Voices

Rampant Returns Plague E-Retailers

Free shipping and lenient return policies have given online retailing a huge boost. Now, chains are mining their order data to get shoppers to keep more purchases.

Heavily Funded Flash-Sale Site Ideeli Is for Sale

Its database of customer emails could be its most valuable asset.

Fanatics Created a $1 Billion Sports E-Commerce Powerhouse — Now Here Come the Apps

If it wants to grow its own brand, its new apps will have to stand out.
Fanatics Mobile App Feature Image

Vente-Privee’s Granjon, Flash Sales Pioneer, on Competing in the U.S.

Flash-sales godfather Jacques-Antoine Granjon says what he means and means what he says.

Voices

Are Flash Sales Still “Fab”ulous?

Venture capitalists, including Skype co-founder Niklas Zennstrom, have invested another $105 million in Fab.com Inc., a sign investors still see potential in the business of luxury “flash sales” even as growth rates slow and profits remain elusive.

Ideeli Latest Round Brings Total Raised to Nearly $100 Million

That’s a lot of kicky dresses, strappy tops and to-die-for pants.

News Byte

Home Decor Flash Sales Site LuxeYard Raises $3.5 Million in Capital

LuxeYard, a home decor flash sales and group-buying site, has secured $3.5 million in new capital from undisclosed investors. The Los Angeles company is also unveiling a redesigned site that allows members to participate in two new ways: First, members can post photos of items that they would like to purchase at a discount; and second, they can drive prices down by encouraging others to buy the product on social networks. The more people who buy it, the less expensive it becomes. LuxeYard will be competing against Gilt Groupe, Rue La La, One Kings Lane, Fab.com and other similar sites.

Zappos Founder Focuses on Brand Loyalty for His Next Gig

As soon as Nike started to sell its merchandise on Zappos, founder Nick Swinmurn stopped wearing Adidas and became a fan — he has about 50 pairs of Nike shoes in his closet.

O.co Shutters at Least Three Businesses, As It Questions New Commerce Models

O.co has shut down three of its product categories, and a fourth is on hold, after some of its experiments over the past couple of years have not penciled out.

Facebook-Funded Sociable Labs Helps Retailers Be More Friendly

Sociable Labs, which helps retailers integrate Facebook’s social graph into the shopping experience, comes out of beta today with a handful of brand-name customers.