Store Systems

NCR agreed to pay $30 a share to acquire retail software and service provider Retalix in a deal valued at $650 million.

Merrimack, N.H. -- Brookstone announced the launch of a new tablet-optimized website.

"In response to the growing trend of tablet shopping, Brookstone saw the importance of developing a premier tailored shopping experience for our customers to more easily navigate the site, find all the holiday gifts on their list and easily checkout," said Stephen Bebis, president and CEO of Brookstone. "We researched shopping behaviors, and incorporated the most successful retail mobile applications to enhance the experience."

By Brendan W. Walsh, [email protected]

Tianjin, China -- Global architecture and interior design firm, tvsdesign, celebrates the opening of Galaxy Mall, the retail portion of Tianjin's new Cultural Center District, which opened in October 2012. With 360,000 square meters of total building area, Galaxy Mall ranks among the top five largest retail complexes in China, and is more than 80% leased.

Duluth, Ga. -- NCR Corp. announced a definitive agreement for NCR to acquire Retalix Ltd., a leading global provider of innovative retail software and services, for a cash purchase price of $30.00 per Retalix share, for a transaction value of approximately $650 million.

Heating and air-conditioning systems are major targets for reducing energy use in retail stores. It’s easy to see why: Together, heating and cooling systems consume approximately 38% of the energy used in such facilities (according to the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star program).

Uptown, downtown and all over town, New York had an influx of new stores during the past 12 months. While it was hard narrowing down the choices, here’s my annual 10 Best list:

• C. Wonder: The brand’s second Manhattan location is even more whimsical and colorful than the first. With decor that includes polka-dot horses, multicolored striped zebras and 6-ft. logo teddy bears, the 8,000-sq.-ft. store personifies C. Wonder’s fun, upbeat personality. (Shops at Columbus Circle, 18 Columbus Circle)

The life of any top-level retail executive is hectic, but there’s a whole host of mobile app tools to help manage everyday tasks and ultimately boost efficiency.

From keeping track of to-do lists and meetings to eliminating paper receipts needed for expense reports, here are eight essential iOS and Android apps every retail exec should download — and actually use: