Top U.S. bookstore chain Barnes & Noble is looking to boost interest in its Nook device by offering access to Google Apps Store after dropping in sales last season. The move will see the number of apps in Nook HD rise from 10,000 to 750,000, amongst which will include Google services such as Gmail, YouTube, Google Maps, and the web browser Chrome.

Posted by Ushma Patel

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After weeks of speculation, Sony has officially revealed the successor to the PlayStation 3 at an event in New York. Although the physical design new console itself was not revealed, footage from several games was displayed to showcase the system's capabilities. Among the games confirmed for the system were first person shooters Killzone Shadowfall and Destiny and Drive Club, a racing game.

Posted by Ryan Legge

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Online retail giant Amazon has announced that it will be introducing a new virtual currency, in the form of “Coins”, to its Kindle store. This virtual currency, which will be released in the United States first, will be usable for purchasing games, app and add-ons for its apps. The system will be optional, with users able to purchase apps and games by using either their credit cards or the new Coin system.

Posted by Ryan Legge

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Game Group’s chief executive has come to the defence of its backer OpCapita, as criticism mounts after it emerged the private investment firm could stand to make a profit from Comet’s collapse. Martyn Gibbs, who was appointed by OpCapita as chief executive of Game, told the Sunday Telegraph that Game is in “good shape”, looking to make £20 million in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation in the year to July 2013.

Posted by Ava Szajna

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Although the Coalition is said to be working on a permanent extension of Sunday trading, many retailers remain unconvinced as relaxed hours for Olympics and Paralympics fail to bring in a marked boost in sales. Sunday 9 September saw the last day of the temporary lift in trading laws for retailers over 280 square metres in England and Wales.

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The department store continued its winning streak over the summer as sales grew 15.3 per cent in the week to 1 September. Back-to-school purchases helped John Lewis reach total sales of £70.5 million for the week, including a 20 per cent year-on-year increase on bank holiday Monday.

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The struggling sports retailer on Thursday announced it would not be able to fund a much-needed turnaround, and that it has put itself up for sale. In a statement that warned investors that their shares could now be worthless, JJB said that it would begin a formal sales process.

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What a difference a year makes: Looting and civil unrest were a world away from the mood on the high street last week, as John Lewis saw store sales rise 14.9 per cent a year to the week after the riots of 2011. Britain’s biggest department store group and official London 2012 sponsor said store sales rose 14.9 per cent year-on-year to £60.75 million in the week to 11 August, as customers shopped on the feel-good glow of Britain’s gold medal rush.

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There’s no rest for the Beckhams- just days after his wife performed at the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games, David is back on the campaign trial for the upcoming Paralympic Games, which kick off on 29 August. To celebrate its official sponsorship of the Paralympics, Sainsbury’s put David Beckham in the hot seat, recruiting members of Team GB, along with schoolchildren and Sainsbury’s employees, to quiz the all-star footballer.

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Sports Direct is set to reap the rewards after the retailer held its nerve in the run up to London 2012. According to analysts Oriel Securities, cited this morning by the Independent, Sports Direct is set for a summer boost in sales thanks to its Euro 2012 and Olympic merchandise.

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