Apparel

New York City -- Cache said Thursday it has launched a new mobile app shopping experience through its partnership with Usablenet, a mobile and multichannel platform company.

Through the mobile app, customers can now receive relevant content and promotions in a user friendly device. This introduction complements Cache's mobile web store and offers the full range of Cache designs.

From a virtual basketball court to a projected hologram image, Rookie USA, a new children’s athletic apparel and footwear concept in New York City, deploys the latest in cutting-edge technology to engage customers and gain a competitive edge. The strategy extends to the decision to rely primarily on LED lighting to illuminate the 5,500-sq.-ft. store.

Total losses attributed to retail shrinkage hit $34.5 billion last year, “positioning retail crime as the largest form of property crime,” according to Dr. Richard Hollinger, professor of criminology, law and society, University of Florida, Gainesville, Fla. And it shows no signs of easing anytime soon. Indeed, the rate of shrink remains on a five-year climb, according to the Loss Prevention Research Council (LPRC), Gainesville, Fla.

Amazon.com, LLBean.com and QVC.com were the top three retailers on ForeSee’s Annual Holiday E-Retail Satisfaction survey.

Walmart on Friday wrapped up its 12 Days of Giving campaign with a $70,000 donation of warm clothing to 14 non-profits groups.

One of the organizations selected to receive a donation, the Assistance League of Yuma, serves its community by using proceeds from their thrift store to provide clothing, shoes, hats and more to children in need.　Operation School Bell allows the organization to bring groups of students from rural schools twice a year to get clothing.

Framingham, Mass. -- The TJX Cos. said Friday it has acquired Sierra Trading Post, an off-price Internet retailer based in Cheyenne, Wyoming, for approximately $200 million in cash.

The purchase was financed from TJX’s existing cash balances.

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. — The TJX Companies has acquired Sierra Trading Post, an off-price Internet retailer based in Cheyenne, Wyoming, for approximately $200 million in cash.

The purchase was financed from TJX’s existing cash balances.

New York -- J.C. Penney Co. has hired Brandon Tonniges, a former Abercrombie & Fitch Co. executive, as director of visual merchandising, Bloomberg reported.

Tonniges was a VP in Abercrombie’s “brand senses” division, described on the chain’s website as the “creative force” behind its store experience, according to the report.

Tonniges will report to a VP under Michael Fisher, who was named SVP visual presentation in March.