Cyber Monday sales hit an all-time high last holiday season. That may be one reason why the second largest e-commerce retailer, office supply house Staples, is taking on space in Cambridge, Mass., to house new talent devoted to its website.
New offices in Kendall Square will house product management, creative and technology teams responsible for developing and implementing new ways to sell stuff online, according to a company press release. The center "will become the home to some of the world's best e-commerce talent with the goal of rapidly bringing breakthrough new ideas to market in emerging online technologies like mobile commerce and social media," Staples.com's vice president, e-commerce and business development, Brian Tilzer, said in the release.
Staples didn't say how many people the center, scheduled to open in May, will employ. It plans to post available openings for the new Cambridge office on its careers page, the company said.
Sales Buzz
A Retailer's Risk (WSJ)
Ron Johnson's plan to overhaul the J.C. Penney store format is both far-reaching and risky.
More Management Changes (SEC)
Sears Holdings is undergoing more management changes since the company hired Ron Boire as its chief merchandising officer. The Hoffman Estates, Ill.-based retailer promoted its vice president and assistant controller, Robert Reicker, 47, to take over as chief accounting officer, according to an SEC filing.
Carrefour Readies Replacement (WSJ)
French retailer Carrefour SA is courting Georges Plassat, head of French apparel group Vivarte SA, to replace Chief Executive Lars Olofsson, according to people close to the situation.
Marketing Buzz
Paul Adams Q&A (AllThingsD)
Facebook's social technology researcher Paul Adams recently collected his thoughts on social influence into a new book titled "Grouped," which is targeted at marketers.
GroupM's New Leader (Adweek)
WPP media arm GroupM named 30-year advertising veteran Dominic Proctor as its new president.
Marketing in South Africa (Biz Community)
If you're looking for something different in your career, try South Africa. The country is seeing an increase in demand for online marketing and digital media jobs.
Win Some, Lose Some (NYT)
Time Warner Cable's net profit increased 44% in the fourth quarter. The media company lost 129,000 television subscribers, but gained 130,000 high-speed data subscribers.
Buzz Around the Office
Fun in the air.
List of the Day: Saving Time
If you've got a million balls to juggle, ax these things from your to-do list.
1. Cleaning out your inbox. It doesn't actually need to be at zero.
2. Looking up different menus for business lunches. Choose one place and call it a day.
3. Going to conference panels. Focus on networking instead.
(Source: CBS News)
