News

Staples has enhanced its omnichannel offerings, enabling small business owners to buy products online and pick them up in stores within hours, pay online via Visa Checkout, use in-store kiosks and download and use a dedicated iPad app.

Keith Sherwell, who served as CIO of Sears Holding Corp from March 2010 to June 2013, has been named CIO of the Office Depot international division, effective Sept. 15. Sherwell advised the board of OfficeMax during merger negotiations with Office Depot, and has served as a technology integration consultant to Office Depot since the completion of the merger in November 2013.

Kohl’s and AwesomenessTV have teamed up to launch S.o. R.a.d., a seven capsule limited-edition junior’s fashion line and Life’s S.o. R.a.d., an original four season YouTube series featuring top teen influencers.

The first S.o. R.a.d. junior’s capsule will launch at Kohl’s and Kohls.com Sept. 22.

Wet Seal CEO John D. Goodman has resigned from the role he took in January 2013. He was charged with turning things around for the struggling retailer and replaced Susan McGalla, who was herself ousted after 11 months amid declining sales.

Meijer is preparing to hire thousands of new employees for its stores as the growing company prepares for the fall and holiday selling seasons, announced Janet Emerson, EVP of operations for the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer.

"Meijer is always looking for good people," Emerson said. "Our continued growth provides a great opportunity to find new team members who will help deliver on the Meijer promise of providing exceptional customer service."

Christopher & Banks president and CEO LuAnn Via said financial results for the second quarter ended Aug. 2 were solid, adding that the company made continued progress toward its long-term growth objectives.

Net sales at the specialty women’s apparel retailer totaled $106.6 million, an increase of 2.3% from $104.2 million for the year-ago period. During the quarter, the company operated an average of 9.3% fewer stores than during the comparable period last year. Same-store sales increased 2.6%.

The Mall at Short Hills (New Jersey) will launch the holidays with its 13th annual “Santa Paws” promotion, as shoppers have pictures taken with Santa--pets in tow. On Nov. 9 and Nov. 16, shoppers will bring their canine companions--in costume, if desired--to the Ice Palace at Grand Court on the lower level of The Mall at Short Hills and have a holiday photo taken.

Atlanta – The Home Depot Inc. is the latest retail chain to investigate a possible credit card data breach.  

“I can confirm we are looking into some unusual activity and we are working with our banking partners and law enforcement to investigate,” said Home Depot spokesperson Paula Drake in a prepared statement.

San Francisco – A federal judge has reportedly approved an antitrust settlement EBay reached in May 2012. The settlement relates to a secret deal EBay reached with tax preparation software provider Intuit in which the two companies agreed not to hire each other’s employees.

According to Reuters, the settlement calls for EBay to not make any deals with any other technology companies to avoid hiring each other’s employees.