eCommerce

WASHINGTON — While intentions aren't always equal to results, if NRF's predictions are correct, consumers will be shelling out quite a bit of cash this Easter. According to NRF’s Easter spending survey, conducted by BIGinsight, Americans will spend an average of $145.28 on everything from apparel and candy to food and decorations this year, up 11% from $131.04 last year. Total spending is expected to reach $16.8 billion.

WABAN, Mass. — Sam's Club has the most loyal customers, according to a new study by Temkin Group. The report, "2012 Temkin Loyalty Ratings," rated the loyalty that consumers have to 206 large companies across 18 industries.

Only seven companies earned "very strong" loyalty ratings. In addition to the retailers listed above, credit unions and USAA earned the distinction. Sam’s Club had the most loyal customers across all industries, with a loyalty rating of 65%.

New York -- Rovio, the maker of Angry Birds, is partnering up with a major U.S. retail chain to open dedicated Angry Birds in-store shops in thousands of locations nationwide, Reuters reported. The shops, which will feature branded toys, tee shirts and books, are being timed to debut with the launch of Angry Birds Space, the Finnish company’s latest downloadable game. The report said the partnership will be more extensive than Rovio’s existing agreement with Barnes & Noble.

Washington, D.C. -- Spring apparel and candy are predicted to push Easter sales past the $16 billion mark this year, according to a new survey released Tuesday by the National Retail Federation.

The Easter spending survey, conducted by BIGinsight, found that Americans will shell out an average of $145.28 on everything from apparel and candy to food and decorations this year, up 11% from $131.04 last year. Total spending is expected to reach $16.8 billion.

Chicago -- Fraud prevention and risk management solution-provider Accertify announced Tuesday that online motorcycle outfitter Motorcycle Superstore has deployed Accertify’s Chargeback Management Solution and seen an overall lift in chargeback win rates of 62%.

It doesn’t really surprise me anymore when I hear about another national brand rolling out a smaller store format or compact new prototype. Recognizable names like Target, Walmart and Best Buy have all had some success with smaller formats, particularly when it comes to penetrating new markets. But I think the fact that Kohl’s has now joined the crowd is a little bit different — and a little bit more interesting.

Waban, Mass. -- Sam's Club, Aldi, Publix Super Markets, Amazon.com, and H.E.B. are the retailers with the most loyal customers according to a new study by Temkin Group. The report, the 2012 Temkin Loyalty Ratings, rates the loyalty that consumers have to 206 large companies across 18 industries.

Hoffman Estates, Ill. -- Sears Holdings Corp. announced Tuesday that it has named David Lukes as president, real estate development for the company.

Lukes was previously president and CEO of real estate firm Mall Properties.

Lukes has been charged with leading Sears’ efforts to further develop its real estate assets, including those that are now non-retail.

New York City -- Tiffany reported Tuesday that its fourth-quarter profit slipped to $178.4 million from $181.2 million last year. Revenue met expectations, rising nearly 8% to $1.19 billion.

For the year, net earnings surged 19% to $439 million, and sales rose 18% to $3.6 billion.

The jewelry retailer said it plans to open 24 new stores in 2012, including nine in the Americas, seven in Asia-Pacific, three in Europe and five in the United Arab Emirates. It plans nine new stores in 2013.

New York City -- J. Crew Group reported Monday that profit for the quarter ended Jan. 28 rose to $15.1 million, from $4 million in the same period last year. Revenues surged 13% to $531 million, and same-store sales rose 6%.

For the full year, the retailer reported a profit decline to $51.5 million, from $121.5 million in 2010. Annual revenues rose 8% to $1.9 billion, and same-store sales increased 7%.