eCommerce

New York -- Rent the Runway, the popular online retailer specializing in rentals of designer dresses and accessories, has entered into its first brick-and-mortar partnership, opening a 1,400-sq.-ft. showroom in the Henri Bendel Fifth Avenue flagship store in Manhattan.

Somerville, Mass. – Merlin Entertainments has reportedly broken ground on a new Legoland Discovery Center location at the 50-acre, mixed-use Assembly Row development in Somerville, Mass. According to the Boston Globe, the 44,000-sq.-ft. store will open in May 2014.

The store will be the only Legoland location in New England and employ about 100 people. Other retailers planning to open stores at Assembly Row include Nike, Brooks Brothers, Chico’s, and J.P. Licks.

RadioShack has extended its long-term agreement with Citi Retail Services. Under the agreement, Citi will continue to provide service-enhancing solutions and analytics in support of RadioShack’s targets for growth.

Salt Lake City – Overstock.com reported year-over-year gains in net income and revenue during the third quarter of fiscal 2013, which the company partially attributed to growing participation in its Club O paid loyalty program.

Net income increased 31% from $2.7 million to $3.5 million, while revenue grew 18% from $255.4 million to $301.4 million. The growth in net revenue was primarily due to a 16% increase in average order size, from $147 in third quarter 2012 to $170 in third quarter 2013, coupled with a 2% increase in orders.

Atlanta -- RadioShack and Citi Retail Services announced a long-term agreement to extend their 28-year consumer credit relationship. Under the agreement, Citi will continue to provide service-enhancing solutions and analytics in support of RadioShack’s targets for growth. RadioShack customers will continue to enjoy comprehensive financing programs and top-tier customer service.

Boston – Retailers including CVS and Starbucks, as well as Tavern in the Square and an independent bookstore, are soon coming to the South Station transportation terminal in Boston.

According to the Boston Globe, real estate management firm Equity Office says CVS will open a two-story store in South Station in March 2014. Construction, including an elevator and escalator, is expected to start in November 2013.

Bentonville, Ark. – Wal-Mart Stores will reportedly close 20 underperforming stores in China next year as part of an overhaul of its Chinese operations. According to Bloomberg, Wal-Mart is restructuring its business in China, including a new management structure and more efficient purchasing operations.

However, Wal-Mart still plans to open 100 stores in China during the next three years. A Wal-Mart executive said the stores being closed there do not have ideal locations or layouts.

Overstock.com’s growing Club O rewards program helped to drive 18% revenue growth and $3.5 million in net income for the third quarter ended Sept. 30.