eCommerce

New York – Barnes & Noble subsidiary Nook Media LLC is releasing an updated Nook app for iOS devices. The app allows iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch users to download the full selection of comics and graphic novels from the Nook store with support for Zoom View, allowing readers to focus on individual panels. Other updates features include animated page turns and the ability to enlarge book illustrations.

ELIZABETH, N.J. — Century 21 is opening a new concept store at the Outlet Collection Jersey Gardens in Elizabeth, N.J. The retailer hopes a smaller footprint will offer shoppers an “elevated shopping experience” with a highly edited assortment of fashion and accessories for men and women.

LOS ANGELES — Mike Pollard, retired VP of Costco Wholesale, has joined the board of directors of Abbyson Living, which manufactures and imports living room, dining and bedroom furniture.

Pollard retired from Costco Wholesale in 2013 after a 27-year career. Abbyson Living will look to Pollard for his guidance regarding comprehensive business practices that will directly impact the company’s growth and further mature the value of the brand. 

PHILADELPHIA — Teen discounter Five Below increased its first quarter profit forecast as sales for the period increased 33% to $95.6 million and same store sales advanced 4.2%.

CLEVELAND — Walmart has launched an exclusive line of nursing bras and related essentials catering to expectant and nursing mothers manufactured by Leading Lady, a Cleveland-based nursing bra and niche-intimate apparel company.

With the Loving Moments collection, Leading Lady aimed to fuse current fashion trends with nursing bra technology. The collection features stretch lace, supportive camis, sleep and leisure bras, as well as seamless everyday bras. 

FREMONT, Calif. — Men’s Wearhouse has launched a revamped version of its e-commerce site which features upgrades and personalized features that improve the overall online shopping experience, from browsing to buying.

Seattle -- The national vacancy rate for shopping centers dropped slightly from 10.09% to 10.06% in the first quarter of 2013, according to a study by global real estate services company Colliers International. In addition, shopping centers absorbed nearly 4.5 million sq. ft. in the first quarter.

By Rafi Musher, [email protected]

New York – In what could be bad news for retailers, “mass affluent” consumers (those with $50,000 to $250,000 in investable assets) and Gen Y (age 18-34) are cutting back on spending to save for retirement. According to the Spring 2013 Merrill Edge Report, the average mass affluent investor expects to save $860,000 for retirement but has only saved $150,000. If given an extra $1,000 per month, 50% of mass affluent consumers would put it toward savings or paying down debt.

Seattle -- Based on the success of its recent entries into the Indian and Vietnamese markets, Starbucks Coffee Company plans to enter the Southeast Asian nation of Myanmar within the next couple of years. Starbucks, which opened its first Vietnam outlet in February and started doing business in India last year, also plans to double its store count in Thailand to about 320 in the next five years.

Political and economic reforms in Myanmar have resulted in the European Union dropping sanctions against the country and the United States easing them.