eCommerce

NEW YORK — Barnes & Noble saw revenue increases across all of its segments, but it was its digital segment, lead by Nook, that helped narrow its net loss for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2012.

Barnes & Noble's consolidated revenue for the fourth quarter increased 0.4% to $1.4 billion as compared with the prior year. Net loss for the quarter improved 3% as compared with the prior year to $57.7 million, or $1.08 per share.

Columbus, Ohio -- Easton Town Center co-developers Steiner + Associates and The Georgetown Co. announced Monday that they will be adding more than 50,000 sq. ft. of new tenants this year and renovating more than 150,000 sq. ft. of existing space.

New York -- Walgreen Co. said Tuesday it will pay $6.7 billion for a 45% stake in European health and beauty retailer Alliance Boots, which is based Nottingham, England, with an option to buy the rest of the company in about three years. It is the first international venture and biggest deal ever for the U.S. chain.

Fort Lee, N.J. -- Tucker Development Corp. announced that its mixed-use project planned for downtown Fort Lee, N.J. — Hudson Lights — has received site plan approval from the Fort Lee Borough Planning Board.

The project will encompass eight acres in the heart of downtown.

 “We’ve worked to create a vibrant shop, dine and live quality environment,” said Richard H. Tucker, president and CEO of Tucker Development.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens and Alliance Boots took the first step in creating what will be the first and largest global retail pharmacy player, the two companies announced Tuesday.  "This creates an opportunity for us together to create an international expansion platform," Walgreens president and CEO Greg Wasson told reporters and analysts early Tuesday morning.

Alliance Boots is a U.K.-based international, pharmacy-led health and beauty group that operates 3,330 retail businesses in 11 countries.

Houston -- Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services said it has hired Derek Hargrove as a senior associate in the Houston office.

In his new position, Hargrove will focus on the sale of multi-tenant shopping centers throughout southwest Texas. He also holds the title of associate director of Marcus & Millichap’s National Retail Group.

New York -- Zumiez Inc. on Tuesday said it has agreed to buy Austria-based Blue Tomato for 59.5 million euros ($75 million). The teen retailer also raised its second-quarter revenue outlook.

Blue Tomato sells branded snowboarding and skating gear, apparel and footwear through its e-commerce website, which is available in 15 languages, and five stores in Austria. The company will continue to be headquartered in Schladming, Austria, and senior management will continue in their current roles.

PHOENIX — Multi-platinum rock star Bret Michaels has partnered with PetSmart to launch a line of pet products. Available exclusively at PetSmart stores in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico and online at www.PetSmart.com, the collection includes toys, beds, apparel, collars, leashes, and bowls.