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Delivering a superior mobile experience is a top holiday priority

Retailers can expect mobile devices to impact sales and play a greater role in buying decisions this holiday than last. Mobile as a percentage of site traffic on Black Friday shot up to 24% in 2012 from 14.3% the previous year. Sales over smartphones and devices on Black Friday rose to 16% in 2012, up from 9.8% in 2011.

At a time of year when consumers are still caught up in end-of-summer barbecues and back-to-school shopping, retailers are getting caught up in the rush of holiday planning. Holiday sales can account for 20% to 40% of a retailer’s total annual sales, according to the National Retail Federation, and a successful holiday can turn around a bad year or make a good year even better.

But the holiday season presents challenges as well as opportunities.

Stored value gift cards have become a staple item in many retailers' holiday assortments. Last year the NRF estimated U.S. consumers would spend close to $29 billion on gift cards during the holiday shopping season, and there is no reason to think the trend is slowing down.

West Chester, Pa. -- QVC promoted Alex Miller to the position of senior VP of digital commerce and Dave Caputo to the position of senior VP of TV production and operations.

Miller will now be responsible for the customer experience across QVC's web, mobile, tablet and social platforms.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Sears continues focusing on its Shop Your Way loyalty program, following second quarter results for the period ended Aug. 3. Members can increase their reward points by linking up to three eligible Visa credit and debit cards to their accounts.

Members can use their linked cards at any number of Reward Partner merchants, such as Burger King, Popeyes, Louisiana Kitchen, Picture People, Public Storage and 1-800-Flowers.com.

WEST CHESTER, Pa. — QVC is eyeing an increase in growth opportunities following the recent promotions of two key executives. 

The company has promoted Alex Miller to the position of SVP of digital commerce and Dave Caputo to the position of SVP of TV production and operations.  . 

Miller, who will continue to report to Mary Campbell, SVP of multichannel platforms, will now be responsible for the customer experience across QVC's web, mobile, tablet and social platforms.  

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Social Reality, a developer of platforms for social and digital advertising, has elected Malcolm CasSelle to the company's board of directors.

New York -- Target Corp. executives discussed the chain’s omni-channel initiatives on the company’s second quarter conference call with investors. Target’s executive VP merchandising and supply chain, Kathryn Tesija highlighted the company's investments in flexible fulfillment, including plans to expand a program allowing customers to buy items online and pick them up at the store the same day, starting in the third quarter.