTrak founder Bill Martin said. “We expect consumers to return to stores in increasing numbers to complete their holiday shopping in the coming weeks.”

With 20 more shopping days left before Christmas, shoppers have two full weeks and three weekends to make their lists and check them twice this holiday season. Some may wait for retailers to reduce prices prior to Christmas for last-minute deals. As a result, ShopperTrak predicts the week before Christmas – week of Dec. 16 – to be the largest retail sales week of the year.

“Right now provides the best shopping experience for holiday shoppers who don’t like crowds but still want a good merchandise selection,” said Martin. “To take advantage of the expected increase in retail foot traffic, retailers must understand their shopper conversion rates to respond to changing shopper behavior and increase their profitability.”

About ShopperTrak

ShopperTrak is a retail technology company that anonymously counts people, analyzes data and identifies opportunities to increase revenue for retailers, mall developers and entertainment venues. Founded in 1995, ShopperTrak counts billions of shoppers annually in more than 50,000 locations across 74 countries. The Chicago-based company has more than 200 employees with offices in High Wycombe, England; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; and Shenzhen, China. Find out more at http://www.shoppertrak.com.

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Media Contacts:

Teresa Krueger

ShopperTrak

(312) 529-5414

Kristin Ellertson / Molly Reynolds

The Reynolds Communications Group

(312) 541-9300 ext. 101/107

Retail Foot Traffic Up 8.2 Percent During “Black Weekend,” Says ShopperTrak

11/27/2012 3:26:03 PM

CHICAGO – November 27, 2012 – Consumer behavior changed this year, as more Americans began or ended Thanksgiving Day by embracing early “Black Friday” deals and visiting stores on Thursday.

ShopperTrak, the world’s largest counter of retail foot traffic, estimates that, when compared to “Black Weekend” last year, retail foot traffic rose 8.2 percent, to more than 594 million store visits. Retail sales increased 2.7 percent, with shoppers spending about $22 billion across the weekend’s four days. Thursday’s “door-buster” deals drove sales and traffic earlier in the weekend.

“Shoppers follow value. And this year, for the first time, retailers presented significant value for shopping on Thanksgiving Day,” said Bill Martin, ShopperTrak founder. “So even though retail sales were slightly down on Black Friday, traffic and sales for the weekend as a whole increased over 2011.”

An Expanding “Black Weekend”

Last year, “Black Weekend” (Thursday through Sunday) accounted for 8.6 percent of sales during the entire holiday season of November and December. According to Martin, the importance of a single shopping day such as “Black Friday” may be changing as retailers promote the holiday season earlier and expand promotions across more days.

“The Monday through Wednesday before Thanksgiving had foot traffic increases as well,” said Martin. “This indicates that some retailers are turning ‘Black Friday’ into a week-long event, and more consumers are visiting stores earlier in the week.”

During “Black Weekend” 2011, shoppers spent $21.4 billion, compared to this year’s $22 billion. Though Friday’s sales dipped a bit, both Saturday and Sunday saw foot traffic and sales increases when compared to last year.

Martin sees this four-day weekend as a strong beginning to the 32 days of shopping between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

“To take advantage of the increased retail foot traffic during the holidays – or at any time of year – retailers must understand their shopper conversion rates,” said Martin. “Tracking the number of browsers they turn into buyers will help them respond to changing shopper behavior and increase their profitability.”

About ShopperTrak

ShopperTrak is a retail technology company that anonymously counts people, analyzes data and identifies opportunities to increase revenue for retailers, mall developers and entertainment venues. Founded in 1995, ShopperTrak counts billions of shoppers annually in more than 50,000 locations across 74 countries. The Chicago-based company has more than 200 employees with offices in High Wycombe, England; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; and Shenzhen, China. Find out more at http://www.shoppertrak.com.

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Media Contacts:

Teresa Krueger

ShopperTrak

(312) 529-5414

Molly Reynolds / Kristin Ellertson

The Reynolds Communications Group

(312) 541-9300 ext. 107 / 101

www.shoppertrak.com/news-resources/news/2012-11/2012-black-friday-media-kit

Retail Foot Traffic Up, Sales Slightly Down on Black Friday, Says ShopperTrak

11/24/2012 4:32:37 PM

CHICAGO – November 24, 2012 – Black Friday proved to be a mixed bag for retailers, as retail foot traffic increased over last year, but retail sales decreased slightly.

ShopperTrak, the world’s largest counter of retail foot traffic, estimates that, when compared to Black Friday last year, retail foot traffic rose 3.5 percent, to more than 307.67 million store visits. Retail sales decreased 1.8 percent, however, with shoppers spending an estimated total of $11.2 billion yesterday.

“Black Friday continues to be an important day in retail,” said Bill Martin, ShopperTrak founder. “This year, though, more retailers than last year began their ‘doorbuster’ deals on Thursday, Thanksgiving itself. So while foot traffic did increase on Friday, those Thursday deals attracted some of the spending that’s usually meant for Friday.”

ShopperTrak said that total foot traffic by region, compared to 2011 Black Friday, changed as follows:

Midwest: increased 12.9%
Northeast: increased 7.6%
South: increased 8.7%
West: decreased 11.3 %

Foot traffic increased by 0.7 percent in the apparel sector.

According to Martin, shoppers are returning to stores. Election-related distractions have ceased, the Northeast is recovering from extreme storms and consumer confidence is rising. Still, shoppers remain value-conscious, taking advantage of Black Friday deals – even if some of those deals started a bit early.

“Black Friday shopping continues to expand into Thanksgiving Day and will impact the way we look at all of the ‘Black’ weekend results, since more shopping hours allows for more shopping visits and a smoothing of sales across all of the days,” said Martin.

Last year, Black Friday foot traffic increased over 2010 by 4.7%. In 2011, consumers spent $11.4 billion on Black Friday, up from $10.69 billion in 2010.

Overall, Black Friday has provided a strong kickoff to the main holiday shopping season – those days between Thanksgiving and Christmas. To sustain foot traffic and convert it into high sales, however, Martin says retailers will need to understand their shopper conversion rates to take full advantage of increased shopper opportunity.

On Tuesday, Nov. 27 at 3:30 p.m. CT, ShopperTrak will release the sales and traffic statistics for the entire “Black” weekend.

