eCommerce

New York -- Swedish fast-fashion giant H&M isn’t letting the strong U.S. dollar hurt its expansion plans.

The chain plans to open about 400 new stores in 2015-2016. It is expanding into five new markets: Taiwan, Peru, Macau, South Africa and India. Other plans include the launch of H&M Beauty this July, starting in about 900 stores and online. The company also hinted at the development of a mysterious new brand.

St. Petersburg, Fla. - The Sembler Co. recently broke ground on the 65,000-sq-ft Shoppes at Trinity Lakes, a Publix-anchored shopping center located in Trinity, Florida. In addition to the 45,600-sq-ft Publix and 1,400-sq-ft Publix Liquor Store, Sembler has signed leases with nearly 11,000 sq. ft. of retailers new to the Trinity market.

U.S. grocery shopping habits appear to be changing as consumers increasingly seek out the convenience of online ordering when it comes to food, according to a new study.

It is no secret that the retail landscape has – and is – rapidly evolving, in large part due to the explosive growth of mobile. While it is certainly common now for retailers to have an online presence, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re all catering to the complex needs of today’s shoppers.

With consumers’ “I want it now” mentality, today’s retailers seem to be investing in ways to get products to customers faster. Retailers are scrambling to get their products to customers with overnight, same-day, four-hour, one-hour and other delivery options. Such offers help on two fronts: they satisfy the needy customer and give the perception that one retailer is offering more options than others to differentiate the brand.

San Jose, Calif. – Many consumers assume eBay is simply a place to sell or buy used merchandise. However, the online commerce platform is actually robust enough to support a thriving retail business selling new goods.

Mount Shasta, Calif. – Following the lead of Pinocchio, online puppet and educational toy retailer ePuppets Inc. is joining the “real” world.

E-Puppets will open its first physical store on July 4, in its headquarters town of Mount Shasta, California.

Barnes & Noble is hoping that hiring a CEO with experience launching electronics products will help revive its Nook e-reader division.

The retailer has named Ronald D. Boire, currently president and CEO of Sears Canada Inc., to become the CEO of its new retail division.