Marketing

In the e-commerce fight between China's Alibaba and JD.com, Taylor Swift has declared a winner.

The pop superstar announced that JD.com will be the official online source of Taylor Swift items in China, including a new fashion line the music superstar designed specifically for the Chinese market. 

Ross Stores is crossing off a big chunk of its to-do list as the retailer moves forward with its plans to open 90 stores in 2015.

Barnes & Noble Inc. has hired a new chief for its digital division as the retailer rethinks the leadership of its Nook business.

Fast-growing grocery delivery service Instacart is expanding a program that lets some contract workers become part-time employees.

The online grocery delivery service is now offering its contractor in-store shoppers in Houston and Austin, Texas, the option of applying for new employee roles with expanded responsibilities.

Francesca's is adding a retail industry veteran to its board.

The retailer has appointed Martyn Redgrave as a member of the board of directors. The appointment is effective immediately. Redgrave will serve on the audit committee and the nominating and corporate governance committee.

Dick's Sporting Goods is leaving no target market unaccounted for in its quest for growth and expansion.

The retailer is launching a new "fitness and lifestyle" boutique concept aimed at women called Chelsea Collective. The first two Chelsea Collective locations will open in August in Tysons Corner, Va., at Tysons Corner Center and Pittsburgh at Ross Park Mall. 

New York — Macy’s is feeling the heat — from an activist investor and Donald Trump.

Activist investor Starboard Value wants the department store giant to follow the example set by such other retailers and Sears Holdings and Hudsons Bay Company and capitalize on its real estate holdings by spinning them off into a new investment vehicle. 

Starboard claims the move would double Macy’s stock value, Fortune reported. For more click here.

New York — The former head merchant for Staples and former CEO of Borders has been named president and CEO of eBags Inc.

The eBags board of directors appointed Mike Edwards as president, CEO and member of the board of directors effective immediately. He also joins the company as a new investor.

Edwards most recently held the position of executive VP of global merchandising for Staples Inc. 

New York — C. Wonder, which shuttered all its stores and filed Chapter 11 early this year, is getting a second chance—sort of.

Xcel Brands has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the C. Wonder brand from Burch Acquisition LLC. The deal gives Xcel  the rights to thr C. Wonder trademarks, related designs and other intellectual property rights.

 The closing of the acquisition is subject to board approval