Please follow this link to access graphics for Black Friday sales and foot traffic:

Line graph: Black Friday Total Retail Sales 2010-2012
Line graph: Black Friday Total Retail Foot Traffic 2010-2012

About ShopperTrak

ShopperTrak is a retail technology company that anonymously counts people, analyzes data and identifies opportunities to increase revenue for retailers, mall developers and entertainment venues. Founded in 1995, ShopperTrak counts billions of shoppers annually in more than 50,000 locations across 74 countries. The Chicago-based company has more than 200 employees with offices in High Wycombe, England; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; and Shenzhen, China. Find out more at http://www.shoppertrak.com.

Media Contacts:

Teresa Krueger

ShopperTrak

(312) 529-5414

Kristin Ellertson / Molly Reynolds

The Reynolds Communications Group

(847) 338-4260 / (847) 436-6115

10 Best Days to Shop this Holiday Season, from ShopperTrak

11/13/2012 8:15:00 AM

CHICAGO — November 13, 2012 — ShopperTrak, world’s largest counter and analyzer of retail foot traffic, forecasts that certain days during this hectic holiday shopping season will be quieter than others. The “10 best days to shop” are those with the least amount of foot traffic in stores. The weekdays after the busy Thanksgiving weekend top the list.

“This holiday shopping season — November and December — will be busier than in 2011. More shoppers will visit more stores,” said Bill Martin, ShopperTrak founder. “But even though consumer demand will increase, retailers still will offer plenty of specials and discounts. The 10 lightest shopping days, in terms of foot traffic, will present an opportunity for shoppers to secure the best customer service and potentially the best deals.”

These best days to shop will be Monday through Thursday following Thanksgiving weekend, with Tuesday, Nov. 27, taking the top place.

During the Black Friday weekend last year, 684 million store visits resulted in $20.8 billion in retail purchases. ShopperTrak predicts this Black Friday (Nov. 23) will again be the holiday season’s top-performing day for both retail foot traffic and sales.

After this burst of spending, most shoppers will temporarily reduce their shopping visits. Those who do return to stores Nov. 26-29, however, will be rewarded, as eager retailers will have more time to devote to individual customers as they inspect the sale merchandise.

“Black Friday is not for the faint of heart,” said Martin. “Shoppers must brave the crowds to take advantage of good deals. If they can venture back out after just a few days, however, they’ll have the full attention of store employees and plenty of remaining discounts.”

Resting after a shopping spree like Black Friday may feel prudent, but don’t wait too long, advises Martin. The “last-minute” crowds start to shop during the two weeks leading up to Christmas. Rounding out the 10 lightest days are Monday, Dec. 10, and Tuesday, Dec. 11. After that, the check-out lines grow and the parking lots fill. In fact, the following Saturday, Dec. 15, will be the third-busiest shopping day of the holiday season.

“Though every store’s foot traffic patterns differ, most see traffic trail off during weekday business hours – even during the holidays,” said Martin. “Shoppers deserve good customer service regardless of foot traffic levels, and retailers should plan for this fact. Understanding their foot traffic and shopper conversion rates will help retailers optimize their staffing and operations, enabling them to best serve their customers.”

The following lists ShopperTrak’s forecasted best days to shop, ranked from least to most retail foot traffic:

Rank	Date	Day of Week
1	Nov. 27	Tuesday
2	Nov. 26	Monday
3	Nov. 28	Wednesday
4	Dec. 4	Tuesday
5	Nov. 29	Thursday
6	Dec. 3	Monday
7	Dec. 5	Wednesday
8	Dec. 6	Thursday
9	Dec. 10	Monday
10	Dec. 11	Tuesday

About ShopperTrak

ShopperTrak is a retail technology company that anonymously counts people, analyzes data and identifies opportunities to increase revenue for retailers, mall developers and entertainment venues. Founded in 1995, ShopperTrak counts billions of shoppers annually in more than 50,000 locations across 74 countries. The Chicago-based company has more than 200 employees with offices in High Wycombe, England; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; and Shenzhen, China. Find out more at http://www.shoppertrak.com.

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Media Contacts:

Teresa Krueger

ShopperTrak

(312) 529-5414

Molly Reynolds / Kristin Ellertson

The Reynolds Communications Group

(312) 541-9300 ext. 107 /101

10 Best Days to Shop this Holiday Season, from ShopperTrak

11/13/2012 8:15:00 AM

These best days to shop will be Monday through Thursday following Thanksgiving weekend, with Tuesday, Nov. 27, taking the top place.

The following lists ShopperTrak’s forecasted best days to shop, ranked from least to most retail foot traffic:

Rank	Date	Day of Week
1	Nov. 27	Tuesday
2	Nov. 26	Monday
3	Nov. 28	Wednesday
4	Dec. 4	Tuesday
5	Nov. 29	Thursday
6	Dec. 3	Monday
7	Dec. 5	Wednesday
8	Dec. 6	Thursday
9	Dec. 10	Monday
10	Dec. 11	Tuesday

About ShopperTrak

ShopperTrak is a retail technology company that anonymously counts people, analyzes data and identifies opportunities to increase revenue for retailers, mall developers and entertainment venues. Founded in 1995, ShopperTrak counts billions of shoppers annually in more than 50,000 locations across 74 countries. The Chicago-based company has more than 200 employees with offices in High Wycombe, England; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; and Shenzhen, China. Find out more at http://www.shoppertrak.com.

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Media Contacts:

Teresa Krueger

ShopperTrak

(312) 529-5414

Molly Reynolds / Kristin Ellertson

The Reynolds Communications Group

(312) 541-9300 ext. 107 /101

ShopperTrak Advises Retailers to Prepare for 10 Busiest Holiday Shopping Days

10/30/2012 4:05:00 AM

CHICAGO — November 2, 2012 — While the greatest possible number of shopping days — 32 — lie between Black Friday and Christmas this year, it’s how retailers prepare for just 10 of those that will likely determine their success for the holiday season. That’s the guidance of ShopperTrak, the world’s largest counter and analyzer of retail foot traffic.

ShopperTrak predicts that national retail sales, when compared to the same period last year, will rise 3.3 percent during the peak holiday shopping months of November and December. Retail foot traffic will increase 2.8 percent.

Last year’s 10 busiest shopping days accounted for more than one-third (36.5 percent) of sales of general merchandise, apparel, furniture and other products (GAFO) for the November and December holiday season. This drove a 3.7 percent increase in total GAFO retail sales over 2010.

The expected sales increases of 2012 won’t come without effort, though. ShopperTrak says retailers will have to earn them.

