Retail

New York -- For the second year in a row, Macy’s stores nationwide will open at midnight on Black Friday, Friday, Nov. 23.

A new Black Friday feature on Macy’s mobile app will help customers browse and shop for specials specific to their local store.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens has launched Ology, a nationally accessible and affordable brand formulated to be free of harmful chemicals. Exclusive to Walgreens' family of companies, the Ology brand features a line of baby and personal care products as well as household cleaners, the company stated.

Hermosa Beach, Calif. -- Virtual Piggy announced that it has expanded its digital distribution channel with the addition of Barnes & Noble and Sephora to its online store.

Virtual Piggy allows parents to set up a monthly allowance for their children and promotes financial management while empowering U21s to make purchasing, saving and other money management decisions for themselves, within the boundaries setup by their parents.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Sears Holdings is now offering its loyalty program members the chance to update their account to a Shop Your Way Max membership for $79 a year.

Whiting, Ind. -- More than one-quarter (27%) of U.S. adults will use their smartphone or tablet for their holiday shopping this year, according to new survey by CouponCabin.com. In addition, 83% of those who will use their smartphone for holiday shopping this year report they will be doing so because of the convenience.

The survey was conducted online nationwide by Harris Interactive on behalf of CouponCabin.com from Sept. 26 – Sept. 28, 2012 among 2,523 U.S. adults aged 18 and older.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Meijer announced that it will double match every customer's $10 Simply Give donation made Nov. 9 to 10 to help boost support for local food pantries before the holidays. The Double Match Days initiative is being launched as part of the retailer's Taste of the Holidays in-store sampling event as a way to thank customers for their continued commitment to help fight hunger in the Midwest.

Roseville, Calif. -- Revionics, a provider of end-to-end merchandise optimization solutions, and GIIV, owner of the SkuLoop business, a provider of social commerce driven promotions for retailers and consumer brands, announced that Revionics has acquired the SkuLoop business and assets from GIIV.

Seattle -- REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.) will open a store in Silverdale, Wash., in the fall of 2013.

The 24,500 sq.-ft. store will include a seasonal rental department that will allow customers to test new outdoor activities, and a bike shop that will provide expert assembly and repair services. The store's community space will host outdoor-related classes, presentations and events.