Direct To Consumer (DTC)

Denver -- Regional chain The Running Specialty Group announced Wednesday it has acquired five Dallas-based Run On! stores, bring the total number of stores to 24.

RSG is a joint venture between The Finish Line and private-equity firm Gart Capital Partners.

Plans call for RSG to begin expanding in Texas and surrounding areas over the next five years.

FOOTHILL RANCH, Calif. — The Wet Seal reported that total sales declined 9.9% to $48.3 million for the month of September. Comparable-store sales fell 12.7% compared with same-store sales that were essentially flat last year.

E-commerce sales, which increased 15% for the month, were a bright spot for the company.

London -- British retailer Tesco reported Wednesday that profit dropped 6.8% in its first fiscal half to $2.06 billion, weighed down by costs associated with its turnaround strategy.

Revenue for the period inched up 1.6% to $51.9 billion, but costs were up as well for the world’s third-largest retailer. Same-store sales fell off 0.7%.

"The plan is a long course of treatment for us, not a single dose," new CEO Philip Clarke said of the turnaround plan.

NEW YORK — Research released Monday by Citigroup and published by Wall Street Journal’s MarketWatch found that digital sales for the holiday 2012 shopping season are expected to increase at least 20%, thanks to two additional shopping days and amped-up retail marketing efforts.

Lynnwood, Wash. -- Reporting ahead of most retailers whose results will be posted on Thursday, action sports retailer Zumiez said that same-store sales for the month of September rose 5.6%.

Total sales for the month increased 18.6% to $62.7 million, compared with $52.9 million for the same period last year.

NEW YORK — Send the Trend, the e-commerce site acquired by QVC in February, has relaunched to provide a broader range of premier beauty and accessory products.

New York -- Saks Inc. has opened its first Saks Fifth Avenue store in Kazakhstan, in the city of Almaty.

Boston -- Boot and leather goods manufacturer Frye Co. will open its second U.S. retail location – on Newbury St. in a historic building in Boston’s Back Bay. It joins Frye’s only retail store in the Soho area of New York City.

The 11,000-sq.-ft., three-level flagship store is slated to open spring 2013. It will reflect a fresh vision of Frye’s heritage and commitment to craft, and house specially designed areas showcasing the brand’s product.