Credit Card Shopping More Prevalent as U.S. Consumer Economic Sentiment Improves
The report focuses on shifts in the industry related to improving consumer perceptions of the economic environment, card features most likely to influence card shopping decisions, and the growing importance of online servicing for issuers. ...
MCM Live Kicks Off May 3
The program for this live, two-day event (May 3-4 in New York City) was developed by the editors of Multichannel Merchant magazine. Content is focused on creative thinking and sharing ideas to drive multichannel selling success. ...
Systemax Notifies Gilbert Fiorentino of Intent to Terminate Employment
Systemax Inc. reported that it has notified Gilbert Fiorentino, Chief Executive, Technology Products Group and Director of the Company, that it intends to terminate his employment, pursuant to the terms of his employment contract. ...
Orchard Brands’ Plan of Reorganization Confirmed by Court
BEVERLY, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Orchard Brands announced today that the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware confirmed the Company’s Plan of Reorganization, setting the stage for emergence from Chapter 11, which is expected to occur before the end of April, 2011. ...
Brookstone Debuts QR Codes to Empower the Informed Shopper
At 30 New York City and New Jersey Brookstone locations, including Brookstone’s Rockefeller Center, Seaport Marketplace and JFK airport locations, shoppers will see black-and-white QR codes located next to products. By snapping an image with their smartphone QR application, consumers can quickly access real-time customer reviews and product videos and even shop a greater selection of similar products at Brookstone.com....
High Gas Prices May Boost Ecommerce Growth
The sharp rise in gas prices may put a hold on overall economic growth, and that's bad news for spending on entertainment, home improvement and travel, according to Discover Financial Service's U.S. Spending Monitor. But based on historical results, ecommerce should see a lift. ...
Why Catalogers Should Try QR Codes
Most of the emphasis on 2D barcode usage has been on delivering a better in-store experience, and not on driving away-from-store traffic. And with a few exceptions, such as like Pottery Barn and Sears, most are not using their catalogs to connect smartphone users to content. Here's why J. Schmid & Associates president Lois Brayfield has become an evangelist for QR codes in catalog. ...
CognitiveData Acquires Lenser
Database marketer CognitiveData last week bought multichannel marketing consultancy Lenser for an undisclosed sum....
Harry & David Files Chapter 11
Two months after it said it could not finance continuing operations without securing new capital and restructuring its obligations, Harry & David Holdings today filed for Chapter 11 protection in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. ...
L.L. Bean Makes Free Shipping Standard
L.L. Bean announced that starting tomorrow, it will offer its customers free standard shipping to all U.S. and Canada addresses. ...
Fourth Quarter Drags Talbots Sales Down
A poor fourth-quarter performance hurt the annual sales of women’s apparel and accessories merchant The Talbots....
Golden Gate Sells J. Jill
Less than two years after it acquired J. Jill, private equity firm Golden Gate Capital announced today it has sold a majority stake of the women’s apparel merchant. The buyer is Bahrain-based global investment firm Arcapita Bank, which paid an undisclosed amount....
New Bill May Delay Swipe Fee Reform
The federal government's swipe fee reform may be tabled for two years if a Senate bill introduced March 15 passes. This means a potential delay in financial relief for merchants who accept debit cards issued by Visa or MasterCard as a form of payment. ...
Swiss Colony Parent Acquires Wisconsin Cheeseman
The Dane County (Wisconsin) Circuit Court approved the sale of Wisconsin Cheeseman by parent firm by Wisconsin Food Gift Co. to Colony Brands on Monday for $550,000, according to court documents. The acquisition includes the brands, assets and inventories of Wisconsin Cheeseman. ...
5 Secrets to Loyal Multichannel Customers
In a survey ecommerce platform provider CrossView recently conducted among 177 shoppers, more than half of the respondents said they are motivated by brand loyalty when making a purchase. Used smartly and in combination with common-sense marketing, technology is an enabler of great customer loyalty programs, particularly an infrastructure optimized for cross-channel selling. ...
NEMOA Panel Spouts Award-Winning Advice
MCM Awards judges Neal Schuler, president/principal of Schuler Creative Consulting, Brad Wolansky, CEO at The Golf Warehouse, and Amy Africa, chief instigation officer at web consultancy Eight By Eight, might not always see eye to eye. But one thing they all agree on: Merchants need to get the basics right....
2011 MCM Awards Finalists Selected
Multichannel Merchant has announced the finalists in the 26th annual MCM Awards. The judging panel named 49 print finalists and 29 ecommerce finalists. Here's a look at who has a chance to take home Gold and Silver Awards on May 4....
Delia’s On The Selling Block
Teen apparel cataloger/retailer Delia’s has put itself up for sale. The company, which has a market value of about $60 million, has been soliciting interest from buyers....
Orchard Brands Set to Emerge from Chapter 11
Orchard Brands will emerge from bankruptcy sometime in April. The multititle mailer, which had filed for Chapter 11 on Jan. 19, reached a global settlement with its creditors on Feb. 23. ...
Harry & David Brings In Turnaround Pro
Kay Hong, a managing director at global turnaround specialist firm Alvarez & Marsal, was appointed chief restructuring officer on Feb. 18, and will also serve as Harry & David's interim CEO. But can Harry & David be turned around at this point? ...
Direct Drives Chico’s Results
Fourth-quarter and fiscal-year net sales rose for Chico's, with the direct-to-consumer segment playing a big role in its success. But the women’s apparel cataloger/retailer says it will no longer break out direct sales as a separate channel for reporting purposes. ...
Cabela's Sees Drop in Direct Sales
Cabela's saw a rise in fourth-quarter sales, but its 2010 fiscal year sales took a hit in part to a drop in direct sales, the outdoor lifestyle merchant reported Feb. 17....
March 1 Vote Set for J. Crew Sale
Is it really over? Technically, the March 1 shareholder vote will determine the new owners of apparel cataloger/retailer J. Crew....
