eCommerce

SEATTLE and NEW YORK — While the threat of having to collect state sales tax still looms, Amazon.com continues to find new revenue sources. The company announced Tuesday that it will become the largest third-party seller of Hearst magazine subscriptions through an expanded agreement with Hearst Corp. Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN - News) and Hearst Corporation today announced that the two companies have entered into an expanded, multi-faceted consumer marketing, e-commerce and content relationship.

VENTURA, Calif. — Patagonia., a designer and distributor of technical outdoor clothing, has announced the appointment of Dmitri Siegel as the company's new VP global e-commerce, effective Sept. 12.

As VP e-commerce, Siegel will provide strategic vision, leadership, and operational expertise in directing Patagonia's e-commerce strategies both domestically and abroad, the company reported. 

BURLINGTON, N.J. — Burlington Coat Factory reported that total sales for its second quarter increased 8.9% to $793 million and comparable-store sales were up 4%.

For the year-to-date, total sales rose 6.1% to $1.8 billion and same-store sales climbed 2.1%.

New York City -- Toys “R” Us is cutting back on the number of temporary holiday stores it opens this year compared with last, but it is significantly expanding the number of exclusive products it offers, chairman and CEO Jerry Storch said at a press conference Wednesday. The retail chief’s bet on the hottest toy of the season: Animal Planet’s Air Swimmers line (helium-filled, radio-controlled flying fish), which will be available only at Toys “R” stores and via its website.

New York City -- Saks has named Denise Incandela to the newly created role of chief marketing officer for Saks Fifth Avenue.

Incandela, who joined Saks Fifth Avenue in 1999, will continue as president of Saks Direct.
 

Bentonville, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores said Wednesday that its technology unit, @WalmartLabs, has acquired Boulder, Colo.-based mobile and social advertising firm OneRiot.

OneRiot’s technology will become part of WalmartLabs’ mobile and social shopping efforts, allowing the retailer to hone its social media skills and develop a variety of shopping and retail-related applications.
 

Portland, Ore. -- Daily deal site LivingSocial said Tuesday that it has reached new records with its first nationwide grocery deal, implemented with Whole Foods Market.

The debut deal offered shoppers $20 worth of products at Whole Foods for $10.

Washington, D.C. -- A report released Wednesday by the Commerce Department said that retail sales were flat in August, the weakest showing in three months.

Apparel retail sales fell 0.7% in August, following a 0.3% decline in July.  Department store sales declined 0.3%.  General merchandise stores such as Wal-Mart and Target fared better, with 0.1% gains. Analysts said Hurricane Irene likely disrupted sales in late August along most of the East Coast.

Moscow -- Multiple sources in Moscow on Wednesday said that Victoria’s Secret will open its first Russian store in Moscow on Sept. 30.

According to local paper Vedomosti Business Daily, experienced American brand franchisee Moneks will open four Victoria’s Secret stores in and around Moscow prior to year’s end.

DALLAS — While the still struggling economy may have rendered most Americans cautious spenders, such luxury retailers as Neiman Marcus remain resilient. The company reported that total revenues for the fourth quarter were $919.7 million compared with $826.3 million for the prior year. Comparable revenues increased 11%. Operating earnings for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2011 were $17.5 million compared with $4.5 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2010.