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The National Retail Federation welcomed proposed regulations released by the Federal Reserve intended to result in "reasonable" swipe fees for debit cards, saying a significant reduction in the fees would result in lower costs for merchants and could lead to discounts for their customers.

Brands4friends, Germany's largest online fashion destination, will be acquired by eBay for approximately $200 million, strengthening eBay's fashion presence in Europe. Brands4friends launched in 2007 and currently has 3.5 million members in Germany. The site has touted a variety of campaigns for more than 600 fashion brands, including Buffalo, Calvin Klein and Diesel. The deal also sees eBay acquiring Brands4friends' equity interests in SecretSales.com, a U.K. shopping club, and Brands4friends.jp in Japan. eBay reports that the online shopping clubs account for about 20 percent of online fashion sales in Europe. "We want to give our customers the best possible

Boca Raton, Fla.-based Office Depot Inc. has entered into an agreement to sell its Office Depot Japan business to Japanese distribution company Kakuyasu for an undisclosed amount. The transaction also includes an agreement for Kakuyasu to license Office Depot's trade names, obtain sourcing services and continue to support Office Depot's global customers in Japan. "We believe the combination of Office Depot's brand, merchandising and sourcing capabilities, coupled with Kakuyasu's multi-channel business, distribution network and local expertise, will significantly strengthen our competitive position in this market," said Charlie Brown, president of the international division of Office Depot. SAVE | EMAIL

Retailers that offer their customers true all-channel commerce shopping capabilities outperform other retailers by significant margins, according to a new research report from Aberdeen Group.

Sears Holdings Corp. recently signed a deal with retailer Work 'N Gear to operate in-store shops inside Sears and Kmart stores.

CrossView has announced the results of a study of some of the country’s largest retailers’ return policies. The study evaluated 88 U.S. retailers and found significant variations.

Hoffman Estates, Ill.-based Sears Holdings Corp. recently signed a deal with Quincy, Mass.-based retailer Work 'N Gear to operate in-store shops inside Sears and Kmart stores. The shops, called "Scrubology," range from 600 sq. ft. to 1,500 sq. ft. and sell uniforms for healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, veterinarians and lab technicians. Ten "Scrubology" in-store shops opened in November, including one at the Sears location at the Fox Valley Mall in Aurora, Ill. Other "Scrubology" shops are located at Sears and Kmart stores in Arizona, Michigan and Pennsylvania. The companies said they plan to roll out more "Scrubology" locations

On the home page of clothing retailer Gap Inc. (GPS), a big red sale sign has popped up advertising items up to 50% off with promise of an extra 20% off between Saturday and Monday. Between 9 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Wal-Mart Stores Inc.

By offering Facebook Credits, Shoebuy.com and The Golf Warehouse have found a way to add value to their shopping experience and improve business results by linking e-commerce to the 290 million people playing social games each month.

By Mariko Sanchanta Of TOKYO (Dow Jones)--As part of its strategy to become the world's leading clothing retailer, Fast Retailing (9983.