Omnichannel

NEW YORK  — Ann Inc., the parent company of Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor Loft stores, reported that for the fiscal first quarter of 2011, earnings per diluted share were 51 cents, compared with earnings per diluted share of 38 cents in the first quarter of 2010.

Ann Arbor, Mich.  — Borders announced that it has expanded its partnership with Kobo, the maker of an e-reader that at $129.99 is about $10 to $20 less than the Kindle and Nook, respectively. The new partnership, according to Borders, with give customers access to new state-of-the-art free e-reading apps and e-reading technology; access to over 2.3 million books, newspapers and magazines; and a unique, industry-first social reading experience, positioning Borders as a strong competitor in the digital space.

Although Targets’ new e-commerce platform isn’t expected to relaunch for a few more months, it is worth acknowledging that the massive undertaking is on time and under budget. That isn’t the case a lot of times with big technology projects, and the complexity associated with Target’s e-commerce business coupled with the rapid pace of change in the mobile and social media world’s created the potential for costs and project timelines to get out of control.

New York -- Apple on Sunday rolled out dedicated iPad stations in its stores nationwide. The iPads are positioned near products for customers to use as tools for comparision shopping and customer assistance. 

Apple's in-store iPads, which feature a special in-store app, are designed to answer questions from customers and keep them in the store. Customers can also tap a button for help and the photo of an available sales assistant pops up with a promise that he or she will be over shortly to help.

Milford, Conn. -- Subway Restaurants said Friday that more than 2,000 franchisees are actively searching for locations slated for 2011 openings.

In order to reach its development goals, the chain said that a contingent of Subway representatives will be manning the brand’s booth at the International Council of Shopping Centers’ RECon convention, May 23 to 25, in Las Vegas.

Los Angeles -- Samuels & Co. Inc. said it has recently completed five transactions for Merlin Entertainments Group, the second largest location-based entertainment company in the world which develops, owns and operates outdoor theme parks and indoor attractions.  

By Diarmuid Mallon, [email protected]

SAN FRANCISCO — Williams-Sonoma reported that net income for the quarter ended May 1 jumped 62% to $31.6 million, from $19.5 million a year earlier, topping company expectations.

Revenue rose 7.4% to $770.8 million, better than expected.

Same-store sales, which includes direct-to-consumer revenue, rose 9%. Same-store sales rose 3.1% at the namesake brand, 7.9% at Pottery Barn and a record 11% at Pottery Barn Kids.