Sales & Marketing

Redwood Shores, Calif. -- Cosmetics retailer Ultra Beauty has implemented Oracle Commerce to support growing e-commerce sales and deliver a consistent consumer experience across its more than 696 retail locations as well as mobile, web, guest services, and direct mail channels.  

San Francisco -- DHgate, an e-commerce marketplace focused on cross-border trade of Chinese goods, will provide its U.S. buyers with a consumer-rated protection plan and repair service through SquareTrade. The partnership makes SquareTrade protection plans immediately available for cell phones, tablets, computers, MP3/4 players, home audio/video and other consumer electronics products.   

Milan, Italy –- Leonardo Del Vecchio, 79, the chairman and founder of global eyewear manufacturer/retailer Luxottica Group who assumed the role of interim CEO on Oct. 14, has reportedly sent a letter to employees reassuring them his return as CEO is temporary. According to Reuters, in the letter, Del Vecchio said he would step down and turn management over to new co-CEOs once the company’s new governance structure is consolidated.  

By Jeff Weidauer, Vestcom International   There’s been a lot of discussion in recent months about store sizes, in particular the fact that stores are getting smaller, primarily because of the impact of e-commerce. For example, Walmart and Target are both committed to offering smaller format stores.   

Washington, D.C. –- Nearly eight in 10 (79%) retailers surveyed will set their standard shipping deadlines for guaranteed Christmas delivery to expire at least a week before the holiday, compared to 74% who said in the 2013 holiday season. In addition, according to Shop.org’s EHoliday survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics, approximately one in five (21%) will set those deadlines to expire Dec. 19 or later, compared to more than one-quarter who said so last year (25%).  

Sunrise, Fla. - The Sawgrass Mills outlet and value retail shopping center has begun construction on the next expansion of its open-air luxury promenade, The Colonnade Outlets at Sawgrass Mills. The planned project will include an additional 80,000 sq. ft. to comprise 30 additional luxury outlet stores and full-service restaurants, which will join a roster of existing brands like Prada, Gucci, Tory Burch, Burberry and more.  

By David Barach, Market6  

New York -- Woolrich John Rich & Bros. announced the opening of its first Tokyo flagship, in the fashionable Omotesando neighborhood. Following the opening of the brand’s first U.S. flagship this September, Woolrich John Rich & Bros. continues its global expansion plan with the new addition in Japan.