Retail Roundup: Online Retailers Optimistic, J.C. Penney Sues Dillard's, and More

(MoneyWatch)  Retailers remain optimistic about online commerce during economic crisis -- About three-fourths of Internet retailers believe online commerce will survive an economic slump better than offline channels, according to a new study conducted by Forrester Research for Shop.org. The report also revealed retailers are seeing climbing profits in their online sectors, meaning even the employees who works in a company's stores should promote Web commerce, according to the study. [Source: Marketing Charts]
J.C. Penney sues Dillard's -- Two department store giants entered into a legal battle recently when J.C. Penney Co. Inc. filed a suit against Dillard's Inc., claiming the store's uncontrolled sprinkler from a roofing problem damaged the J.C. Penney store at the Indian River Mall in Vero Beach, FL. The lawsuit also alleges there was damage done to a Mississippi J.C. Penney thanks to a similar incident. [Source: TC Palm]

Rugsale.com finds success with interactive feature -- A new tool that unites live agents and consumers online so they can chat while viewing products together has boosted Rugsale.com's profits. Rugsale.com associates can see the items customers are clicking on and the use the information to recommend alternatives. The tool, which DecisionStep helped develop, has doubled the typical order size among shoppers utilizing the service. [Source: internetretailer.com, PR Web Newswire]