eCommerce

New York -- RCS Real Estate Advisors said Tuesday it has been retained by Diamond Wireless, a mall-based retailer and one of six National Premium retailers for Verizon Wireless, to provide advice and performance analysis to the retailer in the management of its real estate portfolio.

As Diamond Wireless continues to expand nationally, RCS said it is charged with ensuring that Diamond’s current and future site selections, which include both inline stores and kiosks, deliver the highest and best value and efficiencies available in the mall marketplace today.

NEW YORK — eBay's latest move to brand itself as more than just an online auction site, involves the launch of an exclusive designer collection for the holiday season. The company has partnered with designers Billy Reid, Chris Benz, Fallon, Jonathan Adler, Ruffian, Steven Alan and Tibi for an original, limited-edition gift collection of men’s and women’s apparel, jewelry, travel and electronics accessories and home décor.

EMERYVILLE, Calif. — LeapFrog Enterprises has named Ray Arthur as CFO.

New York -- Barnes & Noble announced the appointment of Thomas Donohue as VP treasurer, and Kanuj Malhotra as VP corporate development.

The company also said it has promoted Andy Milevoj to VP investor relations, all reporting directly to Mike Huseby, CFO.
 

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — Global e-commerce software provider ChannelAdvisor is hosting a webinar to help retailers prepare their e-commerce operations for the upcoming holiday season.

Hosted by ChannelAdvisor CEO Scot Wingo, the webinar, titled "The Top Ten Essential Holida To-Dos for Online Retailers," will offer retailers 10 must-dos in order to capitalize on increased online shopping during the holiday months.

Two U.S. toy companies have a shot at exclusive distribution with Meijer this holiday season thanks to a innovative contest announced Monday.

The retailer unveiled details of the Meijer Next Great Toymaker contest designed to give two small U.S. toymakers the chance to have their toy receive exclusive distribution on Meijer.com this holiday season.

New York -- Retail sales fell 0.5% in June, the Commerce Department said on Monday, as consumer spending declined for the third consecutive month. The drop, which followed a 0.2% decrease in May, was unexpected as many economists were expecting growth.

Falling gas prices were attributed to some of the weakness. But even excluding sales at gas stations, retail spending fell 0.3% in June. Economists said weak job growth was making consumers cautious and eating away at consumer confidence.

Armonk, N.Y. -- Mobile shopping rose in the second quarter while social media sales fell, providing an indication of where U.S. retailers may invest in order to capture the attention and loyalty of the digital consumer, according to a new report from IBM.

The IBM Retail Online Index, a cloud-based analysis of the online retail sector, reported that retailers experienced 15% growth in sales from mobile devices but saw a 20% decline in sales traced to social media based on a much smaller base over this three-month period.