News

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Aspira Networks has launched the Aspira 2.0 platform, the company's next-generation DNS service for network operators and retailers. The newly enhanced services are designed to make it easier to monetize broadband networks.

Aspira aggregates networks and retailers to optimize shopping opportunities for consumers. According to the company, its products enhance the shopping experience and increase retailer exposure to consumers, while creating a revenue opportunity for network operators.

Fast-growing flooring retailer Lumber Liquidators got an unpleasant surprise on Thursday when representatives from several federal agencies showed up at the company’s Toano, Va., headquarter with search warrants in hand.

Duck Tape brand duct tape is getting ready for Halloween with a product offering that will allow Halloween enthusiasts to jazz up Halloween décor, costumes and crafts and participate in the brand's Stick or Treat Jack-O-Lantern contest.

For the contest, participants can decorate their own real or artificial pumpkin using the palette of Duck Tape colors and designs for a chance to win a $1,000 cash grand prize. Participants can create a classically spooky Jack-O-Lantern or a Halloween-inspired monster.

Forever 21 has unveiled Bats & Cats, a limited edition collection of women’s and men’s apparel and accessories designed by Forever 21. The collection features 63 current pieces modeled by Atlanta de Cadenet Taylor, model, DJ and daughter of Duran Duran bassist John Taylor.

Weather Company chairman and CEO David Kenny has joined the Best Buy board of directors.

New York -- The parent company of Bi-Lo and Winn-Dixie supermarkets, Southeaster Grocers, has filed for an initial public offering.  

The shares are expected to be offered by Southeastern Grocers, and the number of shares to be offered and the price range for the offering have not yet been determined.

New York -- J.C. Penney on Thursday shot back at reports that its sales were weak in the late August and early September back-to-school season and said it was pleased with the progress of its turnaround efforts.

The company said it still expected positive comparable-store sales trends coming out of the third quarter and throughout the fourth, adding that its online sales continue to rise in double-digits over last year.

Ontario, Canada -- Staples Canada announced its sustainability achievements for the second quarter of 2013, including a 9% drop in energy consumption (over the year-ago period). The retailer continues to focus on its long-term commitment to growing the business in a sustainable manner, and reducing its impact on the environment.

Menlo Park, Calif. – Facebook has released a new update designed to help make brand promotion through contests easier to handle. Brands can now create a contest and control it through their Facebook business page timelines.

However, personal profile timelines cannot be used to back up a brand promotion contest. Facebook has removed the requirement that promotions on Facebook may only be administered within apps. With the change, promotions may now be administered on page timelines and in apps on Facebook, but not on personal timelines.

El Segundo, Calif. -- The fast-growing fashion subscription online retailer, JustFab, announced it has secured $40 million in Series C funding led by Hong Kong-based Shining Capital Management to further its expansion plans. The company recently opened its first store, at the Glendale Galleria, Glendale, Calif.