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The way we pay and with what has and will continue to change. “Retailers may soon find themselves trying to figure out the most efficient way to convert such things as Facebook credits into cash and back again,” according to Eddie Myers, president of the Electronic Transactions Association.

NEW YORK — Barnes & Noble has introduced Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight, the world’s first e-ink device with patent-pending lighting technology.

The GlowLight, according to Barnes & Noble, is especially good for bedtime reading as it offers just the right amount of light without disturbing one's partner.With a soft, adjustable glow, GlowLight gives bedtime readers just the right amount of light for reading, without disturbing a sleepy spouse. According the company, the e-reader also displays well in daylight.

Tokyo -- Japan’s Fast Retailing Co., parent of Uniqlo, reported Thursday that its net profit for the Sept.-Feb. period surged 38.7% to $705 million as an usually cold weather bolstered sales at Japan stores. Same-store sales in the period rose 2.3%.

The company lifted its full-year profit forecast to $1.7 billion from a previously announced $1.6 billion for the fiscal year ending in August, surpassing analysts’ projections.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — American Greetings is launching a new line of cards featuring designs from noted artist Mary Engelbreit later this year as part of an ongoing collaboration. The greetings will be included in seasonal programs beginning this Halloween and sprinkled across everyday programs by the end of the year.

The Canadian consumer is a value conscious, “tough nut to crack,” who is already well-served by existing retailers, according to Diane Briesebois, president and CEO of the Retail Council of Canada, a trade association founded in 1963 that represents retailers that operate more than 45,000 stores and account for 85% of Canadian retail sales.

The Network of Executive Women announced that Walmart U.S. chief operating officer Gisel will be a featured speaker at the organization’s sixth annual Network of Executive Leaders Forum to be held July 31 through Aug. 2 at the Terranea Resort near Los Angeles.

New York -- A report released Thursday by Deloitte found that consumer spending posted an increase in March, reversing a trend of declines.

The Deloitte Consumer Spending Index climbed higher in March, marking only the third monthly increase over the past 12 months. The Index tracks consumer cash flow as an indicator of future consumer spending.

While Walmart maintains its small format stores are still in pilot mode, Dollar General continues to open its 7,000-sq.-ft. units at a dizzying pace. DG recently surpassed 10,000 units and has plans for 625 new stores this year with a long term goal of doubling in size. Expanded offerings of food and consumables and sharp prices on national brands present a serious threat to customer traffic at supercenter.