Apple, Inc.

Walmart has announced plans to launch a smartphone trade-in program on the same day Apple announced the iPhone 5s, featuring an all-new A7 chip and a 64-bit desktop-class architecture for fast performance, as well as the iPhone 5c, which builds on the iPhone 5 and comes in five different colors. 

Small businesses have long been a core customer group at Sam’s Club, so much so that at one point the retailer’s tag line was, “in business for small business.” It makes sense then that Sam’s would invest in a program that promotes entrepreneurship and for that the nation should be thankful.

SAN FRANCISCO — Mavatar Technologies has appointed Phil Schlein, former president and CEO of Macy's California and partner at U.S. Venture Partners, as chairman of its board of directors. 

Target’s entry into the world of video streaming with a service called Target Ticket is said to offer instant access to 15,000 titles and serve as an alternative to the Apple’s iTunes, Walmart’s Vudi and Netflix.

The service will work with Windows, Xbox, Android and Apple devices and was tested with Target employees, according to published reports. A roll out is said to be imminent with content providers including, ABC, AMC, CBS, CW, Fox, FX, HBO, The WB, NBC, Showtime, Starz and USA.

New York -- Japanese apparel retailer Uniqlo has created the free Uniqlo USA app for Apple products. It will be available on Android devices later this year

By using the app’s Virtual Cam on Uniqlo logos and icons, consumers will have access to behind-the-scenes videos, current employment opportunities, “weekly favorites” and a store locator. They will also be the first to know about new arrivals, designer collaborations, special promotions and more.

The creators of eMobile POS and device manufacturer Cherry have teamed up to create a mobile POS product for the iPhone and iPod Touch that will be sold at Costco.com, according to the firms.

Whatever happened to the customer? It’s a question I’ve been asking myself more and more lately, and one that more than a few national brands should be working harder to answer. At a time when retail is evolving in exciting ways, one of the most disappointing trends over the last several years is a conspicuous (and costly) lack of focus on the customer.

San Diego – Ninety-three percent of U.S. families are doing back-to-school shopping for students age 18 and younger this year and are expected to spend a total of $72.5 billion. Results of the 2013 Back to School Intentions Study from TrendSource show that school supplies are far and away the most popular item, with 95% of back-to-school shoppers buying them.

J.C. Penney filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission late Monday that would allow for activist investor Bill Ackman to unload his entire stake in the company via a secondary stock offering.

According to the J.C. Penney’s filing, Ackman and various Pershing Square investment vehicles he controls plan to sell roughly 39 million shares representing 17.7% of the company’s 220.5 million outstanding shares.

New York -- Sporting goods retailer Sportsman’s Wearhouse is deploying a new tool from Honeywell’s Honeywell Scanning and Mobility group in time for the holiday shopping season. The chain will equip workers in its 46 stores with Honeywell’s new Captuvo SL22 for iPod Touch mobile digital devices.