Omnichannel

Petaluma, Calif. -- Research results released Wednesday by multichannel commerce solution-provider MarketLive found that mobile will be used heavily for researching deals, making purchases and connecting with merchants across channels this holiday season.

According to the annual "Mindset of a Multi-Channel Shopper" survey, in 2012, customers will spend about the same amount on holiday gifts as last year—but a greater share of that spending will be online.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart said Tuesday it is testing same-day delivery service in four markets over the holiday shopping season.

The service is being tested in northern Virginia, Philadelphia, Minneapolis and San Francisco/San Jose, Calif. Geared toward customers who buy popular items online during the holidays, the test includes about 5,000 items and builds on a same-day grocery delivery service the retailer launched in San Jose in April 2010 and tested in San Francisco in 2011.

San Luis Obispo, Calif. -- Shopatron said Wednesday that women’s specialty retailer Intermix is using Shopatron's order management solution to integrate its retail locations into the company's e-commerce sales strategy.

Using Shopatron's distributed order management system, Intermix can now fulfill online orders with available inventory from either a distribution center or a retail store.

NEW YORK — H&M will cement its place in New York City with the opening of its 13th store in Times Square.

The retailer has announced the lease signing for a 42,500 sq. ft. space that will become part of the NYC skyline, complete with 70 ft. by 70 ft. signage at the top of the store.

The store will feature three floors housing collections for ladies, men and children.

New York -- Inditex’s home-décor concept Zara Home said Tuesday it is unveiling Zarahome.com in the U.S. on Tuesday.

The new e-commerce site will feature home textiles as well as select furniture, tableware, cutlery and decorative accessories.

Zara Home currently operates in 32 countries with more than 325 stores and offers e-commerce in 18 countries.

Bentonville, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores said Tuesday it is testing same-day delivery service in four markets over the holiday shopping season.

The service is being tested in northern Virginia, Philadelphia, Minneapolis and San Francisco/San Jose, Calif. Geared toward customers who buy popular items online during the holidays, the test includes about 5,000 items and builds on a same-day grocery delivery service the retailer launched in San Jose in April 2010 and tested in San Francisco in 2011.

LAKELAND, Fla. — Publix has expanded its online deli service to 50 stores in select markets.

Publix customers may place their orders online or via mobile device by visiting www.publix.com/order. Once on the site, customers may select their desired deli custom sub, wrap and/or sliced meats and cheeses, specify pickup time and proceed with order placement. An order pickup number will be provided on the customer’s final order summary and emailed to them as well.

Brooklyn, N.Y. -- West Elm, a division of Williams-Sonoma, announced that it will open a store at 180 University Avenue in Palo Alto, Calif., on Oct. 18.

The new Palo Alto store will include a collection of decorative accessories and art made by Etsy artists from the South Bay. It will be only the second West Elm store selling goods made by Etsy artists in the U.S.