Retail

Vernon, Calif. -- True Religion Apparel has entered into a definitive merger agreement with New York and London-based investment management firm TowerBrook Capital Partners, in a transaction valued at approximately $835 million.

New York -- With 25% of annual flower sales (for an estimated $1.9 billion) tied to Mother’s Day, it’s no wonder the holiday looms large for 1-800-Flowers. IBM is helping the retailer simplify Mother’s Day gift-giving for its digital customers no matter where or how they shop, including through the website, with a mobile device or via social media.

Conshohocken, Pa. -- David’s Bridal has named Pamela B. Wallack as CEO, effective May 28. She joins David’s Bridal from Gap Inc., where she has held senior positions since 2005.

Wallack was the president of Gap Adult, Body and Accessories from 2010 to 2011 and the president of Gap Kids and Baby from 2005 to 2010. In 2011, she was tapped to establish and lead the Gap Global Creative Center, responsible for global design, marketing and production

NEW YORK — Macy’s is getting help from singer, songwriter and dancer Usher in curating the concept, music and design of the 37th annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks. The retailer’s fireworks spectacular is the nation’ largest patriotic pyrotechnic display.

Reston, Va. -- E-commerce sales grew 13% year-over-year to $50.2 billion, marking the fourteenth consecutive quarter of positive year-over-year growth and tenth consecutive quarter of double-digit growth, according to comScore. It was also just the second quarter on record to surpass $50 billion in spending.

The survey also revealed that nearly half (48%) of time spent in the retail category occurred on mobile devices, with smartphones (34%) outpacing tablets (14%).

NEW YORK — Target is beta testing a new app that allows users to save on items and share deals on Facebook.

A Bullseye View, Target's online magazine, announced the introduction of Cartwheel, where people can find offers on products by browsing the system or looking at friends' activites, and add up to 10 of their favorites to a list. Once a red check appears in the corner of the offer card, the item can be purchased, and customers can either print a special barcode from their desktop computers or use their mobile devices in-store to access it.

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. — Former Gap executive Pamela B. Wallack has been named CEO of David’s Bridal, a U.S.-based specialty retailer of bridal gown and wedding-related apparel and accessories.

The specialty retailer is looking to leverage Wallack’s abilities to grow and improve well-known consumer brands to help drive the strategic initiatives underway at the company, including expanding the store base, bolstering the e-sommerce platform, enhancing customer experience and adding to the portfolio of high-fashion brands.

New York -- British retailer Marks & Spencer takes a giant leap forward in its goal of becoming a multichannel leader with the opening of its innovative new concept store in Amsterdam. The centerpiece of the 5,000-sq.-ft. space — which marks M&S’ return to the Netherlands after a 10-year absence — is an “E-Boutique” dedicated to womenswear. The shop features what the retailer calls “the world’s first virtual rail,” a display that seamlessly integrates digital rails with physical rails of clothing samples.