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Gap has deployed the Google Wallet pay-by-smartphone capability in more than 65 of its California stores, joining leading retailers including Macy's, OfficeMax, Toys"R"Us and American Eagle in using the technology. Gap is promoting usage of the app with a 15 percent discount off customers' entire purchase through February 2012.

OfficeMax announced a strategic pilot with RadioShack in which OfficeMax will pilot the RadioShack mobile offering beginning in January 2012. As part of this pilot program, RadioShack employees will offer mobile products and services, including prepaid and postpaid wireless products, accessories and service plans, as well as assist in selling OfficeMax consumer electronics products and services.

City of Industry, Calif. -- Hot Topic Inc. reported Wednesday that profit rose to $3.1 million in the quarter ended Oct. 29, compared with $400,000 in the year-ago period. Prior-year results were weighed down by charges from its ShockHound website, which folded. Revenue fell 4% to $175.8 million from $183.2 million in the quarter, missing Wall Street’s expected $177.8 million in revenue. Same-store sales dipped 1.6% at Hot Topic and Torrid stores, attributed to disappointing Halloween sales.

Overstock.com announced that it will offer sitewide free shipping through Dec. 25. "Our mission is to save people money," said Overstock.com President Jonathan Johnson. "Offering free shipping during the holiday season is another way we help our customers save money on our already low priced products."

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Linder's Furniture, a Southern California furniture, mattress and electronics chain that has operated for 31 years, is closing all 11 stores after filing for a bankruptcy alternative earlier this month. On November 2, Linder's entered into a General Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors under California law. The decision to close its stores, which include a higher-end Legacy Furniture Store, was announced November 15. Inventory valued at more than $20 million will be sold in a process managed by Gordon Brothers LLC and APJL Consulting LLC. "Despite our best efforts, these turbulent times have left us with no choice

Saks Fifth Avenue announced the availability of its shopping application for the iPad. The free app, available worldwide from the Apple App Store, is an entirely shoppable app. Consumers can create wish lists that can be shared through email, Facebook, and Twitter.

Columbus, Ohio -- Limited Brands Inc. reported Wednesday that profit for the third quarter rose 22% on higher sales at its Victoria’s Secret and Bath and Body Works chains. Net income rose to $94.3 million from $61.3 million a year earlier. As reported previously, revenue rose 10% to $2.17 billion. The company has raised its outlook for the fourth quarter.

Retailers and consumer product goods companies continue to invest in online and mobile technologies that attract consumers shopping online and in stores, but those plunking down the bucks for innovation might be driving up paid search ad keywords for all.