Retail

First it was sustainability, then came hunger and the affordability of quality food, women’s economic empowerment and now support of U.S. manufacturing. Walmart contends it has a responsibility to lead in these areas and others, but whether it is truly doing so is the subject of some debate.

Brentwood, Tenn. — Tractor Supply Company has announced the opening of its first store in Nevada — in Carson City. The move is part of the company’s expansion strategy into the western region of the country. Tractor supply plans to open 100 to 105 stores in 2013.

The company currently operates more than 1,223 stores in 47 states and plans to grow to 2,100 stores.

Mobile retail apps are nothing new, but retailers are constantly adding new features and functions that maximize their reach and value. Here’s a brief look at five cool mobile retail apps that have all been launched or piloted in the past few months:

Amazon.com Mobile Associates API

New York -- David Kenny, chairman and CEO of Weather Company, parent company of The Weather Channel, has joined the Best Buy board of directors.

Kenny, who joined The Weather Company in January 2012, previously served as president of Akamai, a cloud platform.

Forever 21 has unveiled Bats & Cats, a limited edition collection of women’s and men’s apparel and accessories designed by Forever 21. The collection features 63 current pieces modeled by Atlanta de Cadenet Taylor, model, DJ and daughter of Duran Duran bassist John Taylor.

Lake Charles, La. – Club Tabby, a tween girls retail party store concept, has partnered with California-based franchise development group Franchise Beacon to open a location in Willow Grove, Pa.

Franchisee Nicole Collado said she plans to open two more Club Tabby stores in the next five years.

“I fell in love with the concept,” Collado said.

Club Tabby hosts parties, does makeovers, and offer retail products that focus on making girls feel pampered and special.
 

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Aspira Networks has launched the Aspira 2.0 platform, the company's next-generation DNS service for network operators and retailers. The newly enhanced services are designed to make it easier to monetize broadband networks.

Aspira aggregates networks and retailers to optimize shopping opportunities for consumers. According to the company, its products enhance the shopping experience and increase retailer exposure to consumers, while creating a revenue opportunity for network operators.

Camp Hill, Pa. - Rite Aid Corporation has been named the first national retail partner of text4baby, a free text-messaging service for pregnant women and mothers of infants under age 1. Rite Aid will use circular ads, in-store displays and social media to educate pregnant women and new mothers about text4baby.