Channel | Digital

Both direct and in-store sales posted gains for apparel retailer J. Crew. Direct sales rose from $56.4 million during third-quarter 2005 to $66.3 million during the quarter just ended.

Women's outfitter Coldwater Creek generated $15.9 million in third-quarter income, up from $10.5 million in income during third-quarter 2005. The company's net sales rose from $186.8 million a year ago to $256.4 million, in part due to a jump in the total number of stores.

Everyone agrees that continuous testing is required to make sure that a Web site is performing up to its highest potential. Smart Web operators want to live in a state of almost perpetual tweak. But whether A/B testing or multivariate, that kind of ongoing evolution can play hob with a site

Harold’s Stores Inc., a Dallas-based upscale clothing marketer, reported a $2 million loss on $23.4 million in sales for the third quarter, compared with $88,000 in net income and $23.3 million in sales a year earlier. The quarter ended Oct. 28.

Sure, consumers will use online research to direct their online purchases. But they're also going to take the knowledge gleaned and apply it to offline shopping as well.

Yahoo Inc. has teamed up with more than 150 daily newspapers to deliver search, graphic and classified advertising to consumers in their local communities.

Acquity Group has joined forces with Data Return to host an ad platform that will allow companies to launch and maintain their e-commerce sites with what it said is greater ease and efficiency.

Direct Online Marketing, a search engine marketing firm, has relocated to the McClain Building in downtown Wheeling, WV.

Yahoo Inc. has purchased Bix.com, a Web site and technology platform that permits users and advertisers to create, enter and run online contests using consumer-generated content.

Google Maps has integrated click-to-call technology into its local listings, allowing businesses that have signed up for a listing through the Google Local Business Center to reach customers the moment they're looking for a product or service in their neighborhood.