eCommerce

Bentonville, Ark. – Wal-Mart is considering entering the bidding for Hong Kong-based grocery chain ParknShop, Reuters reports. Wal-Mart is currently exploring options to enter the initial bidding process for ParknShop, which closes Aug. 16.

ParknShop is owned by Hutchison Whampoa Ltd., which in turn is owned by Li Ka-shing, reputedly the wealthiest man in Asia. The chain may be valued as high as $4 billion.

Wal-Mart, which has not commented publicly, said last year it would open 100 new stores in China by 2015.

New York – Macy’s has reached an agreement with Lids Sports Group to offer licensed departments called Locker Room by Lids that will sell Lids merchandise both in Macy’s stores and on the retailer’s website. Lids Sports Group will operate the departments, which will be the exclusive source of Macy’s in-store team sportswear.

New York — La Perla has opened a new boutique in Honolulu at the Ala Moana Center. The official opening ceremony took place Friday morning.

Founded in 1954, La Perla is an Italian-based brand marketing intimate apparel, swimwear and ready-to-wear.

Columbus, Ohio -- The Limited said Wednesday it has appointed former Brooks Bros. president and COO Diane Ellis as its new CEO, effective Aug. 26.
 
In her role at Brooks Bros., Ellis oversaw information technology, human resources, retail and outlet stores, planning and allocation, product development, sourcing, supply chain, e-commerce and finance.

Philadelphia - David Johnston, COO of Five Below, Inc., will leave his position at the company effective Aug. 31. In the wake of his departure, the company is seeking a president who will report directly to co-founder and CEO Thomas Vellios.

Seattle – Amazon.com founder and CEO Jeff Bezos is purchasing The Washington Post from media holdings firm The Washington Post. Co. for $250 million in cash. He is making the purchase privately and Amazon.com is not involved in the transaction. Bezos will reportedly take the currently public Washington Post private.

Fort Worth — Market Street – The Woodlands, a mixed-use project north of Houston is welcoming four new tenants. Kate Spade will open a 1,907-sq.-ft. designer fashion store this fall. Also coming this fall are two more clothing stores: a 2,500-sq.-ft. Lucky Brand and a 3,719-sq.-ft. Vineyard Vines.

Just two weeks ago, Tumi opened a travel, business and lifestyle accessories shop.

New York -- Tween apparel retailer Delia’s has hired Daphne Smith as the company’s executive VP operations, reporting to CEO Tracy Gardner.

Smith was previously with J. Crew for 16 years, working in various roles including senior VP of direct. She has spent the past 18 months at New York & Company as the company’s senior VP e-commerce.