“Those 32 days provide extra time for consumers to shop more frequently and to visit more stores during the holidays,” said Bill Martin, ShopperTrak founder. “But retailers must prepare to capitalize on the holiday opportunity while managing the increase in operating costs that go hand-in-hand with extended store hours on more shopping days.

“To make the most of these ‘bonus days,’ they’ll need to account for the calendar shift, as this year’s busiest days will be different than those of prior years. Retailers also will need to better understand and manage their store foot traffic and focus on improving shopper-conversion rates to increase sales.”

Central to this year’s increased retail foot traffic and sales are the two extra weekends in the holiday season that result from Christmas falling on a Tuesday. One “extra” weekend will occur between Thanksgiving and Christmas; the second will fall between Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Weekends are vital to retailing, as seven of the top 10 retail traffic days and six of the top 10 sales days will fall on the six weekends between Nov. 23 (Black Friday) and Dec. 31.

As usual, holiday shopping will begin in earnest the day after Thanksgiving. This year, ShopperTrak expects that Black Friday will be the single biggest sales and foot traffic day of this holiday season. In 2011, Black Friday sales increased 6.6 percent over the same day of 2010. This resulted in $11.4 billion in retail purchases – the largest dollar amount ever spent on that day. Retail foot traffic rose accordingly, increasing by 5.1 percent over Black Friday 2010.

“This unusually long season presents retailers with opportunities and challenges. They’ll have a golden opportunity to convert more browsers into buyers, but they’ll have to prepare to manage increased operating costs,” said Martin. “Retailers will need to optimize staffing, scheduling, marketing and advertising with the calendar and individual store trends in mind.”

The following shows ShopperTrak’s forecasted busiest holiday sales and traffic days:

Sales Rank	Traffic Rank	Date
1	1	Friday, Nov. 23 (Black Friday)
2	2	Saturday, Dec. 22 (Super Saturday)
3	3	Saturday, Dec. 15
4	8	Friday, Dec. 21
5	6	Sunday, Dec. 23
6	4	Saturday, Dec. 8
7	5	Wednesday, Dec. 26 (Day after Christmas)
8	7	Saturday, Nov. 24 (Black Saturday)
9	-	Thursday, Dec. 20
10	-	Saturday, Dec. 29
-	9	Sunday, Dec. 16
-	10	Saturday, Dec. 1

About ShopperTrak

ShopperTrak is a retail technology company that anonymously counts people, analyzes data and identifies opportunities to increase revenue for retailers, mall developers and entertainment venues. Founded in 1995, ShopperTrak counts billions of shoppers annually in more than 50,000 locations across 74 countries. The Chicago-based company has more than 200 employees with offices in High Wycombe, England; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; and Shenzhen, China. Find out more at http://www.shoppertrak.com.

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Media Contacts:

Teresa Krueger

ShopperTrak

(312) 529-5414

Kristin Ellertson / Molly Reynolds

The Reynolds Communications Group

(312) 541-9300 ext. 101 / 107

ShopperTrak Acquires Silicon Valley-Based ReTel Technologies

10/29/2012 11:00:00 AM

— Enhanced people counting solution offers advanced, in-store analytics to retailers —

CHICAGO — October 29, 2012 — ShopperTrak, the world’s largest counter of retail foot traffic, announced today the acquisition of ReTel Technologies Inc. (ReTel), a Silicon Valley-based provider of hybrid video auditing solutions and advanced shopper analysis.

ShopperTrak will integrate ReTel’s technology with its Managed Service to deliver an unprecedented level of shopper insights to retailers. Once available with ShopperTrak’s core offerings, the new capabilities will provide retailers with rapid access to customer demographics, queue analysis, speed-of-service and sales process effectiveness.

“ReTel’s technology serves as an ideal complement to our industry-leading people counting service,” said ShopperTrak Chief Marketing Officer Ed Marcheselli. “In addition to our existing suite of retail traffic analytics, ShopperTrak will be offering insight into store performance factors that directly affect both the customer’s experience and the retailer’s revenue.”

ReTel developed technology that securely audits videos to provide advanced reports for retailers. When combined with ShopperTrak’s Managed Service, the new audits will help retailers compare sales associate behavior and improve the customer experience.

“ShopperTrak's enhanced Managed Service offering will provide retailers comprehensive data and analysis for all areas of a retail setting, whether at the door or a space within,” said ReTel CEO George Aspland. “We can now help retailers see the complete picture and provide insights that support both marketing and operations.”

In addition to adding new service capabilities to ShopperTrak’s Managed Service offering, ReTel’s San Francisco-based team will also establish ShopperTrak’s presence in Silicon Valley.

“The past few years have seen a rapid expansion in new retail technologies emerging from this region,” said Marcheselli. “A presence in Silicon Valley will enable us to capitalize on emerging technology trends that offer advantages for our customers. It also will allow us to partner with technology companies that can benefit from ShopperTrak’s unique data and analytics.”

About ShopperTrak

ShopperTrak is a retail technology company that anonymously counts people, analyzes data and identifies opportunities to increase revenue for retailers, mall developers and entertainment venue operators. Founded in 1995, ShopperTrak counts billions of shoppers annually in more than 50,000 locations across 74 countries. The Chicago-based company has more than 200 employees with offices in High Wycombe, England; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; and Shenzhen, China. Find out more at http://www.shoppertrak.com.

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Media Contacts:

Teresa Krueger

ShopperTrak

(312) 529-5414

Kristin Ellertson / Molly Reynolds

The Reynolds Communications Group

(312) 541-9300 ext. 101 / 107

ShopperTrak partners with San Diego Padres on ballpark store

10/2/2012 7:36:21 AM

— Retail intelligence from leading people counting company to be used to optimize store performance, fan experience —

CHICAGO, Ill. — September 25, 2012 — Many Major League Baseball teams use analytics to optimize their rosters. The San Diego Padres have adapted the practice for use outside the realm of baseball operations, in an effort to optimize shopper experience at the Padres Majestic Team Store in Petco Park.

The Padres and implemented ShopperTrak's Managed Service to gather anonymous foot-traffic data trend analytics in February. Delaware North, a leading hospitality management company, manages the team's ballpark store.

“Retail is an important part of the sports fan experience,” said Padres Senior Vice President, Business Operations Brent Stehlik. “ShopperTrak allows us to accurately measure our store performance, in an effort to monitor the effectiveness of our signage and promotions, with the goal of increasing the percentage of fans who enter the store and make purchases. The company’s expertise in serving conventional and non-traditional retail outlets makes this industry leader's services especially attractive.”

