Retail

NEW YORK — Barnes & Noble announced that it will soon offer in-app purchaising via its Nook products through a partnership with industry-leading mobile payment provider Fortumo. App and game developers will be able to sell premium digital content in their products seamlessly and safely to millions of Nook customers through the Nook store (www.nook.com). 

Philadelphia -- Philadelphia’s Center City District, a private-sector sponsored business improvement district, announced on Friday that it has retained Madison Marquette Retail Services to lease the retail space for Dilworth Plaza.

As part of a major transformation of Dilworth Plaza, premium retail space for the operation of a café concept is available, encompassing 600 sq. ft. with indoor and outdoor seating that can accommodate 60.

PARIS — Beauty brand Coty has announced the renewal of the partnership agreement for the Pristine Seas program between the National Geographic Society and Davidoff Cool Water.

 "This relationship with National Geographic is a cornerstone for Davidoff Cool Water. The link we have created with the ocean has grown stronger, and we feel it is essential to keep working on this partnership," stated Jean Mortier, president of Coty Prestige.

Waban, Mass. -- Research results released Monday by Temkin revealed that, based on a study of 10,000 U.S consumers, American Express and USAA earned the top spots in the credit card sector.

According to the 2013 Temkin Experience Ratings, HSBC was the lowest rated credit card issuer for the third consecutive year.

"USAA and American Express set the pace for customer experience in credit cards while HSBC is a real black sheep in the industry," said Bruce Temkin, managing partner, Temkin Group.

WASHINGTON — The days of online retailers getting an unfair advantage by not having to comply with state tax laws are numbered as the U.S. Senate has just passed the marketplace fairness amendment as part of the fiscal 2014 budget resolution.

In response, the National Retail Federation released the following statement from President and CEO Matthew Shay:

“We sincerely want to thank Senators Enzi and Durbin for continuing the fight for fairness on behalf of America’s small businesses owners.

SUFFERN, N.Y. — Ascena Retail Group announced that Erin Stern has accepted the position of EVP and chief merchandising officer with their Maurices brand effective April 15. Maurices (based in Duluth, Minn,) is an 860-store chain serving a twenty-something female (sizes 0 to 24) in small- and mid-markets.

David Jaffe, president and CEO of the Ascena Retail Group, commented, “Erin is an outstanding merchant with a strong strategic vision and understanding of this customer. Erin is an exceptional hire for this role.”

Matthews, N.C. -- Family Dollar Stores, announced that it has named Jeffrey Thomas senior VP-merchandise operations. He replaces Scott Zucker, who left the company at the end of May.

Thomas joined Family Dollar in 2003 as a director of vendor performance. He went on to assume roles with increasing responsibilities, and in 2013, was named VP-merchant services.

BOSTON — Wayfair.com, an online retailer of home products and furnishings, announced five executive leadership promotions Monday.

Ed Macri was named SVP business intelligence and marketing, and John Mulliken was named SVP strategic initiatives. Additional executive promotions include Dave Raymond to VP operations process improvement, Laura Scott to VP supplier operations and Jeff Steeves to VP arketing.