Retail

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.

By Randy Dunn, Director of Global Sales & Professional Services, Tyco Retail Solutions

During the last decade, RFID has been pronounced dead several times. It’s been mocked and criticized. It’s been shelved and tabled. Yet, there has been no substitute technology offering the same unparalleled benefits.  

Two hundred Target stores will begin offering the EveryOne brand of organics and all nature health and beauty items from EO products.

The company bills itself as theoriginal and ultimate essential oil based personal care company and said its products are designed to meet the increasing demand for healthy body products at a great price. Target will offer EO’s EveryOne Soap in Citrus + Mint, EveryOne Soap in Coconut + Lemon, and EveryOne Lotion in Coconut + Lemon in a 32 ounce pump bottle that retails for less than $10.

Palo Alto, Calif. — A subsidiary of General Growth Properties has partnered with Deliv, a company that provides national multichannel retailers with low-cost same-day delivery through crowd-sourced drivers. The initiative aims to meet evolving consumer demands for swifter delivery.

SAN JOSE, Calif. — VeriFone Systems has launched GlobalBay Merchant, a point-of-sale software platform and support infrastructure designed to help ISOs and acquirers provide tablet POS solutions to small and medium businesses.

New York -- Kimco Realty and NRG eVgo, part of NRG Energy, opened the Bay Area’s first electric vehicle charging station, at Westlake Shopping Center, Daly City, Calif.

The opening of 79 new stores drove overall second quarter sales growth at Francesca’s Holdings, but same store sales declined, profits were less than forecast and the company lowered its expectations for the full year.

Despite the slight decrease in same-store sales, the company grew its net income 15% to $14.6 million, from $12.7 million, while net sales rose 17% to $89.6 million.

Atlanta -- Small businesses are optimistic with regards to the upcoming holiday season, with 41% of businesses expecting a much stronger holiday season in 2013 than 2012, according to a survey by Kabbage, an online provider of working capital.

Small businesses also plan to increase their borrowing for the remainder of 2013 in order to meet the robust demand, the survey reported.  

Other key findings from the survey include: