News

Bentonville, Ark. –- Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has reportedly apologized for offering Halloween outfits labeled as “fat girl” costumes on its e-commerce site. According to Bloomberg, Wal-Mart issued the apology after receiving social media criticism from offended consumers.  

Minato, Japan –- Japanese telecom/technology investment firm Softbank is reportedly planning to invest $10 billion in Indian e-commerce players during the next 10 years.   According to TheStreet.com, Softbank’s investments will include $627 million into Indian e-commerce platform Snapdeal.  

Consider it a Black Friday dress rehearsal as 99 Cents Only Stores invites all sorts of lunacy into stores with extended hours and a discount promotion in advance of Halloween.

The retailer is offering a $5 discount on purchases of $25 or more as part of its Halloween Midnight Madness promotion involving numerous stores in Southern California. The promotion period runs from 10 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30 until midnight. The premise behind the promotion is that customers can use the extra time to secure amazing last minute Halloween deals, according to the company.

Minneapolis –- An increase in selling, general & administrative (SG&A) expenses helped reduce net income at Tile Shop Holdings Inc. to $1.5 million, down 63% from $4.05 million in the same quarter the prior fiscal year. In addition, founder and CEO Robert Rucker will retire as CEO effective Jan. 1, 2015 and be replaced by current COO Chris Homeister, who will join the board of directors early in 2015.  

Two massive Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s stores are planned to open in the United Arab Emirates capital city of Abu Dhabi in what could be the first of other international moves for the department store operator.

Englewood Cliffs, N.J. -- LG Electronics USA has selected Ugam's Brand Intelligence solution to help manage its brand reputation and channel relationships in the U.S. consumer electronics industry. Ugam's technology and services will support LG's commitment to deliver a superior customer experience by enforcing compliance with its pricing policy.  

Fisher-Price, Inc., has partnered with a global pop star mom and a philanthropist Shakira and the Barefoot Foundation to create a web series for moms and co-develop a new line of Babygear and toys.

Washington, D.C. –- Nearly eight in 10 (79%) retailers surveyed will set their standard shipping deadlines for guaranteed Christmas delivery to expire at least a week before the holiday, compared to 74% who said in the 2013 holiday season. In addition, according to Shop.org’s EHoliday survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics, approximately one in five (21%) will set those deadlines to expire Dec. 19 or later, compared to more than one-quarter who said so last year (25%).