News

Chicago, Ill. — Dillard’s, a fashion apparel, cosmetics and home furnishings retailer, has selected OpinionLab to extend its omni-channel Voice of Customer program, including its digital, mobile and in-store experiences, with precise insight into what its customers want and need. 

Dillard’s will leverage OpinionLab’s patented software to get customer feedback at all touchpoints and gain actionable insight into how to deliver the best experience to consumers wherever they engage, research and shop.

Same stores sales increase 6.9% and earnings per share increased 19% to 76 cents, three cents better than analysts forecast. The company’s performance was favorable across the board, according to co-founder, and co-CEO John Mackey.

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. — Staples has appointed Faisal Masud as its new EVP of global e-commerce. In the newly created role, Masud will be responsible for leading online and digital growth. He will report to Demos Parneros, president of North American stores and online for Staples.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Meijer and its customers helped to raise more than $500,000 for food pantries throughout the Midwest. Customers donated $184,230 during the retailer’s Simply Give Double Match Days. Meijer double matched all donations made from April 12-13, bringing the total donation amount to $552,690. 

KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa. — Godiva has signed a new multiyear agreement with eBay company GSI Commerce, which will enable the global chocolatier to leverage GSI’s omni-channel commerce, multichannel retailing and digital marketing services. 

SAN DIEGO, Calif. — The sun shined favorably this month on PriceSmart, which operates 31 warehouse clubs in 12 countries and one U.S. territory.

For the month of April 2013 net sales increased 11% to $176 million from $159 million in April a year earlier. For the eight months ended April 30, net sales increased 11% to $1,484 million from $1,337 million for the eight months ended April a year earlier. There were 30 warehouse clubs in operation at the end of April 2013 and 29 warehouse clubs in operation at the end of April 2012.

NAPERVILLE, Ill. — Declines in technology product category sales and decreased foot traffic at its stores affected OfficeMax’s results for its fiscal first quarter ended March 30, 2013. 

SAN DIEGO — Online fresh flowers retailer ProFlowers is launching a ProFlowers-branded store on eBay, extending its online reach.

The new ProFlowers eBay storefront features a broad assortment of fresh flowers, plants and product bundles including vases and chocolates, much like its existing online e-commerce site. Its eBay store also prominently features a “Deal of the Week” specially priced bouquet and vase.

ARLINGTON, Va. — The U.S. Senate approved the long-debated Internet sales tax proposal, known as the Marketplace Fairness Act, by a bipartisan vote of 69 to 27. The Obama administration has already endorsed the bill, but before it can become law it must be approved by the House, where Republicans are split on the bill.

FORT COLLINS, Colo. — D&G Pets, a local fish and exotic pet shop in Fort Collins, Colo., is diving into e-commerce waters in an effort to retain existing customers and reach out to new ones. 

The local retailer launched an online store so consumers can purchase pet supplies from their computers or mobile devices — leveraging technology to remain competitive in a field dominated by larger pet supply chains.