eCommerce

Lynnwood, Wash. - Net income in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013 at Zumiez Inc. increased 17.3% to $26.9 million, from $22.9 million last year. Net sales increased 1.1% to $226.8 million from $224.4 million, although same-store sales dropped 2.2%. Results for the quarter include a $5.8 million benefit related to Zumiez’ acquisition of Blue Tomato. Zumiez plans to open up to 55 new stores during fiscal 2014, including as many as seven in Canada and five in Europe.

East Harford, Conn. — Horizon Group Properties has announced an agreement to develop a new outlet center in East Hartford, Conn. The 350,000-sq.-ft. Outlet Shoppes at Rentschler Field is scheduled to open in the summer of 2016. Rentschler Field is a historic airstrip located near downtown Hartford.

The Hartford metropolitan area has 2.2 million residents and an average annual household income above the national average. No outlet shopping centers currently serve the market.

Genesco chairman, president and CEO Robert J. Dennis said that the company’s overall fourth-quarter results were lower than expected, thanks to inconsistent sales patterns and severe winter storms that affected its key markets.

All is not grim, however, as the company is making investments to bolster its omnichannel capabilities, which Dennis expects will protect near-term profitability and allow the company to expand its retail footprint.

Mexico City -- Yelp Inc. has announced the availability of Yelp Mexico. Beginning March 13, people throughout Mexico are able to create accounts on Yelp.com.mx to share their opinions about great local businesses.

Yelp's free iPhone and Android applications will be available as well as its free suite of business owner tools: Yelp for Business Owners.

It’s official. Amazon is raising the membership fee for Prime and Student Prime customers.

The company sent out emails today to Prime and Student Prime consumers letting them know of the new fees. Prime customers will be paying an annual rate of $99 whenever their membership renews — that’s up from $79 per year.

Student Prime consumers will pay $49 a year, up from $39. Students with questions about renewal rates should click here for details.

San Francisco -- Sephora has launched a new social shopping platform, called Beauty Board, to engage customers through beauty images and allow them to post, share, browse and shop the company’s photo gallery directly on its web site, mobile site, iPhone and Android apps. Shoppers will be able to upload photos, tag the products they use, and give helpful tips on how they achieved the look.

Tractor Supply Company has named former Ulta Beauty executive Robert D. Mills as SVP and chief information officer, succeeding James Callison. Mills will also serve on the company’s executive committee.

Callison, who informed the company last year about his plans to retire, will remain on-board for an undisclosed amount of time while the transition is completed.

Columbus, Ohio – DSW Inc. opens a new store in Davenport, Iowa on March 20. As of March 20, DSW will operate 398 stores in 42 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

DSW Rewards is a free loyalty program in which customers earn certificates toward future DSW purchases and receive special member-only offers. Customers can also participate in a Shoe Lover community on Facebook to receive exclusive offers and giveaways.