Unlike traditional retailers, the Padres Majestic Team Store’s traffic varies significantly between game days and non-game days. The Majestic Team Store’s foot-traffic trends and conversion rates have helped managers take the right steps to capture the shopper opportunity afforded on days with increased ballpark traffic. Conversion numbers will be used in an effort to guide promotions from the Padres and store operator Delaware North to drive store traffic on non-game days and convert more browsers into buyers. Further, the store plans to employ traffic data to schedule staff more effectively and provide a better experience for the Padres fans.

“With our Managed Service installed in the ballpark store, Padres’ management can draw on fact-based insights to build its business and better serve its fan base,” said ShopperTrak CEO Christopher Ainsley. “Our service enables retailers to assess and improve operations and marketing effectiveness.”

About ShopperTrak

ShopperTrak is a retail technology company that anonymously counts people, analyzes data and identifies opportunities to increase revenue for retailers, mall developers and entertainment venues. Founded in 1995, ShopperTrak counts billions of shoppers annually in more than 50,000 locations across 74 countries. The Chicago-based company has more than 200 employees with offices in High Wycombe, England; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; and Shenzhen, China. Find out more at http://www.shoppertrak.com.

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Media Contacts:

Teresa Burgin Krueger

ShopperTrak

(312) 529-5414

Kristin Ellertson / Molly Reynolds

The Reynolds Communications Group

(312) 541-9300 ext. 101 / 107

ShopperTrak Adds In-Store Analytics to its Industry-Leading People Counting System

9/24/2012 1:43:55 PM

— New interior counting system to deliver shopper dwell times, heat mapping and more granular retail intelligence —

CHICAGO — September 24, 2012 — Today ShopperTrak announced the beta release of a new interior counting system for retailers in North America and the United Kingdom. The system builds on the company’s existing Managed Service people counting solution by adding wireless location technology from WirelessWERX™.

The enhanced Managed Service offering will enable retailers to make better decisions based on anonymized foot-traffic numbers and conversion rates at the store, within individual departments and in front of product displays.

“Our customers want more traffic-based insights into what is happening within the store, and our new interior counting system provides just that,” said ShopperTrak Chief Marketing Officer Ed Marcheselli. “Store managers at retail establishments of all sizes can define their in-store counting zones for a more precise understanding of shopper engagement and conversion.”

ShopperTrak is the world’s largest counter and analyzer of retail foot traffic. Offered as an enhancement to its Managed Service offering, ShopperTrak’s new interior counting system includes both in-store hardware and proprietary software. The system is easy to set up and adapts to ever-changing store merchandise displays.

Retailers can access these insights through a dynamic web portal that identifies foot traffic concentration within a store. The system also offers new metrics beyond the key performance indicator of shopper conversion. Shopper dwell time, for example, indicates shopper engagement within a specified store area. Retailers can use these additional insights to turn more browsers into buyers.

“Our industry-leading traffic data helps retailers better understand how their marketing, merchandising and staffing affect shopper traffic and conversion,” said Marcheselli. “The addition of our new interior counting system will serve as a competitive advantage for our customers.”

The beta program is now active with planned installations across ShopperTrak’s customer base, with a full product release expected at the end of the year.

About ShopperTrak

ShopperTrak is a retail technology company that anonymously counts people, analyzes data and identifies opportunities to increase revenue for retailers, mall developers and entertainment venues. Founded in 1995, ShopperTrak counts billions of shoppers annually in more than 50,000 locations across 74 countries. The Chicago-based company has more than 200 employees with offices in High Wycombe, England; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; and Shenzhen, China. Find out more at http://www.shoppertrak.com.

About WirelessWERX

WirelessWERX develops sensory and reporting technologies that provide precise, indoor consumer traffic insights. Their solutions produce key metrics to inform decisions in staffing, marketing, and product placement. These solutions also allow mobile applications to access real-time consumer location to improve the shopper experience and provide anonymous behavioral data. The privately-held, venture-backed company was founded in 1998 and is based in Anaheim, CA. Learn more at http://www.wirelesswerx.com.

Media Contacts:

Teresa Krueger Kristin Ellertson / Molly Reynolds

ShopperTrak The Reynolds Communications Group

(312) 529-5414 (312) 541-9300 ext. 101 / 107

tkrueger@shoppertrak.com kellertson@reynoldsgroup.com molly.reynolds@reynoldsgroup.com

ShopperTrak Introduces More Choices in Data Delivery

9/20/2012 3:00:00 AM

— Key Performance Indicator API Beta enhances business decision-making —

CHICAGO — September 20, 2012 — Retailers and developers can now build custom mobile and web-based applications that leverage ShopperTrak’s foot-traffic data and analytics. They can do this by participating in the beta program for a new key performance indicators-focused application programming interface (API).

The new API will provide easy, programmatic access to ShopperTrak data and insights to allow customers to make more informed business decisions. ShopperTrak’s API provides retail analytics that include access to a retailer's conversion rates, ShopperTrak STAR (shopper-to-associate ratio) and ShopperTrak Power Hours™.

“We are continually delivering new ways for retailers to use foot-traffic analytics to improve their businesses and the customer experience,” said ShopperTrak Chief Marketing Officer Ed Marcheselli. “The new API will allow customers to combine retail traffic data and analytics with data from their workforce management and POS solutions to provide a more comprehensive picture of their retail operation.”

For more information about ShopperTrak’s beta program, visit booth number 38 at the World Retail Congress, Sept. 19-21 at the ExCel Centre in London, or visit www.shoppertrak.com.

About ShopperTrak

ShopperTrak is a retail technology company that anonymously counts people, analyzes data and identifies opportunities to increase revenue for retailers, mall developers and entertainment venues. Founded in 1995, ShopperTrak counts billions of shoppers annually in more than 50,000 locations across 74 countries. The Chicago-based company has more than 200 employees with offices in High Wycombe, England; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; and Shenzhen, China. Find out more at http://www.shoppertrak.com.

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Mobile Application Now Enables Global Retail and Mall Management

9/19/2012 3:00:00 AM

— ShopperTrak’s updated mobile app provides access to foot-traffic anywhere, at any time —

LONDON — September 19, 2012 — In response to client demand, ShopperTrak today introduced an enhanced version of its mobile reporting application. The iPhone and iPad application now includes a Mall Summary report, which displays traffic and year-over-year trends for entire mall properties. Available free through the iTunes App Store, the application also includes multi-lingual support for eight languages: Simple Chinese, Traditional Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese and Spanish.

