Computers

Apple is about to embark on a whole new path when it comes to the design of its retail stores, starting with its next project in Memphis, Tenn.

According to the Memphis Daily News, Apple’s new location at the Shops of Saddle Creek mall in Germantown will see several departures from the company’s traditional retail look and feel, with the facade set to feature “a matte granite reinforced panel on the exterior wall," among other differences.

As it awaits regulatory approval of its acquisition of Office Depot, Staples Inc. is focused on making its stores appealing to students with tech items on their back-to-school lists.

The retailer is offering exclusive student savings with a valid college student I.D. or verifiable .edu email address for online orders.

Seattle – Mobile shopping has been getting attention for its rapid growth, and one major retailer is leading the way.

According to new data from online coupon database Coupofy.com, Amazon.com is the leading mobile commerce retailer, with 110% growth in 2014, earning revenues of $16.8 billion.

Amazon is followed by Apple ($14 billion), Chinese store Jingdong Mall ($5.8 billion), Google Play ($4.4 billion), and QVC ($1.86 billion).

Minneapolis – For the second quarter in a row, Best Buy Co. Inc. beat Wall Street expectations for profit and revenue with large-screen TVs and mobile phones providing a major boost to its results.

Best Buy reported net income of $164 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2016, up 12% from $146 million the same period the previous fiscal year.

The Woodlands, Texas – The decision to stop selling video game products, digital cameras, and certain tablets affected same-store sales at Conn’s Inc. during the second quarter and July fiscal 2016. However, Conn’s still reported total preliminary net retail sales of $325 million during the quarter, up 13% from the prior year period.

New York – Although overall back-to-school shopping is starting later in 2015 than the prior year, online back-to-school shoppers are getting an earlier start than their brick-and-mortar counterparts. According to a new trend report on back-to-school shopping from Internet marketing agency PM Digital, 30% of online shoppers will start buying back-to-school items at least two months before school starts, compared to 22% of overall shoppers.

Framingham, Mass. – Staples Inc. is enthusiastically jumping into the brand new market for the Windows 10 operating system, set for release on July 29. Starting July 29, customers can purchase the latest devices optimized for Windows 10 online at Staples.com and upgrade eligible devices to Windows 10 for free with Staples EasyTech Services.

Minneapolis – Consumers who want to purchase an Apple Watch will have a new option as of Friday, Aug. 7.

 On that date, Best Buy will become the first national retailer, other than Apple Stores, where customers can buy the Apple Watch.

It will begin to arrive in more than 100 Best Buy stores and will also be available on BestBuy.com. Another 200 Best Buy stores will have the Apple Watch in time for holiday shopping.