Order Fulfillment

While 86 percent of consumers are satisfied with the overall experience of shopping online, retailers can improve customer satisfaction even more by making it easier for consumers to return or exchange items, according to a report presented at the Internet Retailer Conference & Exhibition in Chicago last week. The report, Online Shopping Customer Experience Study, evaluated consumer shopping habits from pre-purchase to post-delivery. It was commissioned by UPS and based on a comScore survey of 3,100 U.S. online shoppers in February.

The iconic American retailer J.Crew and Lane Crawford, Asia 's leading designer specialty store, are excited to announce a strategic partnership, providing consumers in Asia with special access to the J.Crew women's and men's collections through Lane Crawford's retail and online stores. 

Bridgeline Digital announced that it's signed a multiyear agreement with UPS to offer B-to-B and B-to-C e-commerce web stores with an end-to-end offering comprised of Bridgeline's total e-commerce solution and UPS’ logistics and fulfillment services.

Tuesday Morning Corp. has ushered out its current CEO and is on the hunt for a new one, the discount retailer said Wednesday. It also announced several other management changes and lowered its guidance, which sent its shares plunging in after-hours trading.The company said that it relieved Kathleen Mason of her duties as president and CEO on Tuesday. She was appointed to the post in 2000.Michael Marchetti, 55, who is its executive vice president and chief operating officer, was promoted to president and chief operating officer. He will also serve as interim CEO.

Claire’s Stores Inc. has named James D. Fielding, former president of Disney Stores Worldwide, as CEO, effective June 18, 2012. Fielding, who resigned from Disney on Monday, will also join Claire’s board of directors. “I look forward to capitalizing on the many growth initiatives available to the company, including new stores, development of the Icing concept, continued international expansion in markets such as Mexico, India and China, and optimization of e-commerce,” Fielding said in a statement. 

Harris Teeter Supermarkets entered into an agreement with Lowe’s Food Stores whereby Harris Teeter will acquire 10 Lowes locations in the central Carolinas region and Lowes Foods acquiring six Harris Teeter store locations in western North Carolina. In addition to the six Harris Teeter stores, Harris Teeter has agreed to pay Lowes Foods $26.5 million. The transaction is expected to be completed in the company’s third quarter of fiscal 2012, which ends July 1, 2012. Harris Teeter plans to temporarily close the acquired stores for five to sixteen weeks for remodeling, stocking and training of employees.

Jones Group Inc. announced that it is deepening its partnership with world renowned designer Brian Atwood through the acquisition of the Brian Atwood brand. The transaction will bring Brian Atwood's existing and future collections, inclusive of his luxury shoe collections, into the Company's portfolio and furthers Jones' strategy of acquiring and nurturing the world's best creative talents and designer brands to infuse a strong design-driven perspective in the Company's portfolio. 

What matters most to online shoppers? Hint: It has less to do with specific products and everything to do with communication, and that includes shipping and returns. You'll find key insights into what makes online shoppers click, consumers’ online shopping preferences, what shipping and post-purchase services enhance the customer experience most, and more with this fact-filled whitepaper. Check it out here!

Thousands have factory jobs in American Apparel's downtown Los Angeles plant. CEO Dov Charney wants it all made in America. But recently he's talked of importing. 

Haband plans to close its distribution center in Eatonton, Ga., putting 89 people out of work, reports the Macon Telegraph. Notice of the closure was posted on the Georgia Department of Labor’s business layoff/closure list, the newspaper reported. New Jersey-based Haband is a family-owned business that has offered men’s and women’s apparel and accessories by direct mail since 1925, according to a statement on the company’s website.