As an extension of ShopperTrak's Managed Service offering, the mobile application provides customers access to their store sales and foot-traffic data from any iOS device. This includes remote access to reports such as Mall Summary, Key Metrics, Hourly Performance and ShopperTrak Power Hours™ in easy-to-navigate graphs and charts.

“Our approach to delivering critical business insights on a mobile device has been well-received by customers,” said ShopperTrak Chief Marketing Officer Ed Marcheselli. “Continued investments in infrastructure, research and development allow ShopperTrak to deliver new data insights and innovation to better serve our customers. Our global customers require us to deliver global solutions and that is why we are adding languages to mirror those already available through ShopperTrak’s Web portal.”

The addition of a Mall Summary report will allow customers to measure year-over-year foot traffic in their malls with visual and numerical data. ShopperTrak’s retail and mall reports give shopping mall property managers the information they need to make informed decisions about their marketing and operations and better understand trends within their businesses.

For more information about ShopperTrak’s mobile application, visit booth number 38 at the World Retail Congress on Sept. 19-21 at the ExCel Centre in London, or visit www.shoppertrak.com.

About ShopperTrak

ShopperTrak is a retail technology company that anonymously counts people, analyzes data and identifies opportunities to increase revenue for retailers, mall developers and entertainment venues. Founded in 1995, ShopperTrak counts billions of shoppers annually in more than 50,000 locations across 74 countries. The Chicago-based company has more than 200 employees with offices in High Wycombe, England; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; and Shenzhen, China. Find out more at http://www.shoppertrak.com.

Media Contacts:

Sara Munoz

ShopperTrak

+44 (0) 1494 460 464

Email: smunoz@shoppertrak.com

Nikki Scrivener

Fourth Day PR

Tel: 020 7403 4411

Email: Nikki@fourthday.co.uk

ShopperTrak Forecasts Holiday Retail Foot Traffic and Sales to Increase

9/12/2012 10:08:36 AM

CHICAGO, Ill. — September 12, 2012 — Consumers will shop more and visit more stores during the peak holiday shopping months of November and December. This according to ShopperTrak, the world’s largest counter and analyzer of retail foot traffic.

National retail sales, when compared to the same period last year, will rise 3.3 percent during November and December. Retail foot traffic will increase 2.8 percent.

Holiday sales and foot traffic historically account for about 20 percent of annual retail activity. The retail sales and traffic holiday forecast is a key marker of the nation’s economic health. ShopperTrak’s 3.3 percent holiday sales increase forecast follows 34 (of the past 35) months of year-over-year U.S. retail sales growth. The expected increase of 2.8 percent in foot traffic trumps the 2011 holiday season’s 2.2 percent traffic decrease from 2010.

“Retailers have reason to be optimistic about this season. It’s clear that foot traffic is increasing and month-over-month sales continue to be better than expected,” said ShopperTrak founder Bill Martin. “In fact, our shopper visit data tell us that consumers are visiting more stores than last year. This influx of traffic will present opportunities for retailers to convert these visitors into buyers, especially with the extended holiday shopping season.”

Long Season Begins with Election

Thirty-two days lie between Black Friday and Christmas this year, the longest interval possible. Weekends typically are busy shopping periods and this year’s holiday calendar provides two extra ones: a full weekend in the holiday shopping season, plus a weekend between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, as those holidays fall mid-week. Hanukkah falls 11 days earlier than last year. This presents retailers with a chance for a sales boost early in the season.

“The calendar provides retailers unusual opportunities for success this season,” said Martin, “but store managers will need to understand how the 2012 calendar differentiates this holiday season from past seasons. Keeping stores open for longer hours across an extended time between holidays adds to operating costs. Managers need to plan optimal staffing, scheduling, marketing and advertising with the calendar to achieve best results.”

Typically, retailers market heavily in October and early November to drive store foot traffic as the holidays begin. In a presidential election year, however, political ads dominate the airwaves and reduce the impact of retailer marketing efforts. ShopperTrak’s analysis reveals shopping activity tapers off before national elections – with a decline of 6.3 percent the week before voting in 2008 – but rebounds quickly after the results are announced. Consumers who were distracted during the election, however, generally dive into the holiday shopping season after the ballots are counted. Store managers must have their marketing and advertising ready to go on Nov. 7 to capture the full sales potential of this holiday season.

Apparel Foot Traffic Up; Electronics Down

According to ShopperTrak, foot traffic will increase 3.5 percent over last season in the historically popular apparel and accessories category. Sales will increase 4 percent compared to 2011.

ShopperTrak expects foot traffic to drop steeply by 8 percent in the electronics and appliance sector. Sales, however, will increase slightly, by 1.5 percent over last year.

“Some of the traffic decline in the electronics and appliance category can be attributed to consumers going online to research premium-priced purchases or to purchase items at discounted prices,” said Martin. “You can't, however, ignore the fact that 92 percent of total GAFO retail sales still occur in brick-and-mortar stores. Retailers who align their in-store and online strategies to provide multiple touch points and distinct value offerings for consumers will come out on top.”

ShopperTrak measures foot-traffic in more than 50,000 global locations and analyzes the data in a proprietary, econometric model to create its ShopperTrak National Retail Sales Estimate™ (NRSE) of general merchandise, apparel and accessories, furniture and other sales (GAFO). Its estimate precedes the federal government’s official reports by several weeks and since January 2005 it has been accurate to within a 3 percent margin. Forecasted numbers may change with any adjustments in the nation’s unemployment rate, consumer sentiment, tax policies and other geopolitical situations.

About the ShopperTrak National Retail Sales Estimate™ (NRSE)

The ShopperTrak National Retail Sales Estimate™ (NRSE) provides a nationwide benchmark of GAFO retail sales. The NRSE is derived from the U.S. Commerce Department's GAFO (general merchandise, apparel, furniture, sporting goods, electronics, hobby, books and other related store sales) statistic, as well as ShopperTrak's proprietary industry intelligence on shopper foot traffic and sales. NRSE provides retailers, investors and policy makers the most accurate and timely information on consumer sales trends available today.

The data contained within this news release is the property of ShopperTrak Corporation and may be reprinted, published or broadcast, provided proper credit is given to the ShopperTrak National Retail Sales Estimate™ (NRSE), The ShopperTrak Traffic Report and ShopperTrak Corporation as the supplier of the information. For more information, please visit www.shoppertrak.com.

