eCommerce

Citigroup found that toy prices at both Walmart and Target fell by 4% and that the price gap between the two retailers on toys has narrowed since its first survey.

According to Ciitgroup, retail prices of a basket of “hot” toys for holiday 2011 are now 30 bps cheaper at Walmart than at Target, compared with 50 bps cheaper at Walmart in its previous survey. However, taking into account Target’s 5% rewards discount, the basket of toys became 470 bps more expensive at Walmart, compared with 450 bps more expensive in the previous survey.

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. — Pet Supplies Plus, the third-largest pet specialty retailer in the United States, announced that Harvey Solway, executive chairman of the company, is retiring effective Dec. 31.

Solway, 60, began his twenty-year career with Pet Supplies Plus as EVP and general counsel and served as the company's CEO from January 1993 through June 2011. Solway led PSP through its formative years and was instrumental in growing the business to its 92 corporate and 159 franchise stores today, the company reported. 

MINNEAPOLIS — Target has partnered U.K. beauty expert Maria Hatzistefanis and is now carrying her Nip + Fab beauty brand in Target stores and online at Target.com.

Launched in 2010 and previously available only across the pond, Nip + Fab is now available in the United States through its partnership with Target.

Beauty mavens can select from 14 different Nip + Fab skin solutions and body blends, including Nip + Fab Tummy Fix, Nip + Fab Pigmentation Fix and Nip + Fab Dark Circle Fix.

Hatzistefanis also has created the Rodial beauty brand.

San Francisco -- Four months after the Supreme Court tossed out a huge class-action lawsuit by female Walmart employees who claimed they were discriminated against by the world’s largest retailer, a smaller, regionalized group of employees has regrouped to file another gender-bias claim against Wal-Mart Stores.

Sidney, Neb. -- Outdoor retailer Cabela’s reported Thursday that profit for the third quarter surged 68.7% to $33.3 million, compared with $19.7 million in the year-ago period. Results surpassed analysts’ expectations and mark the third straight quarter of profit rises.

Revenue rose 6% to $678.6 million, missing Wall Street’s expected $681.5 million.

Dallas -- Neiman Marcus announced Thursday that it had entered into agreements with Visa and MasterCard to begin, effective Nov. 1, accepting MasterCard and Visa credit, debit and prepaid cards at all 41 Neiman Marcus stores.

The luxury retailer had long been criticized for accepting only its private-label credit cards, American Express and cash.

"We listened to our customers and heard that they wanted more flexibility in their payment choices," said Karen Katz, president and CEO, Neiman Marcus.
 

Dallas -- SRS Real Estate Partners said that Dollar Tree/Deal$ has leased four new retail spaces, all in New York.

The company leased 12,000 sq. ft. in Maspeth, N.Y.; 12,000 sq. ft. in Brooklyn; 10,250 sq. ft. in Sunnyside; and 9,341 sq. ft. on Broadway in New York City.
 

New York City -- Prudential Douglas Elliman's Retail Group said Wednesday it has a arranged a long-term lease for The Harlem Wine Gallery at 752 Saint Nicholas Avenue, between 147th and 148th Streets in New York City.

The transaction is the second wine and spirit shop that the team has arranged on the corridor in recent months, following Unity Wines & Spirits at 704 Saint Nicholas Avenue.
 
 

Atwater, Calif. -- Jacksonville, Fla.-based Regency Centers said that Dollar Tree has leased retail space in Atwater, Calif., at Applegate Ranch Shopping Center.

Dollar Tree leased 9,264 sq. ft. and is now open. The 464,136-sq.-ft. shopping center is anchored by a Super Target, Walmart, Marshalls and Petco.
 

Naperville, Ill. -- Brixmor Property Group announced two retailers will join Westridge Court, located in Naperville, Ill.

A 4,466-sq.-ft. Dots recently opened at Westridge Court.  And a 4,000-sq.-ft. lease has been executed with Gymboree Play and Music. 

Brixmor, based in New York City, is the owner of Westridge Court.