Q&As

U.S. retail sales through mail order and electronic avenues totaled $24 million in November, an increase from $21.8 million in the prior-year period, according to the Commerce Department.

Going through with a deal to buy Advo Inc. for $1.3 billion would dilute the stakes of its shareholders, Valassis Communications Inc. chief financial officer Robert Recchia testified Wednesday, according to wire service reports.

Shari Fitzpatrick, who founded Sacramento, CA-based cataloger/retailer Shari’s Berries in 1989, launched another online store, the Berry Factory.

The Adrienne Shelly Foundation, a nonprofit
organization dedicated to the memory of writer/director/actor Adrienne Shelly, has launched its new Web site at www.AdrienneShellyFoundation.org.

ICG America Inc., a Stamford, CT-based e-commerce holding company, has acquired California Reds Wine Club, which promotes Napa Valley, CA, wines.

LiveDeal.com has broadened its scope from online classified advertising to include Yellow Pages-type listings. The Santa Clara, CA-based firm operates nationwide.

Papa John’s is using the holidays as a platform for a major relaunch of its gift card. The campaign focuses on a push to drive overall sales and bring in new customers

Circuit City’s newest gift card is just as valuable at the DVD player as it is at the cash register.
Circuit City is the first U.S. retailer to issue a gift card that doubles as a DVD. The card, designed for the holidays, carries a sample from eMusic, TV commercials, product information and a game.

Blockbuster Inc. is luring users of rival online movie rental service Netflix with free movies

Hotels.com has launched its first online viral campaign.

The viral component focuses on an online instant-win game at HotelGiveAway.com that can be forwarded to friends.