eCommerce

Apple runs a really tight ship. That’s the takeaway of a recent Wall Street Journal article that used confidential Apple store training materials and interviews with current and former store associates to provide a behind-the-scenes look at the tech-giant’s store operations. Among the interesting details: Apple’s annual retail sales per square foot stand at an astounding $4,406.

Here are some other interesting insights from the article:

New York City -- BJ's Wholesale Club announced on Wednesday that it has agreed to be acquired by the private equity firms of Leonard Green & Partners and CVC Capital Partners (“CVC”) in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $2.8 billion.

BJ's, based in Westborough, Mass., has 190 stores in 15 states. The company said its board unanimously approved the buyout.

Columbus, Ohio-based Steiner + Associates announced that the city of Hampton, Va. has been awarded the 2011 Donald E. Hunter Excellence in Economic Development Planning Award by the American Planning Association for the Peninsula Town Center. Located in Hampton, Va., the Peninsula Town Center represents the successful redevelopment of an enclosed mall into a vibrant town center, providing approximately 2,400 new jobs and significantly increasing the taxable sales base in the city. The site has been effectively transformed from the Coliseum Mall into a regional destination.

New York City -- Many retailers are not satisfied with their ability to meet customer expectations for a seamless cross-channel experience, according to a survey conducted by Edge Research for Sterling Commerce, an IBM company.

The survey revealed several significant gaps between what consumers want and what retailers are currently delivering. A retailer’s ability to meet consumer expectations -- and deliver a seamless, cross-channel experience -- will be the deciding factor in their ability to survive in the age of the empowered consumer.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens on Wednesday unveiled plans to establish deeper roots on its home turf with its “Chicago Hometown Investment Initiative,” a plan that will create an estimated 600 new jobs in the city over the next two years and quadruple the number of Walgreens’ food oasis stores.

Tustin, Calif. -- Gold Max of California announced that is on track to open 100 Gold Max stores in Southern California within the next year.

With more than 150 stores, Gold Max operates the United States’ largest chain of stores specializing in buying gold and precious metals from consumers. Gold Max entered the Southern California market in the fall of 2010 and opened eight stores.

New York City -- A report by the Associated Press on Tuesday said that private equity firm Aletheia Research & Management has once again reduced its stake in Barnes & Noble.

The major shareholder, which Barnes & Noble has said joined forces with Ron Burkle last year during a proxy fight, has for the second time in a month cut its shares, now owning about 3.2 million shares, or 5.4% of Barnes & Noble's outstanding stock, according to a Securities and Exchange Commission filing on Tuesday.

SALISBURY, N.C .— Delhaize-owned Bloom announced that it has launched a free app for iPhone, iPad and iPod users.

The new mobile application, developed in partnership with Mercatus Technologies, gives guests easy access to weekly specials with the capabilities to build and manage virtual shopping lists and view delicious recipes through the grocer's Taste Mapper system, the company reported.