eCommerce

Consumers today are smarter and savvier than ever. Over the past decade, the continually growing use of the Internet has made it easier and faster to comparison shop. During the “Great Recession,” shoppers learned to lean even more heavily on the Web to do research and find good deals. Now, as the economy recovers, these sharp consumers are not about to go back to their old ways. In addition, future technology advances will only make it easier for consumers to comparison shop. So what’s a retailer to do?

New York City -- Shoppers plan to wait until next year and beyond to spend generously again, a survey on Monday showed, in an early sign that rising gasoline prices could make the spring selling season tough for retailers, Reuters reported.

About three-quarters of Americans surveyed by America's Research Group said they were shopping less due to rising gas prices, with more than 62% of the participants planning to spend generously only next year or beyond.

NEW YORK -- VF Corp., whose stable of banners includes Vans and The North Face, announced an aggressive growth, including plans to open 400 U.S. stores across its various brands during the next five years. The company discussed these plans and more at an investor conference held recently in New York City.

In addition to the U.S. expansion, VF is looking to open some 225 stores in Europe and 80 in Asia. The expansion is expected to bring the company’s global store count to 1,500 units.

New York City -- Finnish retailer Marimekko will open a flagship in Manhattan this fall. The company is also expanding its collaboration with Crate & Barrel.

The 4,000-sq.-ft. store will feature Marimekko’s wide-ranging product mix, which includes furnishings fabrics, home goods, apparel and accessories. It will be designed by the Japanese architectural firm IMA.

Walmart's efforts to open in New York City were helped last week when a new poll, released Friday, found that New Yorkers would shop at Walmart if one opened in the city. No kidding? Target is already there and New Yorkers love Target, so it stands to reason they will love Walmart too even though the companies offer a slightly different value proposition and Walmart comes with a lot more baggage.

New York City -- Tiffany & Co. said fourth-quarter earnings rose 29% as net sales jumped 12% to $1.1 billion. The company earned $181.2 million in the quarter compared with $140.4 million in the year-ago period. The latest quarter includes from the pending relocation of Tiffany's New York headquarters staff.

For the full year, worldwide net sales increased 14% to $3.1 billion. Net earnings from continuing operations rose 39% to $368.4 million.

New York City -- British footwear and apparel retailer L.K. Bennett plans to open 30 to 40 stores in the United States during the next three to five years, Women’s Wear Daily reported.

The company will open its first U.S. stores this spring, with British footwear and apparel retailer L.K. Bennett plans to open 30 to 40 stores in the United States during the next three to five years, Women’s Wear Daily reported.locations in Chicago and Atlanta.

New York City -- Fast-fashion retailer Forever 21 has pledged to donate 100% of its global online sales on March 18 to help the victims of Japan’s earthquake and tsunami. 

All of Forever 21's e-commerce sites -- forever21.com, canada.forever21.com, forever21.com/eu, forever21.com/uk, forever21.co.kr, and forever21.co.jp -- are participating in the initiative.