News

Staples launches refresh of e-commerce sites
Staples Inc. has unveiled several enhancements to its e-commerce operations, including new looks for its websites and streamlined checkout features.

The retailer says the refresh of Staples.com features faster performance, a new interface designed for easier navigation and expanded personalization. A leading edge business to business site, the redesigned StaplesAdvantage.com has an updated look and feel with a new homepage dashboard, streamlined browsing and checkout.
NRF: Port statistic tracking would help avoid slowdowns
Washington, D.C. - The National Retail Federation (NRF) and more than 100 other business groups are formally calling for passage of legislation that would require the Transportation Department to track port statistics.

In a letter addressed to John Thune (R-S.C.), chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, the NRF and its allies said this would help prevent a repeat of the congestion and slowdowns that occurred along the West Coast during the labor dispute resolved earlier this year.

eBay to shed enterprise unit for $925M

eBay is selling its enterprise business as it continues streamline operations in anticipation of its separation from PayPal Holdings Inc. on Friday.

In announcing its second quarter results, eBay said it was selling its eBay Enterprise division, which helps retailers enhance their online presence and e-commerce capabilities, to a consortium led by private equity firm Permira for $925 million.
Update on Amazon’s Big Day: So good it will be annual event

San Jose, Calif. – While the social buzz regarding Amazon Prime Day on Wednesday, July 15, has been not so prime, early reports indicate the event was a success sales-wise. And industry experts said the event was important in other ways too.
Ollie’s Bargain Outlet IPO raises $143 million as chain looks to expand

New York -- Ollie’s Bargain Outlet raised $143 million in a wildly successful initial public stock offering that positions the company for steady expansion of its 181 unit store base beyond core markets.

Ollie’s co-founder and CEO Mark Butler told Retailing Today that although the company has identified 950 suitable store locations, proceeds from the IPO will be used to repay debt and the company will maintain a measured pace of expansion.
No discount on IPO for Ollie’s Bargain Outlet

Ollie’s Bargain Outlet raised $143 million in a wildly successful initial public stock offering that positions the company for steady expansion of its 181 unit store base beyond core markets.

Ollie’s co-founder and CEO Mark Butler told Retailing Today that although the company has identified 950 suitable store locations, proceeds from the IPO will be used to repay debt and the company will maintain a measured pace of expansion.
How big was Amazon’s sales increase on Prime Day?

New York -- So, how did Amazon make out with its 20th anniversary super-sale event on Wednesday?

Not surprisingly, the online giant wasn’t giving out many details, beyond saying that members shopped at record rates during its first ever “Prime Day.” A different story played out on social media, with consumers expressing frustration and disappointments about the quality of the offered deals.
Michaels is looking for fine artists

Michaels is teaming up with two of the world's biggest names in fine art to sponsor an omnichannel promotion for artists.

Michaels' Art Challenge: A Fine Art Competition will accept images of original artworks in oil or acrylic paint on canvas or watercolor on watercolor paper beginning July 26 and continuing through Aug. 15 at Michaels.com/artchallenge or in Canada at Canada.Michaels.com/artchallenge.
Porsche drives consumers to dine in ‘experience center’

Atlanta - Porsche Cars North America Inc. hopes to drive consumers to drink – and eat – at its new $100 million Porsche Experience Center and headquarters. Porsche has officially opened its new fine dining "Restaurant 356" on the second level of the Porsche Experience Center, overlooking the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
California Gurl is H&M's holiday spokeswoman

It may be the middle of summer, but H&M executives have the busy Christmas shopping season on the brain: The retailer has already selected its holiday campaign spokeswoman.

Katy Perry announced on Instagram Thursday that she would appear in the retailer's 2015 holiday campaign.