eCommerce

Most retailers recognize the importance of combining the best of digital technologies and physical stores to profitably create a seamless and consistent customer experience across channels. There’s a good reason for this. Their most valuable customers are engaging with them across all channels: store, mobile, social and online. Some retailers find that these omnichannel customers spend two times to five times more than customers who buy in only one channel.

Just a few weeks after installing a new CEO, the Fresh Market is planning to conduct a strategic review that may include a sale of the specialty grocery chain.

The company says it has retained J.P. Morgan Securities as its financial advisor to assist in this process, which may result in the company continuing to pursue value-enhancing initiatives as a standalone company, capital structure optimization, or a sale of the company or other business combination.

Chicago -- Mid-America Real Estate Corporation announced it will exclusively represent Loyola University Chicago on their entire retail portfolio on the Lake Shore and Water Tower campuses in Chicago, as well as the retail at the base of a proposed Hampton Inn hotel.

Chicago-based Lakeside Management, NFP manages Loyola’s retail assets totaling nearly 110,000 sq. ft. and will be working closely with Mid-America.

Retailers who still think virtual reality is just for hard-core gamers should think again.

In another example of how physical retailers are employing state-of-the-art technology to remain engaging — and relevant — in a digital age, specialty apparel powerhouse Tommy Hilfiger on Tuesday became the first major retailer to employ virtual reality in its stores. The technology offers shoppers who otherwise might never attend a runway show a chance to view close-up and personal the fall runway show of the Hilfiger Collection.

Andrew Hunt, the co-founder of the hot eyewear retailer Warby Parker, has raised $138.3 million for a new venture capital firm, reports Boston Business Journal. The Boston-based firm is called Elephant Partners and is reportedly focused on consumer Internet, mobile and software. (Boston Business Journal)

Express is partnering with 17 specialty men’s apparel brands to launch a new e-commerce site.

The exclusive online-only shop will launch on express.com beginning October 2015 and will feature brands including Creative Recreation, Havaianas, Timex, Robert Mason and more. Product categories will include footwear, watches, bags & small leather accessories, electronics, small accessories & giftables and jewelry.

Keeping track of Amazon's  constantly expanding network of facilities is tough, but one count puts the retailer at having 173 supply chain centers across the globe.