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The demise of physical stores has become a familiar narrative during the holiday season, but nothing could be further from the truth according to one man better positioned than most to know.

A new reported about the growth in Internet-connected devices has important implications for retailers.

The new Connected Home Entertainment Forecast from the NPD Group shows that by the end of 2018, 231 million installed devices are expected to be connected to the Internet and able to deliver apps to TVs, representing 82% growth from 2014 to 2018.

New York -- In another indication of its growth aspirations, 99 Cents Only named a former high ranking Kroger executive president and CEO. The hiring comes just months after the retailer tapped former Walmart executives to fill the head merchant and CFO roles at the 389-store retailer.

Former Kroger and Procter & Gamble executive Geoffrey Covert, 64, was named president and CEO at 99 Cents Only on Sept. 11, filling a position that had been held on an interim basis the past four months by board chairman Andrew Giancamilli.    

Seattle – Amazon.com is releasing its Echo voice-activated artificial intelligence device for general availability in July, and taking consumer orders now. Echo was made available on an invitation basis to customers who wanted to help shape the device in November 2014.

New York - Kurt Salmon, Tyco Retail Solutions, and Mobispoke are partnering to enable retailers to provide a more cutting-edge store experience that includes interactive mannequins, fixtures and fitting rooms, as well as connected employees. The alliance is anchored by an interactive demonstration lab at Tyco’s Retail Experience Center.