eCommerce

LOS ANGELES — JustFab and ShoeDazzle have entered into a definitive agreement to merge and form one fashion subscription e-commerce business.

With the merger, the two brands will be able to expand their customer base in the United States and further accelerate international and category expansion plans. The combined company is expected to be profitable in 2014.

Target produced solid profits on tepid second quarter sales growth but joined the growing list of retailers to express reservations about the health of the consumer during the back half of the year.

Target said its U.S. stores produced a 1.2% same store sales increase during the second quarter ended August 3, and total sales increased 2.4% to $16.8 billion from $16.5 billion during second quarter last year. Operating profits grew at a meager 0.4% rate to $1.33 billion from $1.32 billion.

Los Angeles — Hong Kong is by far the world’s most expensive city for global retailers, but prime rents in New York City, London, Tokyo and Zurich are on the rise, according to research from CBRE Group, Inc.

CBRE’s second quarter 2013 ranking of the top 10 prime global retail markets saw little change relative to previous quarters; however, four of the top 10 markets — New York City, London, Zurich and Tokyo — saw quarterly increases in prime retail rents. Only one market saw a quarterly increase in the first quarter.

Dallas -- Neiman Marcus has launched its online Beauty Product Specialist Program offering online customers the personalized counter experience they would receive in a Neiman Marcus store.

"Through this program our customers can expect to receive guidance on skincare regimes, makeup application, and choosing a personal scent," said Kelly St. John, Neiman Marcus Direct VP, divisional merchandise manager, beauty.

WAYNE, N.J. — It may be August, but Toys"R"Us is getting a jump on the holiday season. The retailer is expanding its price match guarantee on items available at its Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us stores nationwide to include selected online retailer pricing. 

Minneapolis -- Target Corp. reported that its second quarter profit dropped 13% to $611 million in the quarter ended Aug. 3, down from $704 million a year earlier, amid start-up costs related to its entry into Canada. Total company profits, excluding start-up costs related to Canada, increased 6.1%. Similar to other retailers, the chain issued a muted annual profit forecast as it deals with a still uncertain economy and cautious consumers.

By John Lytle, john.lytle@isg-one.com and Julien Escribe, julien.escribe@isg-one.com

PHOENIX — PetSmart’s total sales for the quarter ended Aug. were $1.7 billion, up 5.3% from $1.6 billion for the prior-year period, showing that people are still spending money on their pets despite lingering economic challenges and cautious shopping behavior trends evident in other sectors. 

Comparable-store sales, or sales in stores open at least a year, grew 3.4%, benefitting from comparable transactions growth of 1%. Services sales, which are included in total sales, grew 7.3% to $205 million.