eCommerce

BJ’s Wholesale Club this week formally announced that it planned to explore strategic alternatives and confirmed what had been speculated about in the market place for at least four years. The possible sale of BJ’s and its 189 clubs isn’t likely to have a meaningful impact on the marketplace and could potentially benefit the likes of Sam’s Club and Costco.

New York City -- Dillard’s was the clear winner in the department store category in January, posting a same-store sales increase of 6%, which edged results from both Macy’s and Saks.

J.C. Penney Co. was the big disappointment, as same-store sales dropped an unexpected 1.2%. A survey of analysts by Thomson Reuters produced a consensus estimate of same-store sales up 1.8%.

The retailer said January sales were impacted by lower levels of clearance inventory as well as by adverse weather conditions.

Natick, Mass. -- BJ’s Wholesale Club confirmed on Thursday that it will potentially put it up for sale.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- HSN announced that Jill Braff has been appointed EVP digital commerce effective Feb. 7. Braff will report directly to Mindy Grossman, CEO of HSN Inc.

In her new position, Braff will oversee HSN's existing e-commerce, mobile and social media platforms. In addition, she will manage the development and implementation of new multi-platform initiatives. HSN's e-commerce, digital marketing, merchandising and advanced services teams will report to Braff.

SAN FRANCISCO -- Gap Inc. has announced a series of significant management and organizational changes at Gap brand designed to drive more consistent results in North America and to provide a new and dynamic creative leadership structure that will deliver sustainable global growth. The changes are effective immediately.

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. -- Staples Inc. announced that it will showcase its enhanced focus on new technologies and services in its retail stores with a new television spot airing regionally during the Super Bowl on Feb. 6. 

BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Walmart announced that the Walmart Foundation committing more than $750,000 in cash and in-kind donations to support emergency relief efforts in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil where an estimated 827 people have been killed and thousands have been left homeless following torrential rains and mudslides. A $400,000 donation from the Walmart Foundation will help purchase critical supplies like water, food, medical supplies and long-term relief efforts.

Atlanta -- RedPrairie Corp., a productivity solutions provider, announced it has finalized the acquisition of Escalate Retail, a provider of all-channel commerce to specialty retailers, direct marketers and big-ticket retailers.

By Brian Leary, [email protected]

New York City -- Gap announced a series of changes to help revive its struggling namesake division, which hasn't posted a gain on an annual basis since 2004. The company has tapped the head of its outlet division, Art Peck, to replace Marka Hansen as leader of the Gap brand for North America, effective immediately. Peck is credited with growing the company’s highly-profitable Outlet business for the past three years. He also has been a primary architect of the company’s franchise business and international growth platform.