E-Commerce

Ask questions and get quick answers on what consumers value more. That's the beauty of tools that help marketers test multiple variables on website pages or in paid search ads.

For marketers, few questions loom as large as the connection between their online and offline efforts. That's why data exchange company eXelate and Nielsen Catalina Solutions are ramping up efforts to help CPG brands connect the dots.

Nothing is made in this country anymore. In terms of actual manufacturing, the United States is increasingly at a disadvantage. Bayard Winthrop wants to bring apparel manufacturing back to the U.S. His clothing startup, American Giant, launched yesterday.

Amazon.com, a backer of LivingSocial, said the daily-deal startup had more than $500 million in losses last year and pegged its stake at $208 million, implying the company's book value is $671 million.

Amazon, the world's largest internet retailer, got less revenue from digital media than anticipated, especially in the video game market. The company also is relying more on third-party sellers, which can bolster profit but generate less revenue than direct sales.

Brooks Brothers is offering its online shoppers custom-tailored shirts and suits. The iconic men's fashion brand will leverage Fluid 's technology, thought leadership and expertise in online product customization to create a highly personalized and engaging shopping experience that will enable consumers to tailor products to their exact fit and style preferences.

I don’t know about you, but I’m looking forward to a busy and exciting 2012. After all, the past holiday season gave me (as well as plenty of you, I’m sure) a lot of confidence and reasons to be excited about the year ahead.

Overstock.com has set the stage for another auction of its returned merchandise. More than 600 potential bidders registered for a similar auction conducted in December. It generated in excess of $150,000 for Overstock.com, with the average price paid for a pallet at around $500.

Major retailers and the National Retail Federation say they plan ahead to accommodate for the manufacturing shutdown in China during the Chinese New Year. Companies like Macy's and The Container Store make changes to their production and shipping schedules to ensure they have enough goods to get them through the trough caused by the factory closures.

After recently purchasing a protective tablet case from Amazon merchant VIP Deals, some customers received a peculiar letter along with their product. The company was offering customers a refund on products they had purchased in exchange for positive reviews.