Sales & Marketing

Armonk, N.Y. -- IBM announced that AutoTrader.com, a leading online automotive marketplace, is using IBM technology for Smarter Commerce as part of its electronic sales order system to simplify and accelerate the ordering experience for its dealer and manufacturer customers.

Seattle -- Nordstrom Rack announced plans to open a store in San Diego. It will be the brand’s fourth location in San Diego.

The approximately 39,000-sq.-ft. store is scheduled to open during fall 2012 at Carmel Mountain Plaza. Carmel Mountain Plaza is owned and managed by American Assets Trust.

 

QUINCY, Mass. — The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company announced that it is debuting a new store format in Chelmsford, Mass.

According to the company, the 72,000 sq. ft. store will replace the former 38,500 sq. ft. location in Chelmsford. 

Deborah White was named EVP and general counsel at the Retail Industry Leaders Association to help the trade association's members cope with an increasingly challenging regulatory climate.

Toronto -- Sears Canada announced the debut of a Wish Book application for iPad, allowing thousands of items to be viewed, added to Wish Lists or purchased with the tap of the finger on the iPad.

The application also includes a built-in gift list organizer to manage holiday gift giving and shopping. 

Sears Wish Book iPad application is available for download via the Apple iTunes App Store.
 

Seattle -- Online jewelry retailer Blue Nile announced that CEO Diane Irvine has resigned from the company, effective Nov. 11.

Vijay Talwar, senior VP and general manager of international, has been appointed interim CEO. During the transition period, chairman Mark Vadon will take an active role in the leadership of the company, working closely with Talwar. Vadon will also lead the search for a permanent CEO.
 

GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn. — Dollar General announced that throughout November, shoppers can record a message of gratitude or send a care package through www.dollargeneral.com/military.

The nearly 1,000 stores Gap Inc. operates under various nameplates that will be open on Thanksgiving are the latest indication of the extreme measures required of retailers to grow holiday sales during challenging and intensively competitive times.