Sales & Marketing

Minneapolis -- Target Corp. confirmed Tuesday that its website crashed for the second time in six weeks, going down at approximately 12:50 p.m. EDT and then coming back up two hours later, at 2:50 p.m. EDT.

Target.com also crashed on Sept. 13, after the retailer’s online introduction of its new line of Missoni apparel and items.

Target has not yet said what caused Tuesday’s crash.
 

WASHINGTON — The National Retail Federation announced that it has asked the Commerce Department to delay implementation of a controversial plan to vastly expand Internet domain names, saying retailers and other businesses need more information before moving forward.

New York City -- Coach said Tuesday its first quarter profit increased 14% on strong demand for its products at home and abroad. Its results beat expectations and reflected the continuing strength of the luxury market.

Coach reported net income of $215 million for the three months ended Oct. 1, up from $188.9 million in the year-age period.

Revenue rose 15% to $1.05 billion, from $912 million a year ago. Same-store sales were up 9.2% in North America.

New York City -- Apple brands dominate the youth market, and account for the top rankings in computers, tablets and mobile phones, according to the 2012 Harris Poll Youth EquiTrend study by Harris Interactive. The annual study tracks the brands that Americans aged 13 to 24 prefer. It estimates that

With young Americans expected to spend $211 billion in 2012, knowing which brands they favor will help corporate America prepare for the upcoming holiday season, according to the survey.

Fort Worth, Texas -- RadioShack Corp. announced Tuesday a 100% increase in its dividend and the authorization of a $200 million share repurchase program as part of a new capital allocation strategy.

The strategy, according to the company, is designed to balance business growth opportunities with continued strong cash flow and provide a more consistent return of excess cash to long-term shareholders.

NEW YORK — Macy's announced that this week it will debut the new Giambattista Valli collection, the fourth in the retailer's series of limited-edition, designer capsules created exclusively for its Impulse department. 

Valli's first-ever collaboration will bring ultra-feminine, jet-set style to the affordable fashion arena for the holiday season, Macy's said. Giambattista Valli for Impulse only at Macy's" will be sold in approximately 225 Macy's stores nationwide and on macys.com/impulse beginning Oct. 26.

New York City -- A Tuesday report by Women’s Wear Daily said that the outlet division of Saks has named a former Barneys executive as its new VP.

Saks Off 5th has named Peter Rizzo, former Barneys executive VP, as its new senior VP and creative director for merchandising.

AUSTIN, Texas — Whole Foods announced that in just six weeks, its shoppers donated more than $2 million in stores and online to support the School Garden Grant Program, the first major initiative of the Whole Kids Foundation. In partnership with FoodCorps, the Foundation will fund $2,000 grants for schools in the United States and Canada to support the launch or expansion of school gardens.