News

Pittsburgh – Smartphone users are looking for something. According to a new report from Branding Brand's Mobile Commerce Index, 43% of all smartphone traffic came from search in first quarter 2015, a 5% increase compared to fourth quarter 2014.

According to the report, 27% of smartphone traffic arrived direct; 16% arrived from email; and 14% arrived from referrals.

Build-A-Bear Workshop is rewriting the rules on stuffed animals with a new line of toys that are linked to a mobile app.

The retailer’s new Promise Pets feature a free mobile app that families can download to bring the experience of pet care to life, teaching children about animal care through an interactive play experience. Breeds in the collection include the Golden Retriever, Beagle, Yorkshire Terrier and Persian Kitten. Build-A-Bear plans to introduce more breeds throughout the year.

San Jose, Calif. – EBay and PayPal are clarifying how they will operate the first five years after their planed split into two public companies in the second half of 2015. PayPal Holdings filed an updated Form 10 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) laying out an operating agreement that maintains ties between the two companies while also ensuring they remain independent.

L Brands continued to be a bright spot in specialty retail in March, reporting a 9% increase in same-store sales.

The company said an earlier Easter and the spring break season helped its March sales increase 6% from the year before. L Brands is the owner of Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works and its own eponymous brand. The company reported brisk sales at Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works in March.

New York -- Amazon’s drone testing program has received a new approval from federal regulators.

In March, the Federal Aviation Administration gave the online giant the oaky to fly drones in research for potential deliveries. But the approval came six months after Amazon had filed the request, and, during that time, the model in question had gone out of date. Amazon submitted a new request for an updated model, and the request was approved in less than a month, Reuters reported.

Having reliable concrete slab moisture information is key to selecting the right product before installation, as well as avoiding flooring failures after installation. Independent Floor Testing and Inspection (IFTI) is the North American specialist in third-party independent testing for the construction and architectural community.  Meet Lee Eliseian of IFTI, as he discusses how to launch an accurate, independent risk management program designed to prevent or solve flooring issues and failures.

Los Angeles – Interest in Apple Watch may extend beyond simple “buzz.” Bizrate Insights, a division of Connexity, found in a survey of more than 6,000 online buyers that there is significant consumer interest in the new wrist-worn mini-computer.

About 5% of online buyers said they wanted to buy the watch now, while 22% said they were interested. The most interested customers’ profile is someone who already uses an iPhone, is an adult under the age of 50, and more likely male.

Petco has filled two key executive roles as it continues to build a team to successfully execute key strategic initiatives.

The company has named Michael M. Nuzzo as EVP and chief financial officer and Michael W. Zuna as SVP and chief marketing and digital officer.