eCommerce

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.

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.

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.

Winter Park, Fla. -- Orlando, Fla.-based Crossman & Co. said that Publix will open a new store at Aloma Shopping Center, in Winter Park, Fla., on Nov. 18.

The original store was demolished last April and the newly constructed store has been expanded by more than 5,000 sq. ft. The new 47,000-sq.-ft. facility includes a liquor store.

Crossman & Co. has been overseeing the redevelopment of the property and handles the leasing and management at the shopping center. 

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.

Bentonville, Ark. -- Heating up the holiday retailing war, Wal-Mart Stores announced Thursday that it will offer free shipping on nearly 60,000 online items -- with no minimum purchase requirement.

Wal-Mart's free shipping offer, which includes most electronics, jewelry and toys, will run through Dec. 20.

According to Steve Nave, senior VP and general manager of Walmart.com, Walmart is trying to help its cost-conscious shoppers "save money so they can bring home more for less this holiday season."