Retail

In a digital arena where e-commerce businesses are vying for traffic, Virtual Piggy has continued expanding its footprint — 500,000 users have signed up for its family wallet solution. 

Fremont, Calif. – The Men's Wearhouse has extended its exclusive relationship with David's Bridal. The amendment to the current contract extends the partnership by five years with the option to extend for an additional five years.

"Our relationship with David's Bridal has been an important part of our tuxedo marketing plan since 2007,” said Doug Ewert, Men's Wearhouse president and CEO. “We are excited to extend this valuable partnership and enhance our co-marketing programs to continue providing superior wedding services."

Tiffany & Co.’s board of directors has promoted Frederic Cumenal to the position of president and appointed him to a newly created seat on the board. 

Cumenal, who has been with Tiffany in a regional executive role since March 2011, will retain his regional responsibilities and will assume responsibility for the design, merchandising and marketing functions.

Framingham, Mass. – Staples is introducing Staples Connect, an offering that lets customers’ home or office technology interact and be controlled by a single app. With the touch of a button, Staples Connect lets customers shut down their office, turning off lights, lowering shades and locking doors, while at the same time turning on their lights and heat at home.

As part of its efforts to strengthen its digital footprint, Walmart has launched its first-ever original reality series developed specifically for the Web. 

The new weekly Web series highlights 20 finalists in the Walmart Get on the Shelf contest, which encourages entrepreneurs to present products to Walmart customers.

Toronto – Sears Canada CEO Calvin McDonald has resigned to take a position with an unnamed international company. The retailer named COO and executive VP Douglas C. Campbell as president and CEO.

As COO, Campbell was responsible for retail store operations, logistics, replenishment, IT, corporate procurement, and international sourcing. Prior to joining Sears, Campbell was a principal with Boston Consulting Group and also an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps.

By Laura Wheeler DeYonker, AbsolutData

Recent data from Harris Poll shows that weaknesses in retailers’ pricing, product information and customer service strategies lead 43% of customers to showroom — creating a situation where brick-and-mortar retailers incur all the sales costs and online retailers make the sale.

Rockville, Md. -- Mom’s Organic Market is opening its first Pennsylvania store, in Rosemont Square, Bryn Mawr, which is located outside of Philadelphia.