Dixons Retail has looked to multichannel talent within the group to replace its chief executive John Browett as he heads for Apple in California. Sebastian James, responsible for leading the transformation of the group’s stores, will take over his role while Katie Bickerstaffe, who heads its ecommerce operations in the UK and Ireland takes on the new role of chief executive, UK and Ireland.

The Gulf countries are expected to enjoy fast growth in ecommerce over coming years, says a new report from IMRG and Visa. The growth will be driven by young people with money to spend and supported by strong investment in ICT.

Vente-Privee has launched a US site, in partnership with American Express. The site went live with an opening sale featuring Paul & Joe Sister, described by Vente-Privee as known for its ‘contemporary Parisian chic’. Will it be what the US market wants?

Lossmaking activewear to camping equipment company Blacks Leisure Group is refocusing its strategy on creating ‘best-in-class’ multichannel services.

Online sales were up by more than 70% at Debenhams, which says investment in multichannel on the high street and online is a key pillar of its strategy for future growth.

Beset by falling profits and sales at home, Argos is to take its multichannel expertise to China, in search of ‘potential growth’. The company, which today announced first-half profits down by 70%, launches a joint venture operation in Shanghai next year.

Delivery management specialist MetaPack has hired Bob Willet, former head of Best Buy International, as chairman as it continues to work towards global growth.

ASOS launched three new international sites in the latest quarter of its financial year, countering slow UK sales growth. Overseas sales, said chief executive Nick Robertson, ‘more than compensated’ for an economically-challenged UK customer base.

Karen Millen is to launch a German language website later this month, the first of three scheduled to go live in key markets by 2012. The site complements its four German stores, in locations including Berlin, Düsseldorf and Hamburg.

Marks & Spencer’s new French website is now live, offering Gallic shoppers the chance to buy in their own language and currency. The move marks a multichannel return for the retailer to a country where it last traded directly in 2001 and is the first part of an international strategy.

Supermarket Sainsbury’s has bought digital and online entertainment company Global Media Vault for £1m cash. It says the move will give it a strong position in a growing online market.

M&S is running a multichannel competition to find a new M&S TV presenter. The competition seems likely to generate social buzz while also finding out from the start which presenters are most appealing to its audience.

GAME is on its way to taking 39% of its market by 2013, GAME Group said today. The company is investing in multichannel sales of its PC and video game products in order to prepare for a ‘different video games market’.

Supermarket Morrisons will soon be offering multichannel sales. Instore kiosks offering Kiddicare nursery goods through ecommerce are due to go live in 28 stores by the end of October.

Chocolate maker and retailer Thorntons is concentrating on developing its multichannel strategy as it looks to rebalance its business for the future. The company, which celebrates its centenary this year, will focus on developing relationships with its customers across channels, and will also invest in online.

Thomas Cook, The Co-operative Group and the Midlands Co-operative Society have today been given the go-ahead to launch a joint travel business that that will be the largest multichannel travel retailer in the UK. The Competition Commission today gave the formal go-ahead to the merger, saying it was unlikely to lead to reduced choice or higher prices for customers.

Aurora Fashions, owner of Oasis, Coast and Warehouse, has announced the launch of its first dedicated international website. It says the launch of the German website marks the start of a new international strategy.

Directories business Yell is developing a new emarketplace for small businesses as it looks to ecommerce for future growth.

Supergroup, owner of the Superdry and Cult brands, says 8% of its sales are now online. The internet channel, it said, helps it to build market opportunities overseas ahead of store openings. Elsewhere M&S and Thorntons both unveiled ecommerce growth.

BrightHouse says it will make its website transactional within 18 months. The electricals and furniture retailer offers in-store credit to help customers spread payment for goods. It’s not yet clear whether its online model will accommodate credit to match the store offer, or not. Products can also be paid for upfront with cash in stores, and customers have increasingly been spending on the latest mobiles and BlackBerries, so the company is keen to tap into this growing demand for high tech gadgets.