Helly Hansen readies ecommerce sites
Outdoor apparel brand Helly Hansen is finally entering the ecommerce arena. It has contracted GSI Commerce to build online stores for eight European countries as well as the US and Canada. The sites are expected to go live early next year.

Boardroom shuffle: Findel, Clarks, Arcandor
Multititle mailer Findel has named two new nonexecutive directors: Eric Tracey, senior independent director and chairman of the audit committee at Chloride Group, and David Sugden, nonexecutive director of Greencore. Tracey will chair Findel’s audit committee. Meanwhile, Peter Bolliger, chief executive of footwear brand C&J Clarks, announced his plans to retire next year. And Arcandor CEO Karl-Gerhard Eick has resigned from the insolvent German conglomerate after just six months in the post – with at least €10 million as per his five-year contract. In speaking with the press about his golden parachute, Eick reportedly said, “I am not greedy, but I am not stupid either.” 

Cabbages & Roses Home fits into Jigsaw
Cabbages & Roses, a cataloguer/retailer of antique-inspired apparel and home decor, has expanded its partnership with retailer Jigsaw. It has opened Cabbages & Roses Home shops in eight Jigsaw stores; nearly two dozen Jigsaw shops already sell its apparel offering.

ECMOD2009 conference – have you booked your place?
This year's world-class multi-track conference has adopted the theme “Driving Profitability” and features over 60 top speakers from the US and UK. The conference covers all the burning issues, latest developments, new strategies and techniques for driving profitability in b2b and b2c enterprises. Download the full conference programme here. Don’t miss out!

The latest companies who have signed up to exhibit are ec2i, Netcallidus SEO,
Opencontact and ORC International. These join a raft of specialist suppliers getting ready to wow ECMOD visitors and delegates. Exciting new features for 2009 include the International Boulevard, Catalogue Exchange Village, and a custom built Deluxe Theatre which will accommodate free seminars. Companies interested in exhibiting should call Jill on 01271 866112 without delay to avoid disappointment.

Follow us on Twitter for the latest updates: twitter.com/ecmodshow. Visiting the exhibition is entirely free of charge and you can register to do so now and be kept abreast of all the special deals exhibitors are offering during the show.

Supplier Awards - Only two days left to nominate your Supplier!
You’ve only got two days left to get your nominations in for the relaunched Catalogue Exchange/ECMOD Supplier Awards which are designed to express our thanks for the support our suppliers extend to our businesses. All nominations must be received by Friday 4th September. Download the client nomination form here. 

As well as the seven categories for which client-side members can nominate their chosen suppliers, there are also four new ones which invite entries from supplier organisations themselves. Download the supplier entry form here, deadline for entries is Monday 7th September 2009. The winners will be announced and presented with their trophies at a new evening event at the Copthorne Tara Hotel, Kensington on Wednesday 7th October. To secure your place, call Sam now on 0871 8555 545.

Ten tips for affordable usability testing
Last week we offered five tips to help you test your email offers and creative. This week at catalog-biz.com we have advice on how to perform usability tests on your website, regardless of your budget – or lack thereof.

Coming up in Catalogue e-business

• September issue: special focus on technology, plus the ECMOD Preview
• October issue: special focus on marketing 2.0 – mobile, social media, video, and more
• November issue: special focus on forecasting and merchandising