eCommerce

The world is full of powerful women, but a recent listing of the 100 most powerful by Forbes indicates that, with a few exceptions, the publication doesn’t think many are involved in the retail and consumer packaged goods world.

PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi was ranked fourth followed by Kraft CEO Irene Rosenfeld at number 10 on a list that was otherwise dominated by media personalities, celebrities, politicians and government officials. As for female retail executives, well there were exactly three.

The new Target.com website went live last Tuesday just as Target News Now was hitting in-boxes with an item about the relaunch that began, “Just launch the new site already.” Well, now that the completely reengineered site is operational, it marks the company’s first step on an ambitious plan for multi-channel expansion, according to Target.com president Steve Eastman.

The new Target.com website went live last Tuesday just as Target News Now was hitting in-boxes with an item about the relaunch that began, “Just launch the new site already.” Well, now that the completely reengineered site is operational, it marks the company’s first step on an ambitious plan for multi-channel expansion, according to Target.com president Steve Eastman.

Seattle -- Nordstrom announced it is now offering free standard shipping and returns from Nordstrom.com -- every day, for online orders of every size. The company said it is broadening its online free shipping and returns policy to all customers in an effort to improve the online shopping experience.

Previously, Nordstrom offered free shipping for online purchases above $200 or through special promotional offers. The new policy applies to Nordstrom.com orders shipped within the United States regardless of the amount or size of the orders.

San Francisco -- Gap announced Monday that it will open its first Banana Republic store in France in Paris in early December. The 15,952-sq.-ft. store will be located on Avenue des Champs Élysées, one of the most popular international shopping destinations in the world.

“Following the success of our London and Milan openings, we are delighted to bring Banana Republic to Paris and take another exciting step in our international growth strategy,” said Stephen Sunnucks, president, International, Gap.
 

Brisbane Calif. -- Bebe Stores reported Thursday that profit for the fourth quarter doubled to $4.7 million, from $2 million in the year-ago period.

Revenue rose 8% to $132.3 million, compared with $122.1 million last year and beating Wall Street expectations of $126.1 million. Same-store sales grew 7%.

For the year, the company narrowed its loss to $1.8 million, from $5.2 million in fiscal 2010. Annual revenue increased 3% to $493.3 million.

Oakland, Calif. -- Cost Plus reported Friday that its loss widened in the second quarter to $8 million, from $7 million in the year-ago period.

Sales for the quarter rose 3.2% to $197.9 million, and same-store sales increased 2.8%.

The retailer of home living and entertainment products closed five stores in the first six months of fiscal 2011, and said it expects to relocate one store in the third quarter of fiscal 2011.
 

New York City -- Supporting continued strength in the luxury sector, Tiffany & Co. reported Friday that profit for the quarter ended July 31 soared 33% to $90 million, from $67.7 million a year earlier. Results surpassed Wall Street estimates, and the jewelry retailer raised its full-year profit outlook.

Revenue surged 30% in the quarter, to $872.7 million, beating analysts’ expected $785.6 million.  Same-store sales jumped 22%.

From Gap and Coach to Best Buy and Starbucks, retailers across the board are looking to high-growth emerging markets to expand their business and increase revenues. Not surprisingly, China is a prime -- if not the No. 1 -- target of many retailers.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Despite a comps dip during its second quarter, Big Lots performance was enough for the company to raise its fiscal 2011 guidance.

Big Lots reported net income of $35.7 million, or 50 cents per diluted share, for the second quarter of fiscal 2011 ended July 30.  This compares with net income of $38.9 million, or 48 cents per diluted share, for the second quarter of fiscal 2010.