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Net-a-Porter, Yoox Agree to Merge
March 31, 2015

The Yoox Group said on Tuesday that it had agreed to merge with its luxury e-commerce rival Net-a-Porter in an all-share deal. The transaction would create an online luxury fashion retailer from two companies that combined to post revenue of 1.3 billion euros, or about $1.4 billion, in 2014, Yoox said. The new company would be called Yoox Net-a-Porter Group. The agreement comes more than a year after the first reports that Yoox was exploring a purchase and a day after the companies confirmed they were considering a potential business combination.

Why Your USPS Packages May Have Been Delayed
March 31, 2015

An office of inspector general (OIG) audit found USPS processing facilities in its "Southern Area" weren't making sure that mail transport equipment (MTE) were empty before sending them to a service center (MTESC) in Dallas. The problem resulted in significant delays in delivery of mail, including Priority Mail and Express packages. The USPS OIG uncovered the troubling practices during an audit in November. The report included photos taken between Nov. 17 through Nov. 21, 2014 that revealed misdirected and damaged mail.

Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh: Adopt Holacracy or Leave
March 31, 2015

Last week, Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh sent his employees the following memo, provided to Fast Company by Zappos. In it he offers his employees an ultimatum: adopt holacracy or quit. Here's the (very long) memo in its entirety:

Apple Watch Shopping to be Reservation Only
March 31, 2015

Those of you eyeing the new Apple Watch will need a reservation to buy one. Consumers who simply walk into an Apple Store expecting to purchase the new watch on the spot will apparently be out of luck, according to leaked Apple training documents obtained by MacRumors. Instead, buyers will have to reserve a specific model ahead of time via an online "product reservation" system. This tidbit itself isn't new, however. In its March 9 press release, Apple said that Apple Watch sales would start April 24 online or by reservation in its stores.

Amazon Files Patent for Next-Generation Retail Store
March 31, 2015

Amazon.com perfected online shopping. It may now want to do the same with brick-and-mortar stores. A recently filed patent application by Amazon reveals details about a new kind of retail establishment that would allow shoppers to pick items and leave without stopping at a cashier station or kiosk. Based around the idea of complete convenience, such a store would work using a system of cameras, sensors or RFID readers that would be able to identify shoppers and the items they've chosen, according to the application, which was filed in September and published in January.

GNC Reaches Accord With New York State on Herbal Supplements
March 30, 2015

GNC Holdings Inc. reached an agreement with the New York attorney general on its Herbal Plus products, pledging to more stringently test its supplements and follow U.S. Food and Drug Administration manufacturing recommendations. In response to state inquiries, GNC has conducted "rigorous tests" to show that its products are safe and properly labeled, according to a statement Monday. GNC also will begin performing DNA barcoding on products — a method of confirming that supplements have the right ingredients — and add signage to help consumers figure out what they're buying.

Tween Retailer Justice Gains New CEO
March 30, 2015

Former Ann Taylor President Brian Lynch has been hired as the new president and CEO of Columbus, Ohio-based tween retailer Justice. Lynch replaces veteran retailer Michael Rayden, who retired at the end of January. Lynch most recently served as president of Ann Taylor Brand and previously served in various executive positions with ANN Inc.; Gap Inc.; Learningsmith Inc.; and The Walt Disney Co.

USPS Delays April Rate Increase
March 30, 2015

The USPS Board of Governors decided on Friday to delay the implementation of new market-dominant and competitive rates and classification changes until all of its proposed market-dominant changes are approved by the Postal Regulatory Commission. This decision was primarily motivated by a desire to eliminate potential adverse impacts on postal customers that might result from a staggered implementation of our new prices. 

Best Buy to Shutter Canadian Future Shop, Invest $160M Into Great White North
March 30, 2015

Best Buy announced Saturday that it's consolidating its Canadian division. Its namesake brand and the Future Shop locations it acquired in 2001 will now all function under the Best Buy name. Currently a large number of Future Shop and Best Buys are positioned side by side. As a result, 66 Future Shop locations are being shut down for good. The other 65 Future Shop locations will be shuttered for one week to complete the transition. Once they reopen, Best Buy will have 192 locations in Canada.

Amazon Launches Home Services Marketplace
March 30, 2015

Amazon.com is launching a home services marketplace that will connect customers with electricians, plumbers and painters in a move to have its services tied to every product sold on its website. Amazon Home Services, which launches today, will allow customers to buy 700 services such as car maintenance, TV wall-mounting and house cleaning at up-front prices. The quality of the service will be backed with an Amazon guarantee, which the retailer uses to vouch for products sold by third-party sellers on its website.