E-Commerce

When it comes to consumers’ love of all things digital, using tablets and smartphones to interact with retailers is high on their list. According to a report produced in partnership with comScore and The Partnering Group and released yesterday at Shop.org's Annual Summit, in June 2013, more than half (55 percent) of all retail-related internet time originated on smartphones and tablet devices combined, compared with just 45 percent originating from desktop devices.

Neiman Marcus Group is looking to revitalize its e-commerce business before the holiday season's fervor begins by offering permanent free shipping and returns year-round for all domestic purchases made through neimanmarcus.com and bergdorfgoodman.com as well as at retail locations. By removing some of the burdens that deter consumers from shopping online, Neiman Marcus may see a surge in e-commerce. Additionally, Neiman Marcus Group's move demonstrates that retailers are still adjusting to the digital sphere and determining the right balance between in-store and online.

Staples bought e-commerce software startup Runa, looking to use the San Mateo, Calif., company's offerings to personalize its online store. "With Runa, we're adding technology to better serve our customers with personalized items, offers and delivery estimates, all in real time," said Staples Chief Executive Ronald Sargent. "Runa will allow us to tap into the wealth of engineering and e-commerce expertise in the Silicon Valley area."

Saks Off 5th has launched its online store, saksoff5th.com. It joins a list of closeout retailers that are getting comfortable in the e-commerce market. The online store will offer up to 55 percent off merchandise year-round.

Fab.com has had many identities. The company was originally named Fabulis.com and launched as a gay social network complete with reviews, check-ins and daily deals. It didn't catch on, so founders Jason Goldberg and Bradford Shellhammer decided to kill Fabulis and relaunch as simply Fab. Instead of offering romantic connections, they would sell furniture, decor and quirky items in flash-sale format.

When it comes to website load times, user expectations are constantly escalating. In 1999, the optimal load time was eight seconds. By 2010, 57 percent of online shoppers stated they would abandon a web page after waiting just three seconds for it to load. While internet users may have high expectations, these expectations aren't being met by most sites.

Target launched a free service on Wednesday that lets shoppers set up recurring deliveries of bulky baby goods, a move that mimics Amazon.com and is aimed at attracting more moms. Target has a battle ahead since it's not the first to offer such delivery, and for now is only selling 150 items such as diapers, baby wipes and formula. "There are certainly other options in the marketplace and it's one that they expect Target to have," Casey Carl, Target's president of multichannel, said in an interview.

Online shopping is expected to reach the $300 billion mark in the U.S. by 2015, which is up from only $93 billion just 10 years ago. Retailers need to keep up with consumers’ ever-changing needs when it comes to shopping and making purchase decisions online. Here are three of the most critical ways online shopping is changing:

David’s Bridal is turning to Manhattan Associates to bolster its omnichannel offerings and ensure on-time and accurate delivery of customer orders from across its network. The announcement comes on

Online retail giant eBay has announced a "click and collect" tie-up with British retailer Argos as the U.K.'s stores look to increase their online business and e-retailers try to gain a foothold on Main Street. Shoppers will be able to buy items from at least 50 merchants on eBay and pick them up from 150 Argos' stores across the UK. The pilot scheme is seen as part of growing trend of e-commerce businesses trying to have a presence in towns and shopping areas.