eCommerce

Mansfield, Conn. -- Westport, Conn.-based Charter Realty & Development Corp. said that ground was broken on Storrs Center, a new mixed-use town center to be located adjacent to the University of Connecticut in Mansfield.

At completion, the project will include approximately 200,000 sq. ft. of retail space, 700 residential units, and significant open space.

New York City -- Coach reported Tuesday that net income for the fourth quarter rose 4% to $202.5 million, compared with $195.5 million in the year-ago period.

Revenue surged 9% to $1.03 billion, edging Wall Street estimates. Same-store sales rose 10.1% in North America.

Coach’s performance is in line with overall strength in the luxury category. During the recessionary onslaught, the company pushed sales of handbags priced under $300, but said its average retail price of handbags is now inching back up.

SEATTLE  — Recreational Equipment Inc. announced that it plans to give $4.2 million this year to nonprofits across the country that work to preserve and maintain natural spaces through active volunteer programs.

New York City -- The Talbots said on Tuesday that its board of directors has adopted a shareholder rights plan -- or a poison pill -- to protect its stockholders after a private equity firm disclosed it had acquired a sizeable stake in the company.

On Monday, Sycamore Partners LP revealed it had acquired a 9.9% stake in Talbots and said it planned to attempt to talk with the retailer about strategy and operations.

Reports put Talbots’ market value at $288 million, and suggest a buyout would exceed $400 million.

Sidney, Neb. -- Cabela’s announced Tuesday the launch of its iPhone and Android rich app to complement its mobile-optimized website, which launched earlier this year through mobile commerce leader Digby.

Through this initiative, Cabela’s said it is taking a strategic approach to mobile and leveraging the impact and influence it has across all channels to drive traffic, generate sales, enhance loyalty and gain insight on consumer buying behavior.  

Markham, Ontario -- Maple Lake Ltd. said that Aerosoles has selected Maple Lake’s QuickAssortment software to refine and centralize the retailers’ merchandise, store and assortment planning activities. The retailer has already completed Phase I of the implementation process.

By Craig Rowley, craig.rowley@haygroup.com

With the promise of mesmerizing merchandise, an exclusive assortment of My Little Pony products are receiving special toy department treatment at Target this week. The popular Hasbro property is based on a talking unicorn pony and her unique collection of friends, which has made “My Little Pony Friendship is Magic” that airs on Hasbro-owned channel The Hub the number one television show for kids ages two through 11.