eCommerce

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. -- Staples Inc. announced that it will showcase its enhanced focus on new technologies and services in its retail stores with a new television spot airing regionally during the Super Bowl on Feb. 6. 

New York City -- Gap announced a series of changes to help revive its struggling namesake division, which hasn't posted a gain on an annual basis since 2004. The company has tapped the head of its outlet division, Art Peck, to replace Marka Hansen as leader of the Gap brand for North America, effective immediately. Peck is credited with growing the company’s highly-profitable Outlet business for the past three years. He also has been a primary architect of the company’s franchise business and international growth platform.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Walmart announced that the Walmart Foundation committing more than $750,000 in cash and in-kind donations to support emergency relief efforts in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil where an estimated 827 people have been killed and thousands have been left homeless following torrential rains and mudslides. A $400,000 donation from the Walmart Foundation will help purchase critical supplies like water, food, medical supplies and long-term relief efforts.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- HSN announced that Jill Braff has been appointed EVP digital commerce effective Feb. 7. Braff will report directly to Mindy Grossman, CEO of HSN Inc.

In her new position, Braff will oversee HSN's existing e-commerce, mobile and social media platforms. In addition, she will manage the development and implementation of new multi-platform initiatives. HSN's e-commerce, digital marketing, merchandising and advanced services teams will report to Braff.

Atlanta -- RedPrairie Corp., a productivity solutions provider, announced it has finalized the acquisition of Escalate Retail, a provider of all-channel commerce to specialty retailers, direct marketers and big-ticket retailers.

SAN FRANCISCO -- Gap Inc. has announced a series of significant management and organizational changes at Gap brand designed to drive more consistent results in North America and to provide a new and dynamic creative leadership structure that will deliver sustainable global growth. The changes are effective immediately.

Boston -- Gordon Brothers Group, a global investment, lending and advisory firm, and WME, a leading talent agency, jointly announced the formation of a strategic partnership to identify, acquire and often revitalize undervalued, distressed or orphaned consumer product and retail brands.

Currently, Gordon Brothers Group and WME are evaluating a host of potential brands to acquire. Some of Gordon Brothers Group's current brand investments include Linens 'N Things and The Sharper Image.

Irvine, Calif. -- KTGY Group, Architecture and Planning, said that Diane's Beachwear will be opening its newest store in Scottsdale, Ariz., at the Scottsdale Quarter in early March.

The new 1,200-sq.-ft. flagship store represents the 19-store chain's debut outside of California. KTGY is the architect for the new Diane's Beachwear store.   Skyline Development and Construction of Norco, Calif., is the general contractor.