eCommerce

Indianapolis -- Simon Property Group is launching a new business, Simon Venture Group, that will invest in retail innovation, focusing on technology opportunities that enhance the shopping experience.

"We believe we have only scratched the surface on applying technology to the retail environment in innovative, interesting ways," said Mikael Thygesen, chief marketing officer of Simon Property Group.

Bexley, Ohio — Stanbery Development has named Marc Hays as a partner. He will focus on finding locations for new developments and acquisitions as well as leasing.

Ottawa, Canada – E-commerce solution provider Canada Post and and e-commerce integrator Thinkwrap Commerce have launched new collaboration designed to simplify and accelerate incorporation of Canada Post's shipping data into Oracle Commerce. By making it easier for retailers to incorporate Canada Post's data with Oracle Commerce, the collaboration between Thinkwrap and Canada Post is designed to help retailers strengthen their e-commerce customer experience by providing shoppers with choice and convenience.

Foothill Ranch, Calif. – The Wet Seal Inc. shrank its net loss to $27.5 million during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013 from $85.8 million in the same quarter a year earlier. Net sales slipped 23% to $124.8 million from $161.6 million and same-store sales dropped 16%.

New York -- Nordstrom Inc. is delaying the opening of its Nordstrom Rack chain in Canada until 2017, in order to focus its attention on the launch of its full-line department stores there, The Globe and Mail reported.

Nordstrom had initially planned to start opening Rack stores in Canada next year. But the company has decided to focus on  the openings of its six Canadian department stores (the first, in Calgary, is due to open this fall).

Sidney, Neb. -- Cabela’s Incorporated plans to open a store in Noblesville, Ind., serving the greater Indianapolis area. Construction is scheduled to begin later in 2014 and the store is expected to open in fall 2015.

The 80,000-sq.-ft. store will be located in the new Saxony Campus development adjacent to Hamilton Town Center. It will be Cabela’s second Indiana store, joining the Hammond location opened in 2007, and is expected to employ approximately 170 full-time and part-time employees.

Burlington, N.J. – Burlington Coat Factory saw a 36% decline in its fourth quarter net income, which fell to $16.1 million from $25.3 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012. The retailer plans to open 25 net new stores during fiscal 2014, including 22 in the fall, two in May and one in April.

Shelton, Conn. – Executive consumers seek easier ordering when they shop online. According to a survey of 50 high-level executives who attended the Microsoft Dynamics Convergence Conference March 4-7 by EDI and e-commerce integrator Logicbroker, nearly three-quarters (72%) of respondents said that ease of ordering is the most important part of the online ordering process.

One-third (33%) said that better communication is the area that e-commerce companies have the most potential to improve.