eCommerce

Walmart is stupid to take on Amazon.com head-to-head in too many areas, according to Wharton marketing professor Stephen Hoch who, along with other members of academia and one retail futurist, weigh in on the competitive situation that promises to impact the entire retail industry.

Columbus, Ohio – Lane Bryant has opened three new stores and reopened two stores as of Nov. 15. The three new stores are located in Gretna Crossing Outlets in Gretna, Neb., Spectrum Town Center in Chino, Calif., and Outlets of Mississippi in Pearl, Miss.

Santa Clara, Calif. – Multiple media reports indicate that computer chip manufacturer Intel plans to open a number of pop-up stores selling electronic devices using Intel chips. John Wallace, business line manager of mobile and communications for Intel, announced at a Nov. 13 press event that the company will open its first “Intel Experience” store in the NoLita (North of Little Italy) neighborhood of New York City on Nov. 23.

Ottawa, Canada – Amazon.com has the best price on products in its assortment about 80% of the time. However, the new “Amazon Holiday Pricing Insights” analysis from pricing technology provider 360pi shows that Amazon does have weak spots, and that retailers can compete with the online giant, especially if they can beat Amazon on other non-price purchase factors.

HSN is a shining example of a retailer that successfully reinvented itself to become a $3 billion interactive multichannel operator and in the process shattered perceptions about what a career in retail looks like.
 

XPO Logistics, a transportation logistics services provider in North America, has acquired Optima Service Solutions, a leading non-asset provider of last-mile logistics services for major retailers and manufacturers in the United States.

New York -- Transportation logistics services provider XPO Logistics has acquired Optima Service Solutions, a non-asset provider of last-mile logistics services for major retailers and manufacturers in the United States.

The cash purchase price was $26.6 million, excluding any working capital adjustments, with no assumption of debt.

Bentonville, Ark. -- Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are committing $1 million to the Red Cross and Save the Children for emergency relief efforts in response to needs created by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. The donation includes funds given by the Walmart Foundation and Walmart's international operations.