News

New York – A majority of Americans say they have purchased clothing (69%), digital content (59%), and accessories such as handbags and shoes (54%) online, while half (49%) have purchased personal electronics such as digital music players or tablets in this fashion. However, according to a recent Harris Poll of 2,241 U.S. adults, nearly eight-in-10 respondents indicated an in-person preference for general food purchases such as groceries (78%).

Alexandria, Va. - Consumer optimism about the economy reached a 12-month high in July. According to data from the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS), consumer optimism surged from 39% to 46%, the highest level of optimism since it stood at 48% in July 2013.

New York – Data breaches in the state of New York more than tripled between 2006 and 2013, exposing 22.8 million records. According to Bloomberg, a report from the New York attorney general’s office indicates almost 5,000 data breaches were reported in New York during those seven years.

Washington, D.C. - Daily deals site LivingSocial is featuring a summer promotion called the Daily Gem, a chance for additional savings on premium and custom-selected deals based on a shopper’s preferences. Each morning, LivingSocial shoppers will receive a personalized Daily Gem deal via email with the chance to save an additional 15% on top of existing savings if they purchase by 3 p.m. local time.

Union, N.J. - Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. has priced three series of senior unsecured notes for an aggregate principal amount of $1.5 billion. Of these notes, $300 million will mature in August 2024, $300 million will mature in August 2034, and $900 million will mature in August 2044.

The offering is expected to close, subject to normal closing conditions, on July 17, 2014. The company intends to use the proceeds from this offering for share repurchases of its common stock and for general corporate purposes.

New York – Barnes & Noble Inc. is running month-long omnichannel “Get Pop-Cultured” pop culture promotion during July. The effort promotes books, characters, movies, artists, illustrators and pop culture icons with themed events, author signings, panel discussions, contests, exclusive content, giveaways and prizes, sneak peeks and activities.

New York - Ugam, a provider of managed analytics technology, is releasing a Brand Intelligence solution that enables monitoring of online channel prices and enforcement of MAP (minimum advertised price) compliance, ensuring that all partners sell their products at uniform prices.

General Mills has inaugurated its first innovation, technology and quality center in China — part of its efforts to drive greater innovation and investment in one of its largest growth markets.  

Home furnishings retailer West Elm plans to open a new retail store in New Orleans, Louisiana, Thursday, July 24, at 10 a.m. — its first in the state.

Sears is looking to position itself as the go-to retailer for teens, and to that end has launched an exclusive fashion collection by Seventeen Magazine.

The full collection is available at 450 Sears stores nationwide as well as on Sears.com. Shop Your Way members and customers can shop the collection, enter sweepstakes and explore exclusive content from Seventeen Magazine at shopyourway.com.