eCommerce

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- HSN Inc. reported that total net sales for its first quarter grew 6% over the prior year to $724 million. Net sales at its HSN business increased 1% to $526.2 million, which included 7% sales growth at HSN.com. Cornerstone's net sales increased 20% to $197.8 million with e-commerce sales growth of 23%.

Adjusted EPS increased 14% to 41 cents compared with 36 cents in the prior year, the company reported. GAAP diluted EPS increased 13% to 34 cents compared with 30 cents in the prior year.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. -- Sears announced the launch of new jewelry line from designer Zaven Ghanimian. Beginning today, the Zeghani bt Simon collection will be available for purchase at Sears stores nationwide as well as online at www.Sears.com/zeghani.

Ghanimian is the son of famed jeweler Simon G and trained at his father's jewelry business before designing his solo collection.

PASADENA, Calif. -- Disney Store has announced the launch of an exclusive collection from designer Kidada Jones. 

SEATTLE -- Amazon.com continues to grow beyond its origins as an online bookstore and is now expanding its apparel offerings with the launch of a new membership-only website, Myhabit.com.

According to the company, the website, of which member ship is free, will offer up to 60% off hand-picked styles from the most sought after brands. Other features of the site include free shipping and returns, upscale photography and 360-degree views of the clothing on live models.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Sales for Walgreens during the month of April edged up 5.5%, thanks to a boost in both front-end and pharmacy sectors.

SALISBURY, N.C. — First-quarter revenue for the Delhaize America, the U.S. sector of Delhaize Group, which includes such supermarket banners as Food Lion and Bottom Dollar, experienced a 0.1% increase to nearly $4.7 billion, the company reported.

New York City -- Luxury, e-commerce and apparel enjoyed strong growth in April and the restaurant category surpassed last month’s gains, according to MasterCard Advisors SpendingPulse, a macroeconomic report tracking national retail and services sales. Electronics and appliance sales registered declines.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Dish Network announced that it has named a president for its newly-acquired subsidiary, Blockbuster. Michael Kelly, who most recently served as EVP of Dish Network's commercial services division as well as both the direct sales and media sales organizations and played a key role in Dish Network's purchase of Blockbuster. has been charged with returning the struggling retailer to profitability.

CHICAGO -- Supervalu detailed its strategic plan to deliver profitable growth in the future for shareholders at an investor event May 3. 

Commenting on the company’s plans, Supevalu CEO and president Craig Herkert said, “We are focused on acting as one company, working toward a common goal of delivering increased value to all of our customers and meeting their needs neighborhood by neighborhood.”

New York City -- Retailers from around the world have until May 20 to enter the annual global competition, the Oracle World Retail Awards. Online entry is open at worldretailcongress.com.

The awards, designed to recognize the outstanding innovation and creativity delivered by l retailers worldwide, are presented each year at a gala event during the World Retail Congress. This year’s presentation will be held Sept. 27 in Berlin.

The winners in 2010 were as follows: