Zumiez Inc., the Everett-based retailer of teen sports apparel and accessories, said its net sales for the four weeks that ended last week increased nearly 39 percent, to $18 million, compared with the same period of 2004. Same-store sales grew by nearly 19 percent. The company opened 10 new stores during the month.
Injunction vs. BlackBerry nears
A federal judge moved a step closer Wednesday to reissuing an injunction that threatens BlackBerry e-mail service, pressuring the wireless device’s maker, Research In Motion Ltd., to settle a patent case. The judge rejected RIM’s bid to enforce a preliminary $450 million settlement reached with NTP Inc., a small firm that convinced a jury that BlackBerry infringes on its patents. Spencer next plans to consider an injunction that would force RIM to halt BlackBerry service.
Tax refund e-mail is fraud, IRS says
The nation’s tax collectors warned consumers Wednesday not to be fooled by a bogus e-mail that appears to come from the Internal Revenue Service and promises a tax refund. The e-mail is an identity theft phishing scam that attempts to fool recipients into revealing financial information. The e-mail directs recipients to a link that seeks a Social Security number and credit card information. Identity thieves could then use the taxpayer’s credit cards and apply for credit or loans.
Microsoft to begin online classifieds
Microsoft Corp. is developing an online classified service to compete with the likes of Craigslist, and is becoming the latest company to capitalize on growing consumer interest in buying and selling everything from cars to baby-sitting services on the Web. Microsoft is hoping to distinguish its service, code-named Fremont, from rivals by tying in functionality with other Microsoft products.
South Korea to rule on Microsoft issue
South Korea’s antitrust watchdog said Wednesday it will likely rule next week on allegations that Microsoft Corp. violated trade rules by bundling its software products with Windows. The Fair Trade Commission began looking into the case because Daum Communications Corp., a South Korean Internet portal, filed a complaint in 2001 alleging that Microsoft engaged in unfair marketing by tying its instant messenger software to Windows.
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