About ShopperTrak

ShopperTrak is a retail technology company that anonymously counts people, analyzes data and identifies opportunities to increase revenue for retailers, mall developers and entertainment venues. Founded in 1995, ShopperTrak counts billions of shoppers annually in more than 50,000 locations across 74 countries. The Chicago-based company has more than 200 employees with offices in High Wycombe, England; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; and Shenzhen, China. Find out more at www.shoppertrak.com.

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Media Contacts:

Teresa Krueger Kristin Ellertson / Molly Reynolds

ShopperTrak The Reynolds Communications Group

(312) 529-5414 (312) 541-9300 ext. 101/107

tkrueger@shoppertrak.com kellertson@reynoldsgroup.com

molly.reynolds@reynoldsgroup.com

Back-to-School Season to Bring More Sales and Shoppers, Says People Counter

7/11/2012 10:40:43 AM

— ShopperTrak expects retail foot traffic to increase for the first time in five years—

CHICAGO, Ill. — July 11, 2012 — This August, parents will fill their carts with more pencils, supplies and back-to-school clothes than they did during the same period last year. Retailers can expect shoppers to both buy more and visit more stores during the month that captures the bulk of the back-to-school shopping season.

According to ShopperTrak — the world’s largest counter and analyzer of retail foot traffic — national retail sales, when compared to the same period last year, will rise 4 percent in August, and retail foot traffic will increase 1.5 percent.

“This is an important shopping period, and retailers have struggled during back-to-school seasons the past few years,” said Bill Martin, ShopperTrak founder.

After a sharp decline in 2009, year-over-year back-to-school sales improved only 1.8 percent in 2010 before increasing 4.5 percent in 2011. Year-over-year retail foot traffic percentages have also declined during the past four back-to-school shopping seasons.

“The tide will turn for retailers this year as we forecast a 4 percent increase in back-to-school sales,” added Martin. "This increase will follow year-over-year U.S. retail sales growth in 28 of the last 29 months. August will present retailers with a tremendous opportunity to take all steps possible to maximize their shopper opportunity and increase conversion rates.”

Back-to-school foot traffic to increase

ShopperTrak reports year-over-year foot traffic percentages have been trending positively since Presidents Day. The people counting company expects the trend to continue through August. Falling gas prices in recent weeks may encourage customers to make more car trips and visit more stores than they did last year. Lower prices at the pump may also translate into additional disposable income that parents can spend on their children.

“For the last couple of years, traffic data indicated a trend toward very targeted shopping. This year, back-to-school shoppers will visit more stores and browse for the best value,” added Martin. “Stores that plan ahead and keep a close eye on their foot traffic and conversion rates will be pleased with their performance this season. Those who depend on last year’s shopper turnout and behavior as a guide for their staffing and inventory plans are, however, at risk of losing out on business this year.”

ShopperTrak measures retail foot traffic in more than 45,000 locations across 74 countries. The company then analyzes the data in a proprietary econometric model to create its National Retail Sales Estimate™ (NRSE) of general merchandise, apparel and accessories, furniture and other sales (GAFO). Its estimate precedes the federal government’s official reports by several weeks. Since January 2005, it has been accurate within 3 percent. Forecasted numbers may improve or decline with unanticipated changes in the nation’s unemployment rate, consumer sentiment or gasoline prices.

About ShopperTrak

ShopperTrak is a retail technology company that anonymously counts people, analyzes data and identifies opportunities to increase revenue for retailers, mall developers and entertainment venues. Founded in 1995, ShopperTrak counts billions of shoppers annually in more than 45,000 locations across 74 countries. The Chicago-based company has more than 200 employees with offices in High Wycombe, England; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; and Shenzhen, China. Find out more at http://www.shoppertrak.com.

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Media Contacts:

Teresa Krueger

ShopperTrak

(312) 529-5414

Anahita Wadia Khan / Kristin Ellertson

The Reynolds Communications Group

(312) 541-9300 ext 104 / 101

Charming Charlie Switches to ShopperTrak to Provide Critical People Counting Data

6/5/2012 11:40:24 AM

—Access to accurate store performance data key to retailer’s success —

CHICAGO, Ill. — June 5, 2012 — Charming Charlie, an award-winning, U.S.-based fashion, jewelry and accessories retailer, selected ShopperTrak to measure, analyze and deliver store performance data for its nearly 200 locations.

ShopperTrak is the world’s largest provider of people counting services for retailers and malls. The firm's Managed Service offers retailers access to secure and anonymous foot-traffic data and actionable analyses. ShopperTrak's Managed Service will be installed in all Charming Charlie retail locations in the United States. Installations are underway and will continue through November 2012.

“We are thrilled to provide Charming Charlie with the critical shopper traffic data it needs to evaluate its business and better serve its customers,” said Christopher Ainsley, ShopperTrak Chief Executive Officer. “ShopperTrak’s data helps retailers systematically assess and improve marketing efforts, shopper conversion rates and store-level labor scheduling — all of which improve their bottom lines.”

Charming Charlie selected ShopperTrak after a 30-day pilot program, during which it compared ShopperTrak data and analysis with data from its existing foot-traffic system. During the trial, Charming Charlie evaluated each provider on its ability to provide accurate, consistent traffic counts and key performance indicator reports that are critical to supporting field analytics, payroll scheduling and loss prevention.

“The customer is our first priority. We work hard to provide customers with on-trend, quality products and in-store experiences that drive loyalty and word-of-mouth endorsements,” said Keith Cline, Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Financial Officer at Charming Charlie. “Shopper counts, conversion rates and analyses are fundamental to our goals to understand our customers better and make appropriate adjustments to serve them well. ShopperTrak’s experience and track record of working with the world’s most progressive and customer-oriented retailers makes it a perfect fit for our business.”

About ShopperTrak

ShopperTrak is a retail technology company that anonymously counts people, analyzes data and identifies opportunities to increase revenue for retailers, mall developers and entertainment venues. Founded in 1995, ShopperTrak counts billions of shoppers annually in more than 45,000 locations across 74 countries. The Chicago-based company has more than 200 employees with offices in High Wycombe, England; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; and Shenzhen, China. Find out more at http://www.shoppertrak.com.

