News

New York City -- Apple will spend $900 million on its stores in fiscal 2012, up from $614 million this year, according to Tech Observer, which cited a new research note from UBS analyst Maynard Um.

The report also said that that Apple plans to give shoppers the ability to complete their own in-store purchases via its iOS application for the iPhone. The new application will apply only to accessories and on-the-shelf items, and not more costly item like the iPhone, iPad, or Macs.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Sam's Club announced that it is making it easier for consumers to shop this holiday season with the launch of its holiday shopping site, SamsClub.com/gifts and an enhanced mobile app that together streamline on-the-go and at-home shopping.

PLANO, Texas — JCPenney announced that it has launched a new, customizable feature on its website for its annual Angel Giving Tree Online partnership with The Salvation Army.

Denton, Texas -- Sally Beauty Holdings said Wednesday it has acquired Netherlands-based Kappersservice Floral and two related companies, Hair Zone and Exphair as part of the company’s international growth strategy.

Savannah, Ga. -- Citi Trends said Wednesday it has secured a new, five-year, $50 million credit facility through Bank of America to replace its prior $20 million credit facility.

The new facility includes a $25 million uncommitted “accordion” feature that under certain circumstances could allow the company to increase the size of the facility to $75 million.
 

Arlington, Va. -- The Retail Industry Leaders Association, along with 125 business groups and employers nationwide, on Wednesday asked the Congressional Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction to include in their recommendations to the House and Senate a provision that would close the online sales tax loophole that is harming brick-and-mortar retail businesses and the communities they serve.

In an effort to help merchants both achieve and maintain PCI (Payment Card Industry) compliance, technologies for cardholder data security have become more prevalent. Merchants should view PCI compliance as an ongoing business requirement with continuously evolving needs and mandated changes, not just a one-time, stand-alone IT issue. There is no quick-fix approach to both achieving and maintaining compliance and it is an ongoing process that begins at the strategic level.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart is giving customers the chance to preview its Black Friday specials early. The company announced that customers can sign up at Walmart.com or Facebook.com/Walmart to receive an early preview of its specials on the widest assortment of top electronics, toys, apparel and more.