A few weeks ago, I highlighted the value of using additional sources of data, pulled together in an integrated data warehouse, to compliment POS data.  In particular, I noted how one might compare sales performance at different retail partners in their attempt to lure the same customer. A Wall Street Journal article from 1 August, “Showdown on 34th Street,” highlights again the need for cross-partner analysis and comparison as once predictable retailers increasingly cater to overlapping customers.  For example, you could track promotions of the same item at Wal-Mart vs. Target, or Macy’s vs. J.C. Penney

Click here http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124907630724797717.html for the WSJ article that compares Macy’s, J.C. Penney, Kohl’s, Gap & Wal-Mart, and consider how an integrated data warehouse solution could provide you invaluable insight into your products’ performance at these and other various retailers. 

For a sample of retailers whose vendors Rainmaker is currently providing POS and EDI 852 analysis and reporting services, see the Retailers Covered link to the right.