Omnichannel

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Sam's Club announced that it is making it easier for consumers to shop this holiday season with the launch of its holiday shopping site, SamsClub.com/gifts and an enhanced mobile app that together streamline on-the-go and at-home shopping.

New York City -- Apple will spend $900 million on its stores in fiscal 2012, up from $614 million this year, according to Tech Observer, which cited a new research note from UBS analyst Maynard Um.

The report also said that that Apple plans to give shoppers the ability to complete their own in-store purchases via its iOS application for the iPhone. The new application will apply only to accessories and on-the-shelf items, and not more costly item like the iPhone, iPad, or Macs.

Canton, Mass. -- Casual Male Retail Group said Wednesday that it has launched e-commerce site DestinationXL.com, created in tandem with e-commerce and digital marketing firm Acquity Group.

The new site includes a built-in size profiler – a customization tool that allows customers to enter and save their size specifications for either current or future shopping experiences.

San Diego -- Digital gift card solution-provider Transaction Wireless said Tuesday that restaurant chain Buca di Beppo has selected Transaction Wireless to power its digital gift card program.

The cloud-based digital gifting platform will enable Buca di Beppo, which is owned by Planet Hollywood International, to leverage channels such as email, mobile and Facebook for digital gift card promotions and marketing initiatives.

Atlanta -- Jones Lang LaSalle announced Tuesday that it has launched a comprehensive digital media program across its 98 million-sq.-ft. nationwide retail portfolio.

The firm is rolling out The Scoop customer loyalty program, the My Style social media program and new center-specific mobile apps to deliver up-to-the-minute information on fashion trends, retailer promotions and events.

San Jose, Calif. -- VeriFone Systems said Tuesday it has acquired mobile retail solution-provider Global Bay Mobile Technologies. According to VeriFone, the acquisition is part of its strategy to integrate mobile with retail and payments, extending new smartphone- and tablet-based shopping and payment experiences to retail organizations.

Terms of the transaction, which closed effective Tuesday, were not disclosed.

New York City -- Barnes & Noble is expected to unveil the new Nook -- its response to Amazon.com's new Kindle Fire tablet -- next Monday, the Associated Press reported.

Barnes & Noble invited journalists and analysts to a news conference for a "very special announcement" that day.

Kansas City, Mo. -- H&R Block said it will provide tax preparation services in an estimated 300 Wal-Mart locations nationwide beginning in December.

“This new partnership with the world's largest retailer allows us to serve more customers at times and locations that fit their busy lifestyles,” said H&R Block president and CEO Bill Cobb.

H&R Block will offer its products and services at its kiosks in Wal-Mart.