eCommerce

Despite posting increases in consolidated net and comparable store sales, the Finish Line’s second-quarter results fell short of its expectations, thanks to softness in the specialty retailer’s basketball offering.

Despite the slowdown in basketball-related sales, the running-related sales increased in the mid-single digits, driven by casual and performance styles. Consolidated net sales were $466.9 million, an increase of 7.1% over the prior year period. Comparable store sales increased 1.5%.

Dallas – The Container Store has hired Pete Lodwick as VP and general counsel. Lodwick will lead both internal and external teams responsible for legal strategy, regulatory affairs, and corporate compliance.

Prior to joining The Container Store, Lodwick practiced for 34 years at the Dallas-based law firm Thompson & Knight in the corporate and securities department.

It may only be October, but here’s a prediction: It’s going to be a high-tech holiday, and I’m not talking about the gift-giving part of it. (Although in a refrain I think will play out in countless homes over the next couple of months, my 20-year-old godson has told his family the ONLY thing he wants for Christmas is a new Apple phone.)

But the big story this year is likely to be retailers’ increased use of emerging technologies that bring the digital and brick-and-mortar worlds together.

Aussie apparel brand Cotton On is as much about fun-fashion as it is about fast-fashion. The Geelong, Victoria-based brand operates more stores in the United States (124) than Zara and Uniqlo combined, and is an international behemoth with more than 1,300 stores operating globally under 10 different banners, including the 522-unit Cotton On, Cotton Body, Cotton On Kids, FREE by Cotton On and Rubi Shoes.

Growth has been fast and strategic, but peppered with humor, optimism and the occasional dose of controversy.

Sears Canada president and CEO Douglas C. Campbell has resigned his spot so he can return to the United States by the end of the calendar year to tend to personal family issues. The board will commence a search for a new CEO immediately.

Campbell intends to continue as the CEO until Sears Canada names a replacement, but no later than January 1, 2015.

Dublin, Calif. - Ross Dress for Less will open two new stores in the California Central Valley on Oct. 11. The stores are located in Bakersfield Plaza in Bakersfield and the Delano Marketplace in Delano.  

These new openings are part of the retailer’s 2014 expansion program, totaling approximately 75 new locations during the year. 

New York -- More than half of consumers will spend more for the Halloween holiday than they’ll spend for either Mother’s Day or Father’s Day, according to the 2014 Halloween Happenings Survey by Alliance Data Retail Services, which manages credit card programs.

Some highlights include:

• 67% of consumers buy Halloween candy that they like, in case they want to enjoy a few treats before the tricksters ring the bell.

New York -- Upscale women’s apparel and accessories company Tory Burch named longtime retail veteran Roger Farah co-CEO as the fast-growing brand looks to expand into a global player. He will share the title with founder and current CEO Tory Burch who will remain chairman. Burch is also the company's largest shareholder.