News

Los Altos, Calif. -- A start-up from the former head of Google Shopping, Nitin Mangtani, aims to make the “buy button” on social media a reality for consumers.

The company, PredictSpring, has created a technology platform designed to drive mobile commerce by improving and simplifying the way consumers shop on mobile phones and to easily enable “buy” experiences on brand and social media apps. Businesses using the platform include Cole Haan, Eddie Bauer, Bluefly and Woodcraft.

Macy's is looking to woo customers with an offer that no fashion-loving shopper can refuse: the use of a free personal stylist.

This month, Macy’s is expanding the personal shopping experience at stores with the launch of My Stylist@Macy’s, a free service at select Macy’s stores nationwide, dedicated to finding the perfect fashions for every customer from coast-to-coast. In addition to style consultations, the experts at My Stylist@Macy’s will guide shoppers in selecting the best gifts for friends and family, for all occasions.

Columbus, Ohio -- Express Inc. soared in the second quarter as its profit tripled amid increased sales and profit margins and reduced promotional activity.

The retailer on Wednesday reported better-than-expected sales and profit for the second quarter. It also raised its full year outlook.

Express’ net income totaled $21 million, compared to $6.9 million, boosted by gross profit resulting from cost of sales growth that was significantly behind the rate of net sales growth.

Express Inc. says improved marketing and merchandising measures led to strong profit and revenue performance in the second quarter.

Net income totaled $21 million, compared to $6.9 million, boosted by gross profit resulting from cost of sales growth that was significantly behind the rate of net sales growth.

Net sales increased 11% to $535.58 million from $481.42 million. Same-store sales rose 7% and e-commerce sales grew 21%.

Minneapolis – Target Corp. has released an estimate of costs related to its 2013 data breach.

In a 10-Q filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Target estimated it had incurred $168 million in liabilities and was eligible for $55 million in insurance reimbursements (as of August 1, 2015).

New York – L.L. Bean continues to win top marks in overall customer service.

According to the latest quarterly Stella Service benchmarks, perennial high finisher L.L. Bean took top customer service honors in second quarter 2015. Following L.L. Bean were Mr. Porter, Shopbop, David Yuman and Net-a-Porter.

Seattle – Mobile shopping has been getting attention for its rapid growth, and one major retailer is leading the way.

According to new data from online coupon database Coupofy.com, Amazon.com is the leading mobile commerce retailer, with 110% growth in 2014, earning revenues of $16.8 billion.

Amazon is followed by Apple ($14 billion), Chinese store Jingdong Mall ($5.8 billion), Google Play ($4.4 billion), and QVC ($1.86 billion).

Walmart plans to stop selling certain types of assault and sporting rifles, the company said on Wednesday.

“There wasn’t a whole lot of demand for those products so we replaced them with products we have seen customers coming into purchase it," Walmart spokesman Kory Lundberg told Fortune. 

The move comes as the largest seller of guns and ammunition in the U.S. has been a large part of the national gun debate following recent shootings.