eCommerce

SEATTLE -- Amazon.com has announced the launch of the Amazon Appstore for Android at www.amazon.com/appstore. According to the company, the Amazon Appstore includes a new feature, "Test Drive," which allows customers to test apps on a simulated Android phone. Customers control the app through their computer using a mouse.

Columbus, Ohio -- Tarrytown, N.Y.-based DLC Management Corp. said that Shoppers World has signed a lease at Northern Lights Shopping Center in Columbus, Ohio. The 40,805-sq.-ft. apparel/variety merchandise retailer signed an eleven year lease and will join a dominant tenant lineup at this 361,000-sq.-ft. shopping center including Kroger, Marshall’s, Sears Outlet, and Citi Trends.

Shoppers World is expected to open in the summer.

New York City -- Almost 80% of respondents in a national survey of moms’ shopping habits said that the recession has permanently altered their shopping habits, inducing overall cuts in spending by purchasing items on sale and using coupons. The survey was conducted by the online shopping site Totsy.

MINNEAPOLIS -- Consumer electronics become outdated almost as soon as the public learns about them, so electronics trade-in services, such as the one offered by Target, help consumers stay on top of the latest trends without having to have a pile of old cell phones collecting dust in their homes. Target Wednesday announced that it has expanded its trade-in program to include Nintendo DS, in time for the upcoming release of the Nintendo 3DS. 

New York -- LexisNexis announced that it has a launched a suite of products designed to protect retailers from the risks associated card-not-present, or fraudulent credit card orders.

According to LexisNexis' 2010True Cost of Fraud Study, conducted by Javelin Strategy & Research, retailers are consistently experiencing more than $100 billion in annual fraud losses.

Mississauga, Ontario -- Tb!s the bargain shop, a leading Canadian discount store chain, announced that Beryl “Jack” Buley has been appointed president and CEO, effective immediately. Tb!s operates 238 stores in Canada.

Buley’s promotion is designed to position Tb!s to continue to expand its retail footprint and gain share in the Canadian market. Former president and CEO, Michael Roellinghoff, will assume the role of vice chairman of the board.

STAMFORD, Conn. -- WWE and Vivendi Entertainment announced that Walmart will be the exclusive retailer for WWE Studios’ films. Vivendi Entertainment will continue to be WWE’s North American retail and rental distribution partner. 

New York City -- Information on Tuesday confirmed that private equity firm Leonard Green & Partners LP is considering an offer to acquire BJ’s Wholesale Club.

Leonard Green, which already as a 9.3% ownership stake in the wholesale club operator, said in an SEC filing that it is examining confidential information provided by BJ's as it evaluates an offer.

BJ's revealed in February that it was considering selling itself.