Direct To Consumer (DTC)

Minerco Resources announced that Level 5 Beverage Co. has acquired VitaminFizz, a low-calorie, vitamin-enriched soda that was developed by Power Brands Consulting. VitaminFizz was extensively tested in the market in 2011, but the launch was delayed while efforts were focused on other consumer brands.

Boston – A vast majority of shoppers say meaning is the most important factor in choosing a holiday gift to purchase. According to a new survey from online marketplace CustomMade, more than 90% of buyers surveyed said that the most important factor in choosing a gift this holiday season was its meaning to the recipient, while only 18% of respondents found an item’s low price to be highly important to their purchase decision.

Amazon.com is going to start offering Black Friday deals a day earlier than last year, beginning Sunday, Nov. 24, as often as every 10 minutes.

“We are heading into the busiest and most fun time of the year for Amazon, with an astonishing number of deals for customers,” said Craig Berman, VP, Amazon Global Communications.

Consumers will be able to pick from an assortment of electronics, toys, books, movies and tools and will be also able to shop via the mobile shopping app.

New York -- China takes the top spot in online retail market opportunity, followed by Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Korea, according to a new global e-commerce study by A.T. Kearney. (Kearney’s “2013 Global Retail E-Commerce Index” is comprised of 30 developed and developing markets.)

New Albany, Ohio -- Abercrombie & Fitch Co. swung to a loss in its third quarter, dragged down in part by charges related to the shuttering of its 28 freestanding Gilly Hicks stores. But its adjusted profit topped analysts' estimates, even as its sales softened.

Austin, Texas — Jones Lang LaSalle has announced the addition of seven brokerage experts to its national program. Austin McWilliams joined the firm as a senior VP; Travis Sawvell and Jon Switzer joined as VPs, and Katie Carlisle joined as an associate, all based in Austin. Their additions come on the heels of the firm’s newly formed Austin Retail Brokerage practice led by newcomers Todd Wallace and Robert O’Farrell.  

Home improvement retailers are reaping the rewards of a healthier housing market and so is Williams-Sonoma. The company reported strong third quarter results and raised its fourth quarter outlook as a result.

Comparable brand revenue growth in the quarter increased 8.2% on top of 8.5% in the year-ago quarter. The company saw revenue growth across all its brands, but results were primarily driven by West Elm, which saw revenue jump 22.2% compared to 13% last year, and PBteen, which saw revenue jump 16.7%, compared to 2% last year.

Philadelphia -- Urban Outfitters’ third quarter profit increased 18%, helped by strong results at its Anthropologie and Free People divisions. The company's quarterly earnings per share and sales both in above estimates.

Urban Outfitters’ net income totaled $70.2 million, up 18% from $59.5 million.

Net sales equaled about $774 million, a 12% increase from $692.9 million. Same-store segment net sales, which include the direct-to-consumer channel, increased 7%.