Store Systems

Memphis -- Fred's said Tuesday that its third-quarter net income surged 56%, partly because of its improved merchandise mix and remodeled and upgraded stores.

The discounter’s net iFred's said Tuesday that its third-quarter net income surged 56%, partly because of its improved merchandise mix and remodeled and upgraded stores.ncome rose to $7.8 million for the period ended Oct. 30, compared with $5 million in the year ago period. The performance topped analysts’ estimates.

By Carsten Thoma, [email protected]

Mobile is not just another customer communications channel; it is rapidly evolving into an effective commerce channel. Strengthening the link between existing channels such as physical and online stores, mobile now enables customers to start shopping using their mobile devices and finish the process online, via a contact center, in the brick-and-mortar store, or even on the mobile device itself.

New York City -- Belk is investing $150 million to boost online sales and upgrade its IT systems, The Charlotte Observer reported.

The department store operator plans to focus on improving its e-commerce functions and replace its current systems for ordering and allocating merchandise, according to the report.

Belk has sought to boost its online presence in recent years to keep up with competitors in a marketplace where online sales are growing rapidly.

New York - Anne Fontaine has opened a store at South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa, Calif.  The 1,510 –sq.-ft. shop is based on the company’s New York flagship designed by architect Andree Putman.

The new store combines natural materials and textures that embody the essence of Fontaine’s love of modernity and nature.

"The concept behind the shop is simple; to experience a little bit of the French lifestyle," said designer Anne Fontaine

San Francisco — Gap has joined the growing ranks of retailers opening holiday pop-ups. The chain has teamed with the New York City hipster publication Cool Hunting to open a temporary store at Gap's 5th Avenue and 54th Street gallery space. It will be open through Jan. 2, 2011, and feature more than 100 products hand-selected by Cool Hunting's editors.