eCommerce

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Sam's Club announced that it is offering a 15-week membership for $15 to help consumers take advantage of the retailer's deals for the holiday season. The seasonal membership is available for purchase during regular club hours for a limited time between Oct. 4 and 10, and extends to new advantage and business members. Annual membership fees regularly start at $35 for business and $40 for advantage members.

New York -- In a surprise announcement, Target said that Michael Francis, executive VP and chief marketing officer of Target Corp., has elected to leave the company.  In January, 2011, Francis was charged with overseeing with Target’s Canadian entrance. 

The retailer was short on specifics regarding Francis’ departure. 

"We would like to thank Michael for his many contributions and wish him the best in his future endeavors" said Gregg Steinhafel, chairman, president and CEO, in a statement. 

Bentonville, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. will webcast its annual meeting for the investment community on Wed., Oct. 12 from approximately 8:00 a.m. CDT to 3:30 p.m. CDT. 

MINNEAPOLIS — Michael Francis, EVP and CMO of Target, and the person charged with leading the retailer's expansion into Canada, has left the company, Target announced Monday.

“We would like to thank Michael for his many contributions and wish him the best in his future endeavors” said Gregg Steinhafel, chairman, president and CEO.

Johannesburg, South Africa — A Bloomberg report on Sunday said that Massmart Holdings Ltd., the South African retailer controlled by Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., will open 23 new outlets over the next eight months, part of its plan to not only expand its coverage area but also to add jobs in the region. The plan calls for 15,000 jobs over the next three years.

The retailer also said it will repeat a price-cut promotion at its stores.

Indianapolis -- Hhgregg has officially launched its new e-commerce website. The retailer’s key development partners for the new site include Rosetta, the implementation partner; IBM, the ecommerce platform provider, and Adobe for imaging, recommendations and site analytics.

The new site features enhanced functionality, delivers on the company’s “We Help” brand promise and brings hhgregg’s superior in-store experience online.

New features include:

DODGEVILLE, Wis. — Lands' End has announced the promotion of Tim Martin to COO/CFO, and Chris Kolbe to brand president.  

As the leader of operations and finance for Lands' End, Martin will oversee all aspects of financial planning and inventory management for the brand's global business. He most recently served as SVP, CFO.

LOS ANGELES — The state of the economy continues to impact consumers' holiday shopping decisions as many plan to spend less or the same this year.