News

When it comes to generating e-commerce revenue, retailers should focus heavily on customer retention.

According the fourth quarter 2015 E-commerce Quarterly report from online marketing technology provider Monetate, despite making up less than half of all e-commerce sessions (48%), returning visitors spent nearly $5.3 billion online. That figure is almost twice as much money as new visitors spent during the same timeframe ($2.7 billion).

eBay Inc. is attempting to streamline how it serves content to consumers.

eBay has found that online shoppers follow some common patterns in proceeding from wanting a particular item to purchasing it. These patterns are driving the retailer’s new product and search-related enhancements.

Consumers are buying groceries online in increasing numbers, but are following specific trends.

According to a new survey of 12,000 U.S. grocery shoppers conducted by grocery retail consultancy Brick Meets Click and sponsored by SAP hybris, the percentage of U.S. consumers that have purchased groceries online in the past 30 days nearly doubled to 21% in the fourth quarter of 2015 from 11% in 2013. Forty-one percent of consumers have purchased groceries online at some point.

As part of a multi-year, $5 million commitment to increase access to health care in communities nationwide, the CVS Health Foundation on Tuesday released new data from programs supported through partnerships with the National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics and the National Association of Community Health Centers.

The Foundation also announced $1.5 million in new grants distributed to 46 community health centers and free clinics for 2016.

A court ruling struck down a provision adopted by Puerto Rico last year that tripled the tax revenue the debt-laden island extracted from Walmart, Reuters reported. [Reuters]

Las Vegas -- CityCenter Holding -- a venture between MGM Resorts International and Infinity World Development Corp. -- announced that it has entered into an agreement with a venture led by Invesco Real Estate and Simon Property Group to acquire The Shops at Crystals in Las Vegas, for a purchase price of approximately $1.1 billion.

Destination Maternity says its turnaround efforts are working to drive long-term growth despite a decrease in same-store sales during the fourth quarter.

The company said that for the fourth quarter ended Jan. 30, same-store sales decreased 3.5%. The retailer's net loss improved to $3.1 million compared to a net loss of $17 million in the prior year quarter. Net sales were $118.3 million, compared with $121.2 million for the comparable three month in 2015.

Following a record performance in 2015, Foot Locker has become the newest member of the S&P 500 index, which bodes well for the performance of the company’s share price.

After the close of trading on Friday, April 1, Foot Locker will replace oil and gas equipment services provider Cameron International as the newest constituent in the S&P 500 index, according to a statement by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC, a part of McGraw Hill Financial. A spot on the S&P 500 index opened up after Cameron was acquired by Schlumberger Ltd.