Q&As

The in-store shopping public can be segmented in lots of ways, and one of those criteria is their receptiveness to sales help. Some consumers want to browse through a store on their own; others appreciate the help of a salesperson in demonstrating the features and use of a product. That second group of buyers can now get some of the same face-to-face shopping assistance when they research products online, thanks to the addition of consumer-generated product videos by comparison shopping engine ShopWiki.

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.

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.

A blog accessible only by attendees of an annual client summit helped Chicago-based ClearGauge chart the course of the event, and strengthen customer relationships.

Mailnet Services Inc. has acquired Synapse Technology and Conclusive Strategies, two database marketing firms.

The board of directors of Hanover Direct Inc. has approved a merger agreement with Chelsey Direct LLC, its largest shareholder for 25 cents per share.

Thanks to Pontiac, an undiscovered band will take to the stage in Times Square on New Year’s Eve.

Move over Crest. Starbrite Whitening Toothpaste, a newcomer to a very crowded category, has a date with Victoria’s Secret.

Sony Electronics is opening a pop-up store today as part of a major Hispanic marketing initiative. At the store, consumers can purchase electronics and ship them directly to friends or relatives in Mexico.