About Charming Charlie

Charming Charlie is an award-winning fashion jewelry and accessories retailer that has been delighting women of all ages since 2004. Winner of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) Hot Retailer of the Year award in 2010, Charming Charlie is transforming the fashion industry through a stimulating in-store experience; product merchandised by color and a jaw-dropping selection of on-trend fashion jewelry and accessories. Always putting the consumer at the forefront, allowing Her to help guide the reins and spread the word, Charming Charlie has opened nearly 200 stores nationwide and recently launched its e-commerce channel. The company ranks No. 656 on Inc. Magazine’s List of Top 5,000 Fastest Growing Businesses in 2010. Visit http://www.facebook.com/charmingcharlie to see what She has to say!

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Media Contacts:

Teresa Burgin Krueger

ShopperTrak

(312) 529-5414

Anahita Wadia Khan / Kelly Van Tuinen

The Reynolds Communications Group

(312) 541-9300 ext. 104 / 107

Retail Counter Expects More Sales and Shoppers This Mother’s Day

5/1/2012 2:06:53 PM

— ShopperTrak expects consumers to splurge on Moms this year —

CHICAGO, Ill. — May 1, 2012 — Mothers have much to look forward to this May — consumers are expected to shop and buy more in the week leading up to Mother’s Day than they did last year.

According to ShopperTrak — the world’s largest provider of people counting services for retailers and malls — national retail sales, when compared to the same period last year, will rise 6 percent in the week leading up to Mother’s Day, and foot traffic will increase 3.7 percent.

“As the economy improves, consumers are recovering the confidence they need to splurge on Mom this year,” said ShopperTrak founder Bill Martin. “Retailers can expect a busy week leading up to Mother’s Day.”

ShopperTrak’s 6 percent sales increase forecast follows 27 months of consecutive year- over-year U.S. GAFO retail sales growth. Mother’s Day sales and traffic are historically a bright shopping spot in the retail calendar, lagging only behind the November – December holiday season, the back-to-school season and Easter.

Mother’s Day 2012 falls one week later on the calendar than last year, which may affect sales positively, according to ShopperTrak. The extra time between Mother’s Day and Easter gives consumers a chance to replenish their bank accounts after Easter shopping. The warmer weather may also entice more people to get out of the house and hit the stores.

Foot traffic on the rise

Retailers saw decreases in year-over-year foot traffic during the final months of 2011, but are beginning to see signs of improvement. ShopperTrak reports year-over-year changes in foot traffic were flat during the first quarter of 2012, and slightly increased as the second quarter began. Barring excessive increases in gasoline prices and increased economic uncertainty, ShopperTrak expects foot traffic to continue rising through the back-to-school shopping season later this summer.

“Retailers can expect more shoppers in the weeks leading up to Mother’s Day,” added Martin. “Those who monitor foot traffic, and adjust their store management practices accordingly, will be the most successful this year.”

ShopperTrak measures foot traffic in more than 45,000 locations across 74 countries. The company then analyzes the data in a proprietary econometric model to create its National Retail Sales EstimateTM (NRSE) of general merchandise, apparel and accessories, furniture and other sales (GAFO). Its estimate precedes the federal government’s official reports by several weeks. Since January 2005 it has been accurate within 3 percent. Forecasted numbers may improve with any changes in the nation’s unemployment rate, consumer sentiment or reduced gasoline prices.

About ShopperTrak

ShopperTrak is a retail technology company that anonymously counts people, analyzes data and identifies opportunities to increase revenue for retailers, mall developers and entertainment venues. Founded in 1995, ShopperTrak counts billions of shoppers annually in more than 45,000 locations across 74 countries. The Chicago-based company has more than 200 employees with offices in Watlington, England; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; and Shenzhen, China. Find out more at http://www.shoppertrak.com.

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Media Contacts:

Teresa Burgin Krueger

ShopperTrak

(312) 529-5414

tkrueger@shoppertrak.com

Anahita Wadia Khan / Kelly Van Tuinen

The Reynolds Communications Group

(312) 541-9300 ext. 104 / 107

awadia@reynoldsgroup.com

kvantuinen@reynoldsgroup.com

ShopperTrak Named ‘Lighthouse’ Finalist in Illinois Technology Association’s CityLIGHTS Awards

4/20/2012 2:45:55 PM

— People counting company named top Illinois tech performer for its innovation, growth —

CHICAGO, Ill. — April 20, 2012 — The Illinois Technology Association (ITA) named ShopperTrak — the world’s largest provider of people counting services for retailers and malls — a finalist for this year’s CityLIGHTS Lighthouse Award.

The 13th Annual CityLIGHTS Awards celebrate the growth and vitality of the local technology community by recognizing top Chicago-based companies and individuals. This year’s awards saw a record number of nominations.

The Lighthouse Award recognizes a company that has earned national attention for the state’s technology industry. The Lighthouse Award winner is chosen by a panel of judges and by votes from members of the public. The public can cast its votes until April 25 at the following link: http://svy.mk/HjXpoY.

“Since 1995, retailers and mall owners have relied on ShopperTrak to provide critical, daily people counting data, labor optimization and conversion analytics,” said ShopperTrak founder Bill Martin. “We’re proud to be recognized for our innovative work to help retailers use technology to better understand their businesses and serve their customers.”

ShopperTrak’s Managed Service is installed in more than 45,000 locations across 74 countries. ShopperTrak has more than 500 customers, including the most trusted retail brands in the wireless, consumer electronics, entertainment, financial, mall and luxury goods industries.

This year’s panel of judges for the Lighthouse Awards consists of 68 technology leaders, including representatives from Redbox, Orbitz Worldwide, World Business Chicago, Apartments.com, Tribeca Media FlashPoint Academy, Tech.li, Fieldglass, Ifbyphone, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, Crowdspring and Excelerate Labs.

“It was no easy feat for the judges to determine the finalists for each award,” said ITA CEO Fred Hoch. “The past 12 months have been a time of unprecedented growth, accomplishments and innovation in Illinois, and this energy is reflected in the quantity and quality of CityLIGHTS awards nominees.”

The Lighthouse Award winners will be announced at the 2012 ITA CityLIGHTS Awards Gala at Chicago Union Station’s Great Hall (225 S. Canal St.) on May 10.

About ShopperTrak

ShopperTrak is a retail technology company that anonymously counts people, analyzes data and identifies opportunities to increase revenue for retailers, mall developers and entertainment venues. Founded in 1995, ShopperTrak counts billions of shoppers annually in more than 45,000 locations across 74 countries. The Chicago-based company has more than 200 employees with offices in Watlington, England; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; and Shenzhen, China. Find out more at www.shoppertrak.com.

