eCommerce

Unlike most consumers, the retail industry doesn’t take a holiday in the summer. As we head into July, three very different retail companies are very much in the news. One has the industry all abuzz over who will be its next chief, while another has launched a pioneering employee initiative. And the newly appointed chief of the third wants to turn a cult L.A. brand into a global powerhouse. I’m fascinated by all three:

•  Target: At press time, there is no clear front-runner to replace ousted CEO Gregg Steinhafel.

The commerce technology and marketing arm of eBay has a new president. Craig Hayman, a 15-year veteran of IBM, has been named the head of eBay enterprise.

“Technology continues to have a significant impact on the overall commerce landscape,” eBay’s President and CEO John Donahoe said. “Craig’s experience will enhance our ability to serve retailers and brands in this online to offine world.”

Manhattan Associates Momentum 2014

“We will have real-time temperature monitoring by the end of the year. Imagine what that means.”

— Tony Thompson, president and COO, Papa John’s International Inc.

“It’s hard to talk to anyone at Amazon. Everything has to be automated through their site.

New York — Dear Rivington, a designer fashion boutique selling clothing, eyewear, pottery and jewelry, has signed a lease to relocate to a new location in the NoHo district of Manhattan’s Lower East Side. The 3,300-sq.-ft. store features 2,000 sq. ft. of ground floor space with high ceilings and a skylight. The 1,300-sq.-ft. lower level has also been fitted out for retail and not just storage.

The distinctive storefront features oversized barn style doors that give the store a private feel.

Minnetonka, Minn. – Luggage Pros is launching a redesigned e-commerce site whose features include responsive design that allows the site to accurately and consistently size and scale its dimensions to fit the device from which it is being viewed. This enhancement allows Luggage Pros to provide its customers with tailored navigation and comprehensive product information.

ValueVision Media, a multichannel electronic retailer operating as ShopHQ via TV, Internet and mobile, has named Mark Bozek as CEO. It has also reconstituted its board of directors and appointed Bob Rosenblatt as its non-executive chairman.

Bozek succeeds Keith Stewart, who has resigned as CEO and as a director of the company. Bozek has more than 20 years of senior executive experience in the multichannel commerce, electronic retailing and entertainment industries, including having served as CEO of HSN, SVP of QVC and as a producer at Fox Television.

Target is giving customers added incentive to shop online by offering free shipping for all orders of $50 or more.

The new policy, which takes effect immediately, excludes oversize and heavy items, which will be subject to a handling fee.

New York – Online luxury fashion and beauty retailer Net-A-Porter is launching sales of Google Glass on June 23, available to shoppers in the U.S. Net-A-Porter will be selling a limited number of optical and sunglass styles, to be sold as exclusive packages.

Each bundle includes Glass, a frame and shade, a mono earbud, and case for $1,800.