Mass Merchant

Consumers will be able to more easily find and download retail e-commerce apps from the Apple App Store just as the holiday shopping season heats up.

Apple will launch a new category called “Shopping” on the App Store on Nov. 5. The category will include e-commerce apps from retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, Target and eBay. Also included will be apps from digital coupon and deal providers such as RetailMeNot and Groupon, as well as price comparison apps such as ShopSavvy.

New York -- Howard Hughes Corporation announced McNally Jackson Books will open a new location in 2017 at the iconic Seaport District in New York. The independent New York bookstore will set up shop in Schermerhorn Row along the cobblestoned streets of the historic district and bring a new literary experience to the Seaport with a refined and carefully curated selection of books, free interactive event programming, a café with outdoor seating and a family-friendly reading area for children to engage the growing residential community.

Walmart is launching a new initiative to help the 250,000 members of the military transitioning back to civilian life in the United States each year.

The program, called Greenlight a Vet, aims to bring recognition to the veterans a year transitioning back to school, jobs and neighborhoods. Walmart is encouraging everyone to participate by showing their support using a "visible symbol," saying even though we don't always know who are vets are when they aren't wearing uniforms, we should still show them support.

It seems as though off-price is one of the few bright spots in traditional retail these days, so it's no wonder that Hudson’s Bay Company is adding another off-price concept to its portfolio.

Before retailers compete for holiday sales they are competing for seasonal talent that will have a big impact on their performance. Here’s a look at whose hiring season help and how many positions are being filled.

The TJX Companies is expanding into another country with its acquisition of Trade Secret’s 35 stores.

TJX announced it has completed its acquisition of Trade Secret, an off-price retailer that operates 35 stores in Australia, from Gazal Corporation Limited for $59 million. The acquisition of Trade Secret provides TJX an opportunistic entry into Australia, where TJX currently operates one of its 13 buying offices.

Companies that are partially or entirely devoted to retailing dominate a new list of top brands among U.S. consumers.

According to a new study from Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Apple is the top brand with U.S. consumers. Following are Amazon and Walmart. Other retailers in the top 10 list include Netflix, Costco and Chick-Fil-A.

But the survey also showed that Walmart and Apple rank first and third among America's least favorite brands, indicating that "brand love" can be volatile and turn quickly negative.

Cullman, Ala. -- Merchants Retail Partners announced a milestone achievement for revitalized Cullman Shopping Center in Cullman, Alabama. The center recently reopened 100% leased with more than 400,000 sq. ft. of retail space.