eCommerce

Reston, Va. – The start of the annual school year drove U.S. consumer traffic at retail sites in September. According to comScore MediaMetrix data, retail computer software sites were the third-most-visited website category in September 2013 with about 64.3 million unique U.S. visitors, up 12% from 57.3 million the prior month.

eBay has introduced a set of new features that make browsing and buying on the site a more personalized experience. The company is also accelerating its efforts in local commerce and plans to extend its eBay Now delivery service to 25 markets by the end of 2014, including Chicago.

Rocky Mount, N.C. - QVC has opened a second solar farm comprising 11,564 panels on 11 acres at the Rocky Mount Distribution Center owned by QVC Rocky Mount, Inc. Now generating 5.8 million kilowatt-hours per year, this latest addition brings the combined total number of panels at the site to 17,244 over 18 acres. The first field of 5,680 solar panels on seven acres of land was completed in November 2008.

Under Armour is continuing its drive toward domestic and international growth by bolstering its senior executive team. The brand has elevated chief operating officer Kip Fulks to president of product and Henry Stafford to president of North America.  

In their new positions, Fulks will further leverage his leadership experience in product, innovation, supply chain and IT, while Stafford will oversee North America wholesale, retail marketing, global retail and global e-commerce.

Southport, Conn. -- ShopRoxx, a retail store specializing in the latest fun-and-fresh fashion trends for young women, has chosen eWay Direct’s Calibr email platform to deliver more high-value repeat customers and better overall ROI for 2014.

New York -- Amazon.com has raised its free shipping minimum from $25 to $35. The change, which applies to orders shipped to U.S. addresses, took effect Tuesday, just ahead of the holiday shopping season.

"This is the first time in more than a decade that Amazon has altered the minimum order for free shipping in the U.S.,” the online giant said in a brief post on its website. “During that time, we have expanded free shipping selection by millions of items across all 40 product categories."

Bentonville, Ark. – Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. has reportedly named two new managers for its China business. According to Bloomberg, an internal corporate memo indicates Wal-Mart is naming Adrian Blake as senior VP of business development in China and Rob Bray as senior VP of real estate in China.

Target is enlisting Jonna Mendez, a former CIA officer, who will serve as a “Kids’ Gift Detective.” Inspired by her years of CIA experience, Mendez will offer online tips and techniques via a video series at ABullseyeView.com where she works with popular mom bloggers.
 
In addition, Target will offer a dedicated kids’ gifts page on its website and will launch a digital gift catalog in early November.