eCommerce

NORTH BERGEN, N.J. — The Vitamin Shoppe announced that Stephen Bontempo has joined the company.

Bontempo, who previously served as SVP e-commerce and catalog for Fanatics Inc./GSI Commerce, has become VP e-commerce for the Vitamin Shoppe. He will report to chief marketing officer Lou Weiss.

"Having someone of Stephen's caliber is another way we continue to strengthen the leadership team," Vitamin Shoppe CEO Tony Truesdale said. "We're pleased to have him join The Vitamin Shoppe family."
 

Best Buy founder and former chairman Richard Schulze on Monday offered to buy the struggling retailer and take it private for as much as $8.8 billion. Schulze said he would offer Best Buy shareholders between $24 and $26 for each of their shares in the chain, according to a letter sent to the board that he made public.

GRAPEVINE, Texas — GameStop has partnered with Activision to offer its customers the exclusive chance to pre-order the Golden Dragonfire Cannon Battle Pack that expands their Skylanders Giants game play with new battle arenas and figures. This limited edition battle pack features the Golden Cannon and unlocks an exclusive in-game battle arena.

Matthews, N.C. -- Harris Teeter plans to expand its presence in existing markets, the company said in its third-quarter earnings release.

SECAUCUS, N.J. — Panasonic has expanded its growing portfolio of beauty products with the launch of three new products: a heated eyelash curler, precision body shaver and facial hair trimmer.

The newest products join Panasonic's current beauty product portfolio, which includes facial steamers, pore cleansers and bikini trimmers.

Denver -- The majority of consumers are being budget-smart about back-to-school shopping. Not only are they seeking out the best prices, but they’re also shopping early – 48% of shoppers polled said they were beginning their shopping a month before the first bell rings, according to a back-to-school shopping report by ShopAtHome.com, the coupon search engine. The report, which tracks consumer search habits on the site, also shows that 42% of consumers will shop more generic brands than last year.

Lakewood, Colo. -- Indianapolis-based Simon Property Group said that Ann Taylor Loft will open a store this fall at outlet and value shopping destination Colorado Mills, located in the Denver suburb of Lakewood.

Loft will be located near Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, Ann Taylor Factory Outlet and Banana Republic Factory Store.
 

CHICAGO — Claire's Stores announced that Jay Friedman, president of Claire's Stores North America, has resigned effective immediately. Claire's has commenced a search with the executive recruiting firm of Spencer Stuart to fill the open position.  Until a replacement is appointed, James Fielding, Claire's CEO, will assume Mr. Friedman's duties.