News

Burlington, Mass. -- On-demand e-commerce solution-provider Demandware said Wednesday that Pier 1  Imports has delivered the initial phases of its omnichannel strategy, which includes its new e-commerce-enabled Pier1.com website (launched in July 2012), and its mobile commerce site, both of which are run on the Demandware Commerce platform.

Pier 1 Imports now benefits from an enterprise-class, software-as-a-service platform that serves as the digital commerce backbone to connect consumers to its brand regardless of location, device or channel.

Palo Alto, Calif. -- Retail and distribution optimization company Aldata said Tuesday it has merged with customer engagement specialist EYC.

Both companies are part of the Symphony Technology Group, and the merger will create a new company, Symphony EYC.

The merger is intended to combine EYC’s customer engagement analytics with Aldata’s retail and distribution optimization execution capabilities, linking customer insights and engagement strategies into retail assortment, merchandising and supply chain execution.

By Jeff Boudreau, Ryder Supply Chain Solutions

With the holidays approaching, retailers are once again facing the challenge of securing the right staffing levels in their stores to meet the higher demand of the season. And just as obtaining the right manpower levels is critical for capturing sales, reaching the right labor mix in the warehouse is essential in keeping inventory flowing smoothly through the supply chain.

Chicago -- A report on Tuesday by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission revealed that Dillard’s Inc. will pay $2 million to settle a class-action disability discrimination lawsuit.  
    
The department store retailer will also have to “commit to extensive, company-wide injunctive relief,” according to the EEOC.

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. — Ikea has received the green light from Merriam’s city council to go ahead with its Kansas City-area store.

Pending the land purchase, permits and demolition of on-site buildings, construction of Ikea Merriam can begin summer 2013, with the store opening fall 2014.

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. — Staples plans to triple the size of its e-commerce and IT staff by 2014, and has unveiled a new Velocity Lab at Kendall Square in Cambridge, Mass., to kick off its accelerated online growth initiative.

Walmart’s ongoing investigation into bribery allegations was thrust into the spotlight again on Monday after the New York Times ran a lengthy piece detailing how an elaborate series of payments accelerated construction of a controversial store in Mexico City.

New York -- Wal-Mart Stores’ ongoing investigation into bribery allegations was thrust into the spotlight again on Monday after the New York Times ran a lengthy piece detailing how an elaborate series of payments accelerated construction of a controversial store in Mexico City.