John Lewis says its multichannel strengths helped it to a record-setting Christmas period despite the snow that has badly hit other retailers. The period saw it set records for its biggest day and biggest week, while ecommerce sales in the year to date passed £500m for the first time.

Most small and medium-sized online retailers are planning to shield consumers from the full impact of today’s rise in VAT from 17.5% to 20%, according to the eBay Online Business Index. But that’s unlikely to be sustainable long-term – and retailers will also need to plan strategies around the impact of the rising cost of goods to their bottom line.

Facebook has been valued at $50bn, thanks to an investment from Goldman Sachs and a Russian investor. So what does that mean for online retailers?

Amazon.com is reported to be in talks to buy the 58% of DVD rental service Lovefilm that it does not already own.

Online hardwood furniture specialist Oakfurnitureland.co.uk has unveiled a fast-paced store opening programme. Its second showroom opens on Saturday and is set to be followed by one a month through 2011.

Football and sports retailer Kitbag has signed a new ecommerce provider as it looks to grow its online turnover.