eCommerce

Washington, D.C. -- A report released Monday by the Commerce Department said that retail sales beat expectations for October, climbing 1.2% and representing the biggest gain since March.

The 1.2% rise in October purchases followed a 0.7% gain in September, which also was larger than estimated.

Ann Arbor , Mich. -- Borders announced an all new Borders.com featuring discounts on the 100,000 bestselling titles, multiple free shipping options, new product lines, strategic partnerships that complement the Borders brand and a more integrated social media experience.

To celebrate the new Borders.com, the company said it is offering free shipping on all orders placed on Borders.com, Nov. 15.

Plano, Texas -- J.C. Penney announced that its new Foundry Big & Tall Supply Co. division will launch a new retail concept catering to the men’s big-and-tall customer. With plans to open 300 stores -- as well as an e-commerce website -- over the next five years, The Foundry Big & Tall Supply Co. will carry an extensive assortment of national men’s brands along with The Foundry Supply Co. private brand merchandise, offering an upscale, one-stop-shop for the big-and-tall customer, J.C. Penney reported.

Amarillo, Texas -- Multimedia entertainment retailer Hastings Entertainment reported Monday that it recorded a loss of $3.1 million for the quarter ended Oct. 31, compared with a loss of $3.4 million in the year-ago period.

Total revenues for the third quarter were flat at $112.3 million.

Total same-store revenues increased 1.3% for the quarter. Merchandise same-store revenues increased 1.2% for the quarter and rental same-store revenues increased 2.2% for the quarter.

Atlanta -- Midwest department store operator Von Maur will enter the Atlanta market, taking over a fomer Belk’s space at North Point Mall in Alpharetta, Ga., pending approval by the city's design review board, Atlanta Business News reported.

Miramar Beach, Fla. -- New Balance announced that it opened its first factory store in Northwest Florida at Silver Sands Factory Stores on Thursday.

The 4,825-sq.-ft. store offers New Balance shoes and apparel for women, men and children. New Balance Factory Store is located near Swarovski at the east part of the center.

“We chose Silver Sands because we wanted to open in a high-performing center that has a great portfolio of brands,” said Stephen Dix, general manager of retail operations for New Balance.