News

Beverly, Mass. - Orchard Brands, a multichannel retailer of apparel and home products focused on consumers older than 50, has partnered with Borderfree for global e-commerce. Through its partnership with Borderfree, Orchard Brands’ 13 unique online storefronts are now available to international shoppers in more than 100 countries and territories worldwide.

Shoppers are ready to spend this spring thanks to a precipitous decline in gas prices and an expectation that prices will stay low.

A new study suggests that most Americans are optimistic about the economy, thanks to the continuing slide in gas prices. A survey of gas consumers found that 57% of Americans are optimistic, including nearly two-thirds (65%) of those ages 18-34.

Workplace customization was a recurring theme that emerged from Staples’ annual design competition.

The unique design competition involved 150 designers and architects who undertook the challenge of envisioning what workplaces will look like a decade from now.

As part of the contest, more than 150 architects and designers from around the world envisioned what work lives would be in the next 10-15 years, given the shift toward a "work anywhere, anytime" mentality.

The strength of the U.S. dollar and a decline in hardware sales are among the reasons GameStop cited for its decline in holiday sales. But that's not the whole story.

Sales of new software, a key category for the video game retailer, were strong. New software sales increased 5.8%, or 8.9% in constant currency. The growth was driven by a 94.4% increase in PS4 and Xbox One software, led by titles such as Activision’s Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto V and Ubisoft’s Far Cry 4. 

Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores is targeting customers in the education field with a special promotion and discount.

The fabric and craft specialty retailer will be having a Teacher Appreciation Days savings event Jan. 17-19. All qualifying teachers will be able to take advantage of significant savings on a wide variety of craft supplies and classroom decor items. Teachers will receive 25% off all purchases throughout the event.

The digital innovations keep coming at Nieman Marcus, where the luxury retailer has introduce a new concept called the MemoryMirror.

Confident consumers stocked up on gifts and other merchandise over the 2014 holiday season, helping boost overall holiday retail sales to their highest level since 2011.

According to the National Retail Federation, December retail sales, which exclude automobiles, gas stations and restaurants, decreased 0.9% seasonally adjusted month-to-month, and 4.6% unadjusted year-over-year. The significant drop in gasoline prices in the month of December brought down much of the month-to-month growth.

Retailers looking to replenish inventories depleted by solid holiday sales are facing a new impediment at West Coast ports.

Reuters is reporting that unions are orchestrating work slowdowns to exacerbate an already gridlocked situation at the busy port.

The Pacific Maritime Association said the region's five largest ports, including Los Angeles and Long Beach, had seen backups "approaching complete gridlock," as contentious contract talks with the dockworkers union have stalled.

Etsy, an e-marketplace that specializes in crafts and other artsy items, plans to hold an initial public offering as soon as this quarter, according to Bloomberg.

The decade-old company may seek to raise about $300 million, Bloomberg says, and is working with Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley.

Online home furnishings retailer Wayfair is leveraging Sherwin-Williams’ color technology for a whole new user experience on wayfair.com.

The retailer plans to integrate Sherwin-Williams’ color matching technology throughout the wayfair.com shopping experience, allowing shoppers to browse paint colors alongside more than 2 million products in furniture, décor and bedding.