eCommerce

Atlanta -- Mobile commerce enabler Firethorn Mobile Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Qualcomm Inc., and Brookstone announced Brookstone as its latest retail partner for its Swagg mobile application, which provides shoppers with mobile access to purchase digital gift cards. Mobile shoppers also can receive special offers and manage customer loyalty programs through the app. 

NEW YORK — The ways in which the largest U.S. retail brands address the needs of their customers on Facebook and Twitter were unveiled last week in a white paper — Safeway and Sears topped charts; Costco, Kmart, Kroger and Walmart were found wanting, according to Conversocial, a software company that develops social media tools.

New York City -- Best Buy Co. said Monday it is buying out its joint venture partner, Carphone Warehouse Group PLC, in its fast-growing North American mobile business for $1.34 billion. As part of the reorganization of its relationship with the U.S. consumer electronics giant, Carphone Warehouse will shutter the 11 pilot big-box Best Buy stores it opened last year in the United Kingdom.

NEW YORK — Barnes & Noble announced that it has introduced Nook Tablet, the latest product in its Nook portfolio. According to the company, the Nook Tablet offers access to popular movies, TV shows, music and more through the top entertainment services, including Netflix, Hulu Plus, Pandora and others, plus a collection of high-quality apps, fast Web browsing and email.

San Francisco -- Williams-Sonoma announced today that it has acquired Rejuvenation Inc., a manufacturer and retailer of authentic reproduction lighting and house parts, such as doors and cabinet hardware.

Rejuvenation’s lighting fixtures are custom-configured and made-to-order. The brand’s products are sold through its catalog, website and retail stores in Portland, Ore., Seattle and Los Angeles. The transaction price was not disclosed.

Bethesda, Md. -- Retail brokerage Streetsense said Monday that Tucson, Ariz.-based fashion re-seller Buffalo Exchange will open its first store in Washington, D.C., in the first quarter of 2012.

Buffalo Exchange leased a two-level, 4,245-sq.-ft. store in the heart of the city’s 14th Street corridor. Streetsense also has been engaged to do the design and interior architecture for the store, which will be its 42nd U.S. location.

 

Central Ohio’s largest mall opened 10 years ago, and has continued to improve and evolve over a sometimes tumultuous decade, thanks to a hands-on management approach by its owner Glimcher Realty Trust, based in Columbus, Ohio.  Chain Store Age talked with Michael Glimcher, president and CEO of Glimcher Realty Trust, about Polaris Fashion Place and how it has stood the test of time.

In its 10-year history, how has Polaris Fashion Place changed/evolved over the decade, especially during the more recent recessionary climate?

Minneapolis -- Target Corp. is adding a new benefit to its REDcard Rewards loyalty program: free shipping on Target.com purchases when guests use their REDcards. In addition, for the first time Target Debit Cards can be used on Target.com.

Target’s REDcard Rewards loyalty program applies to the Target REDcards, including the Target Credit Card, Target Visa Credit Card and Target Debit Card. The program offers guests an extra 5% off Target’s already prices on nearly all items purchased in stores and online when they use a REDcard.