About the ITA

The Illinois Technology Association (ITA) is a driving force behind the growth of Illinois' vibrant technology industry. We are relentless in championing the development and application of technology, from start-up companies to industry leaders, leveraging the transformative nature of technology to revolutionize industries. ITA uniquely capitalizes peer-to-peer collaboration, networking, and access to experts across the breadth of business to cultivate the Illinois technology industry. The unique and powerful integration of these valuable and experienced resources differentiates the ITA as a source of accelerated growth for the technology industry of Illinois. For more information about ITA, please visit www.illinoistech.org.

Contact the ITA at headquarters@illinoistech.org, follow the ITA on Twitter at @itabuzz and the CityLIGHTS conversation with hashtag #ITACITYLIGHTS, and visit www.illinoistech.org to find out more about how ITA supports the growth of the local industry.

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Media Contacts:

Teresa Burgin Krueger

ShopperTrak

(312) 529-5414

Anahita Wadia Khan / Kelly Van Tuinen

The Reynolds Communications Group

(312) 541-9300 ext. 104 / 107

ShopperTrak Awarded for Global Expansion in South America

4/20/2012 2:37:55 PM

CHICAGO, Ill. — April 20, 2012 — The U.S. Department of Commerce recently awarded ShopperTrak — the world’s largest provider of people counting products for retailers and malls — the Export Achievement Certificate for its expansion efforts in Latin America.

“Last year, ShopperTrak increased their global workforce by 24 percent due to the growth in international operations,” said Francisco Sánchez, Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade. “They are truly an example of a small business that is growing by ensuring their products and services are available in the global marketplace.”

The Export Achievement Certificate recognizes small and medium-sized U.S. enterprises that have successfully entered the international marketplace or a new market. In selecting ShopperTrak, officials pointed to the company’s successful expansion into Brazil. ShopperTrak currently counts billions of shoppers in 74 countries for more than 500 customers.

“We are excited about our global growth initiatives and thrilled to receive this recognition,” said Ed Marcheselli, ShopperTrak Chief Marketing Officer. “Our company provides people counting data and analyses to help retailers all over the world better understand their customers and improve profitability. The Department of Commerce played an instrumental role in providing key introductions, partner reviews and guidance to help us build meaningful relationships in several new South American countries.”

About ShopperTrak

ShopperTrak is a retail technology company that anonymously counts people, analyzes data and identifies opportunities to increase revenue for retailers, mall developers and entertainment venues. Founded in 1995, ShopperTrak counts billions of shoppers annually in more than 45,000 locations across 74 countries. The Chicago-based company has more than 200 employees with offices in Watlington, England; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; and Shenzhen, China. Find out more at www.shoppertrak.com.

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Media Contacts:

Teresa Burgin Krueger

ShopperTrak

(312) 529-5414

Anahita Wadia Khan / Kelly Van Tuinen

The Reynolds Communications Group

(312) 541-9300 ext. 104 / 107

New Developer Zone From ShopperTrak Expands Use of People Counting Analytics for Retailers

3/19/2012 9:03:04 AM

— API Enables Developers to Build Custom Retail Web Applications —

CHICAGO — March 19, 2012 — In a move to dramatically increase accessibility and uses for retail people-counting analytics, ShopperTrak today introduced a new web portal that helps retailers develop custom web applications to improve their sales, marketing effectiveness and store operations.

ShopperTrak — the world’s largest provider of retail and mall people counting services, measuring foot traffic in more than 40,000 locations globally — is the first people-counting company to offer such a web portal.

Called the “ShopperTrak Developer Zone,” the web portal offers application programming interfaces (API) that enable software developers to create customized applications based on secure ShopperTrak data. Developers can build mobile and web-based applications to give retailers — from the store manager to the CEO — secure and on-demand business insights. With easy, programmatic access to foot traffic data, developers can create applications to assess store performance and offer strategic adjustments for advertising, operational and workforce management on an hourly and daily basis.

Developers seeking to take advantage of the ShopperTrak Developer Zone can sign up at www.shoppertrakpartners.com.

“The ShopperTrak Developer Zone helps retailers use data in new ways to improve their business,” said ShopperTrak Chief Marketing Officer Ed Marcheselli. “The Developer Zone offers retailers and web developers unlimited potential for creating applications that use ShopperTrak analytics – combined with retailers’ internal data – to ultimately increase their bottom line.”

Applications give retailers faster access to foot-traffic data

ShopperTrak encourages developers to create their own custom applications based on two APIs currently available in the Developer Zone.

The In-Store Flash Traffic API allows retailers access to in-store foot traffic counts every 15 minutes and can be merged with other in-store data sources, including the point of sale transaction log and staffing information. With real-time foot traffic counts, store managers can make timely adjustments to improve in-store performance.

The Enterprise Daily Traffic API allows retailers to review individual stores’ foot traffic counts from the previous day. According to ShopperTrak, using this API for mobile applications will be especially useful to retail field managers – often traveling between stores.

Information resource for developers

Developers can also find information and support in their application creation process on the Developer Zone portal. Registered developers have access to the full API specifications, example code and the ability to ask and answer questions in community forums.

Membership to the ShopperTrak Developer Zone is free and all developers are encouraged to use the information and downloads available there, as well as participate in the Developer Zone community. Confidential store-specific ShopperTrak data, however, is only available to ShopperTrak customers.

About ShopperTrak

ShopperTrak provides cutting-edge retail intelligence solutions enabling retail companies to count and benchmark their retail foot-traffic at the national, regional and local levels to better understand trends and determine the impact of store and staff performance on company revenues. With more than 40,000 units installed in the world's best known retail outlets and malls and more than 15 years of retail expertise, ShopperTrak is the industry's authority for information and analysis of the movement of shoppers in retail environments. ShopperTrak offers a managed service to provide the most accurate retail foot traffic counting service available. The company’s solutions provide a proven means for retailers to gauge labor efficiencies, advertising and marketing efforts, store design and remodeling programs, merchandise changes, associate training programs, and other budget-intensive strategic initiatives. ShopperTrak is a privately held entity headquartered in Chicago, Ill. For more information, visit www.shoppertrak.com.

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Media Contacts:

Teresa Burgin Krueger

ShopperTrak

(312) 529-5414

Anahita Wadia Khan / Kelly Van Tuinen

The Reynolds Communications Group

(312) 541-9300 ext. 104 / 107