Retail

Redmond Inc., a vertical retailer of agricultural products, is meeting the challenges of providing a seamless customer experience head-on by using a cloud-based WAN from cloud-based networking provider VeloCloud. Connecting stores, distribution centers and warehouses with effective omnichannel capabilities using VeloCloud's cloud-delivered capabilities, Redmond has grown by 800% in the last 10 years as it has evolved into a sophisticated and seamless retail operation.

Staples Inc. is tapping into a new revenue stream by launching a lending program aimed at small businesses.

Staples has launched the Staples Business Loans powered by Lendio service to provide access to capital for small business owners. Staples has teamed up with Lendio, a financial technology firm and small business-lending marketplace, to deliver a suite of funding options.

Staples Business Loans offers more than 20 different funding options and the flexibility for businesses to use the money for whatever their business needs.

Mountain View, Calif. – Google is reportedly testing the inclusion of live chat with businesses linked directly within search results. According to TechCrunch, a search results card will show consumers whether a business they have search for is available for chat, and then immediately launch a Google Hangouts chat if help is in fact available.

Framingham, Mass. – Staples Inc. has launched the “Staples Business Loans powered by Lendio” service to provide access to capital for small business owners. Staples teamed up with Lendio, a financial technology firm and small business-lending marketplace, to deliver a suite of funding options.

Staples Business Loans offers more than 20 different funding options and the flexibility for businesses to use the money for whatever their business needs.

Ace Hardware’s formula of localizing merchandise and offering individualized customer service is continuing to pay off for the hardware retail cooperative.

The company reported record revenues, profits and patronage for fiscal 2014. Ace had revenues of $4.7 billion, an increase of $546.3 million or 13%. Revenues increased $496.9 million or 12% as compared to fiscal 2013. Net income was $140.9 million for fiscal 2014, an increase of $36.4 million or 34.8%, from fiscal 2013.

Port Washington, N.Y. – The affinity of Millennial consumers for casual and activewear has resulted in a small boost in apparel, footwear and accessories sales. U.S. consumers spent $323 billion on apparel, footwear, and accessories in 2014, according to The NPD Group.

The 1% increase compared to 2013, resulting in an additional $2 billion in sales, was driven primarily by growth in sales of activewear, athletic performance footwear, and bags.

Toronto – Sears Canada Inc. swung from profit to loss in a dismal fourth quarter of fiscal 2014. The retailer reported a net loss of $123.6 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, compared to net income of $373.7 million in the same period a year earlier.

The net loss included a pre-tax asset impairment charge of $99.3 million related to leasehold improvements in full-line and Hometown stores, and intangible assets. In addition, the net income a year earlier included several one-time tax gains, real estate sales and legal settlements.

Framingham, Mass. -- The TJX Cos. on Wednesday reported an 11% rise in fourth quarter profit and said it would raise employee pay above the minimum wage.  It also announced plans to expand into two more global markets.

On a more downbeat note, the off-price giant said it expected a strong dollar to reduce its profit by 5% and the new wage hikes to lower earnings by 4% the year ending Jan. 30, 2016.