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What a difference 30, 20 or even 10 years make when it comes to consumer behavior. Thirty years ago, “24x7 shopping” meant mail-order catalogs. Smartphones, tablets and social media were barely part of the discussion 10 years ago. While observers attribute the rapid pace of change to technological advances, biology may play an equally important role. Scientists have observed that the human brain is incredibly plastic, even in adulthood, constantly adapting to trauma and environmental shifts.

Los Angeles -- Sporting goods retailer Sport Chalet generated a loss of $2.8 million in the first quarter, compared with a profit of $100,000 in the year-ago period.

Sales slipped 2.8% to $81.5 million from $83.8 million, and same-store sales fell 0.7%.

New York -- As turmoil continues to surround J.C. Penney, one investor is upping his support of the embattled retailer even as two other large investors leave. Regulatory filings on Wednesday revealed that billionaire investor George Soros has added two million shares to his current 19.98 million in Penney holdings.

The latest investment makes Soros Fund Management Penney’s second-largest investor, behind disgruntled hedge fund manager Bill Ackman.

Kellogg is looking to BrightRoll, an independent video advertising platform, to help the company simplify and maximize the efficiency of its digital video advertising.

Kellogg is expanding its video advertising capabilities and leveraging BrightRoll’s platform to boost brand awareness among a growing digital audience, as consumer viewing habits shift from television to computers, mobile devices and connected TVs. 

New York -- Sporting goods retailer Sportsman’s Wearhouse is deploying a new tool from Honeywell’s Honeywell Scanning and Mobility group in time for the holiday shopping season. The chain will equip workers in its 46 stores with Honeywell’s new Captuvo SL22 for iPod Touch mobile digital devices.

RACINE, Wis. — For the fourth year in a row, SC Johnson will be the major sponsor of the 11th annual free backpack giveaway at the mayor's back-to-school Stay-in-School festival Monday, Aug. 19, from 2-6 p.m. at Festival Park in Racine, Wis.

Students in grades K-12 will receive a free backpack filled with age-appropriate school supplies.

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Kid Brands, Inc. has appointed Jodie Simon Friedman as the company’s VP, general counsel and corporate secretary. She replaces Marc Goldfarb, who resigned his position as general counsel and corporate secretary to pursue other opportunities. 

Goldfarb has agreed to remain available to the company as a consultant providing legal services.

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. — Kohl’s continues to focus on funding its e-commerce growth following results for the second quarter ended August 3.