Sales & Marketing

Amazon.com just picked up an improved rival in the burgeoning home shopping button market, which it provided mainstream attention with the launch of its Dash remote ordering device earlier this year.

San Jose-based technology vendor Hiku just launched version 2 of its eponymous shopping button tool. Ironically, Hiku actually released version 1 of the button shortly before Amazon launched its Dash button, but was overshadowed.

Tuesday’s election continued a trend we have witnessed over the past few years — Republicans dominated statewide contests while Democrats locked down Mayoral seats in key major metropolitan markets.

One year ago, Republicans won by historic margins at the state level, installing 31 Republican governors and winning control of 67 of the 98 state legislative chambers. On Tuesday, Republicans not only defended those advances, but added to that margin by winning decisively in Kentucky.

Another larger-than-life retail showcase is coming to the Big Apple.

Victoria’s Secret plans to open a 64,000-sq.-ft. store on the corner of Fifth Avenue and 51st Street. The space was formerly occupied by Forever 21, which moved out after just seven months of operation.

“It’s a very big deal from a brand standpoint,” Stuart Burgdoefer, CFO, L Brands, parent of Victoria’s Secret, said at the company’s annual investor conference.

Office Depot and Best Buy are intense competitors in many categories, but that didn’t stop the former from recognizing the latter’s sustainable purchasing practices.

Office Depot recently held its Eighth Annual Leadership in Greener Purchasing Awards ceremony in Denver alongside the International Facilities Management Association (IFMA) World Workplace Conference & Expo.

Holiday shoppers have high expectations of their online customer experience this year.

According to the new JDA 2015 Consumer Survey of more than 1,000 U.S. consumers, 50% 0f respondents indicate that they will be unforgiving of retailers who provide less than satisfactory online home delivery experiences.

In what could be an important step for mobile payment, Walgreens is expanding the Apple Pay functionality it provides customers.

Members of Walgreens’ Balance Rewards program can now seamlessly use their account through Apple Pay, without separately scanning a Balance Rewards card or barcode. Members will have the ability to earn and redeem loyalty points via Apple Pay by adding the Balance Rewards digital card to the Wallet app in iOS 9 and using it at checkout.

Whole Foods is trying to get its groove back, but after reporting weak fourth quarter results, it is not clear when that will be as the company expressed concern about the competitive climate and the impact on its profit margins.

The Bon-Ton Stores Inc. has a new finance chief to help the company strengthen its balance sheet.

The retailer has named Nancy A. Walsh to the position of executive VP, CFO of the company, effective Nov. 9. Walsh will have responsibility for Accounting, Treasury, Tax, Credit, Investor Relations, Legal and Internal Audit.