eCommerce

Cincinnati -- Consumers, especially millennials, are willing to ante up for fee-based loyalty programs.

In a survey by LoyaltyOne, 62% of respondents said they’d consider joining a fee-based rewards program if their favorite retailer offered one. The number was even higher among millennials with 75% of 18-24 year-olds and 77% of 25-34 year-olds saying they’d consider joining a fee-based rewards program.

San Jose, Calif. – The long-anticipated separation of eBay Inc. and PayPal Inc. into two independent, publicly traded companies is almost here. Now that the split has received official approval from the eBay board of directors, it is expected to occur July 17.

Quincy, Mass. -- Online grocer Peapod.com has joined the “farm box” movement that many local farmers markets and supermarkets are now promoting.

The company unveiled its Local Farm Box service, whereby customers in New York City; New Jersey; Eastern Massachusetts; Rhode Island; Pennsylvania; Maryland; Washington, D.C.; Virginia; Illinois; Indiana and Wisconsin will have the option of adding a box of produce from local farms to their virtual grocery cart.

Bloomington, Minn. – Malls have long been physical spots for consumers to socialize, and Mall of America is trying to extend that social aspect into the digital space. The 500-plus-store, nearly five million-sq.-ft. shopping center is using the Geofeedia location-based social media monitoring platform to actively engage customers and gain better understanding of what they are discussing and doing while visiting the mall.

Calgary – When the concept of things changing at “Internet speed” is discussed, often overlooked is the fact that the Internet itself changes at Internet speed. E-commerce websites must offer functionality and overall shopping experience on par with the latest online consumer expectations. Canadian specialty outdoor retailer Wholesale Sports Outdoor Outfitters, which operates 13 stores in western Canada as well as a website, has had to face this issue.

Bass Pro Shops will soon be fishing for new customers in Florida, as the retailer has set a date for its opening in the Tampa Bay area.

According  to WFLA in Tampa, the retailer says it will open its doors at 10501 Palm River Rd. in Tampa on July 29.

Indianapolis – The Finish Line Inc. finished ahead of Wall Street expectations for profit and revenue in the first quarter of fiscal 2016. Net income rose 29% to $13.73 million from $10.65 million in the prior year period.

A higher gross profit, as well as significantly lower impairment and store closing charges, drove the increase in net income. Net sales grew 9% to $443.39 million from $406.53 million. Same-store sales at the Finish Line banner increased 5.5%.

New York -- It’s official: Toys “R” Us is moving out of Times Square and Gap is moving in, but not just with one store.

Gap is planning to open two separate flagships, one for its namesake brand the other for Old Navy, in the space now occupied by Toys “R” Us.

“We're pleased to confirm our plans to construct our newest Gap and Old Navy flagship stores in one of one of the world's most well-known locations – Times Square,” the company said.