In what likely means a major step forward for its mobile strategy, Best Buy has hired Stephen Gillett, an instrumental force in Starbucks? mobile successes over the past couple of years, as executive vice president and president of the newly formed Digital and Global Businesses Services division. 

Registration is open for the Mcommerce Summit: State of Mobile Commerce 2012 conference Thursday, May 3 with speakers from Citi, Zappos, Travelocity, 7-Eleven licensee Alon Brands and mall giant General Growth Properties. Must-attend New York event for retailers and marketers.

The mobile commerce landscape evolved tremendously in 2011, with retailers and brands increasingly using mobile to drive online and in-store sales. Although this will continue to be a common practice in 2012, retailers will likely place a larger focus on driving mobile sales. 

Walgreens has updated its iPhone and Android applications to make it easier for consumers to track their health.

Regal Entertainment Group has rolled out a mobile application that lets users buy movie tickets while on the go.

Green Dot Corp., which sells prepaid debit cards through retailers such as Walmart and Kmart, has acquired check-in app Loopt for $43.4 million as it looks to build a mobile payments offering. 

The New York Times Co.-owned About.com?s ConsumerSearch has rolled out a mobile application that offers users shopping advice and lets them price compare.

Luxury Daily today - Baglioni steps up app experience through concierge tips; Campaign alignment with metropolises feeds on luxury brand image.

The reality is that consumers have a hard time keeping track of multiple apps ? not to mention  having to update them periodically ? and would much rather keep more space for music and photos on their smartphones.