News

SAN FRANCISCO — Fujitsu Frontech North America, a technology and front-end solutions provider and Retail Pro, a provider of software applications for the specialty retail industry, announced a strategic business alliance that bundles Fujitsu hardware with Retail Pro software for a total point of sale solution. The alliance features bundled, purpose-built retail solutions that are intended to address the growing specialty segment of the retail industry, by providing sleek hardware, simplified software integration and rapid deployment for customers.

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. — Staples is now offering its customers the chance to pre-order the latest computers and tablets optimized for Microsoft Windows 8 through its exclusive "8 Was Easy" program.

Customers can pre-order the computers and tablets online or in stores and receive free personalized training and free support. Consumers who purchase any Windows 8 PC regularly priced $699 and above will also receive free data transfer from their old computer.

By Mark Williams, Best Buy

In August, we at Best Buy announced that we were joining a cadre of other major retailers in an effort to build a mobile-commerce solution that can improve shopping and paying for customers and merchants alike.

Schaumburg, Ill. -- Higher consumer confidence levels, increased impulse buying and consumer intent to spend more could all lead to an upside surprise in 2012 holiday spending, according to Nielsen analyses.

Although almost six out of every 10 consumers (59%) reported plans to spend the same as last year, there is a 10-point drop (from 37% in 2011 to 27% in 2012) in the number of people expecting to spend less. Eight percent of respondents reported plans to spend more this holiday season, up from 5% in 2011 and 2010.

GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn. — Dollar General has named Pat Fili-Krushel to its board of directors effective Oct. 15.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. —-- Sears Holdings has successfully separated out its Sears Hometown and Outlet Sores businesses.

Neil Ashe, president and CEO of global e-commerce was clearly the most excitable person on stage Wednesday at Walmart’s 19th annual analysts' meeting. And for good reason.

Walmart created its global e-commerce group two years ago and Ashe joined the company back in January. Wednesday was his first opportunity to participate in the company’s annual analysts’ meeting and he made the most of it, slipping in a first ever reference to Walmart’s online revenues that now total $9 billion.

Domino’s Pizza’s new “Pizza Theater” store design brings the art and skill of pizza-making front and center.