Retail news round-up on December 24, 2013: Target to be sued over data breach, Amazon expects record festive sales, Dixons introduces Steam Wallet cards and Harvey Nichols eyes Amsterdam opening.

Target to be sued by consumers over bank data breach

At least 11 customers are suing US retailer Target over a credit card security breach that saw bank data of more than 40 million cards being compromised, BBC News reported. In recent days, the lawsuits, each seeking class-action status, were filed in the US courts.

Complaints against the retailer, seeking unspecified damages, have now been filed in Massachusetts, Florida, Oregon, Washington, California, Illinois and Minnesota.

In the complaints, consumers who shopped at the retailer between November 27 and December 15 argue Target failed to notify them of the breach before it was first reported and did not ‘maintain reasonable security procedures’ to thwart the attack. They argue the ‘ramifications of [Target’s] failure to keep class members’ data secure are severe’, citing billions of dollars lost each year to identity theft.

Amazon expects to see record Christmas Day sales

Etail giant Amazon is forecasting record Christmas Day sales this year, The Belfast Telegraph reported. Its Boxing Day Sale will start a day early and transactions are expected to peak at around 8.30pm as shoppers log on after the day’s festivities.

Dixons first UK retailer to stock Steam Wallet cards in store

Currys and PC World owner Dixons has become the first to offer Steam Wallet cards in store, Hexus reported. The PC game collection boosting gift cards can be bought in denominations including £10, £20 and £50 values at all UK Currys and PC World stores countrywide. Dixons aims to use the Steam Wallet gift cards in future promotions and bundles with PC hardware.

Harvey Nichols might open maiden store in Amsterdam

UK department store group Harvey Nichols is considering opening its first outlet in continental Europe in Amsterdam. Property investment group Emmes, which is developing the new Marks & Spencer shop on the Rokin, is in talks with the Harvey Nichols group about the property next door.

Work is expected to start on demolishing the former Fortis bank on the Rokin early 2014. The two British department stores would then open their doors for business in 2015. If Harvey Nichols does open in the Netherlands, it will be serious competition for the nearby Bijenkorf, the Parool reported.

Topics