eCommerce

Pittsburgh -- Dick's Sporting Goods has agreed to make a 20 million pound investment ($31.75 million) in U.K. sports retailer JJB Sports plc, which operates over 180 stores in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Dick's will purchase 18.75 million pounds ($29.76 million) in junior secured convertible notes and 1.25 million pounds ($1.98 million) in ordinary shares of JJB Sports. The transaction is subject to approval of the British company's shareholders.

New York -- Many apparel retailers and department stores registered solid gains in March, as an early spring brought out shoppers looking for seasonal merchandise earlier than they typically would. Last month was the warmest March in North America in more than 50 years, according to weather data provider Planalytics.

Macy’s, Kohl’s Corp., Limited Brands and Gap Inc. were among the retailers who topped analyst estimates.

UNION, N.J. — Bed Bath & Beyond continues to dominate the home and housewares space and reported another quarter of impressive sales and earnings growth.

Union, N.J. -- Bed Bath & Beyond Inc.’s profit in the fourth quarter rose to $351.0 million, from $283.5 million a year ago.

Revenue for the quarter ended Feb. 25 increased 9.1% to $2.73 billion. Same-store sales were up 6.8%.

In a conference call with analysts, the chain said it anticipates opening a total of 40 stores across all its concepts this fiscal year.
 

Deerfield, Ill. — Walgreens posted March sales of $6 billion, a decrease of 4.3%, compared with the same month in fiscal year 2011.

Boston -- Amazon.com is America's most relevant retailer, followed by Target, according to Brodeur Partners’ Retail Relevance Top 10 ranking. The study asked shoppers to look at 21 of the nation's top retailers and select the "most" and "least" personally relevant retailer in four specific areas: practicality, values, sensory appeal and social appeal.

NEW YORK — Saks has named Michael Burgess as president of its direct business, effective May 7, 2012. Burgess will report to Denise Incandela, EVP and chief marketing officer for Saks Fifth Avenue and current president of Saks direct.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart has bolstered its Easter assortment, offering a number of popular holiday items at competitive price points. For example, the retailer is offering a five-pack of Cadbury Eggs for $2.78, Marshmallow Peeps for $1 each and Starburst Jellybeans for $1.88.

To build their Easter baskets, Walmart is offering customers green Easter grass for 28 cents, plastic Easter Eggs (10 ct.) for 50 cents and Easter buckets/baskets for 97 cents each.