eCommerce

I have to admit, the recent announcement of the merger between Office Depot and OfficeMax took me by surprise. It’s not as though it doesn’t make sense — it’s logical both logistically and financially — but, while there had been a few rumblings and rumors, this is a dramatic move that took place with relatively little forewarning.

LOS ANGELES — American Apparel reported that its net sales for the fourth quarter were up 10% to $173 million and comparable-store sales rose 7% for the same period.

Net income for the fourth quarter of 2012 was $4.9 million, or 4 cents per common share on a fully-diluted basis, compared with net loss for the fourth quarter of 2011 of $11.2 million or 11 cents per common share.

New York -- Best Buy Co. named Ron Wilson as president and COO of its Canadian operations, effective immediately. Wilson will lead the business in Canada under the Future Shop and Best Buy online brands.

As SVP merchandising and e-commerce since 2008 for Best Buy Canada, Wilson led the strategic visions of Bestbuy.ca and Futureshop.ca. Wilson previously managed several other units within Best Buy Canada, including merchandising, operations and marketing.
 

New York -- Fashion Outlets of Chicago, a new mall due to open in August near O'Hare International Airport, on Tuesday announced its tenant list.

The two-level, 530,000-sq.-ft. center will be anchored by a Bloomingdale's outlet, Last Call by Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th and Forever 21.

Dallas -- Alliance Data Systems Corp., a leading provider of loyalty and marketing solutions derived from transaction-rich data, announced its Retail Services business has signed a long-term agreement to continue providing the co-brand credit card program for multichannel retailer Gander Mountain.

Some are familiar; others not so. Fast Company’s annual list of “The World’s Top 10 Most Innovative Companies in Retail” covers a lot of ground in its diversity. Here’s a recap:

1. Nike: Cited for its revolutionary new products and culture of “true believers.”

New York -- Vornado Realty Trust is selling 10 million shares of J.C. Penney Co. in an unregistered secondary transaction, according to reports by CNBC and other media outlets.

Deutsche Bank is shopping around the sale of the Vornado shares, according to the report.

Vornado is Penney’s third-largest shareholder controlling some 8.5% of the company. Vornado chairman Steven Roth sits on the company's board.

King Of Prussia, Pa. -- GSI Commerce, an eBay Inc. company, said it has extended its contract with PetSmart to support the retailer’s omnichannel strategy with webstore, fulfillment and customer service solutions. GSI has worked with PetSmart since 2007, and this contract will extend the relationship for three years.
   

Boston -- City Sports today announced plans for two new stores, including its largest store to date, in New York City’s financial district. Slated to open at the end of March, the bi-level, 10,500-sq.-ft. space will feature an open floor plan and many other details that nod to the building's origins as a bank. The store will be City Sports' third location in NYC.

In addition, the chain announced a new location for its Chestnut Hill, Mass., store, set for a March 16 opening to coincide with the brand's 30th anniversary.

CHICAGO — KitchenAid has announced plans to introduce the first line of non-licensed cookware, bakeware and kettles in its nearly 100-year history. KitchenAid had previously offered these products through a licensing arrangement.

"These newest KitchenAid products look, feel and perform like those that built our reputation as a brand," said Michael Huie, global business unit director for KitchenAid.