The Zappos API team held the 9^th Hack-a-thon event from December 12-16^th. The theme was “Do it Live”, which meant each team was encouraged to try and have their project accessible to the intended users by the end of the week.

In the end, seven teams accomplished this challenge. In addition to the Hack-a-Thon, the Zappos API team hosted a public “Hack-a-thon Hack-a-long” contest open to any non Zappos developer that ran for the duration of the Hackathon.

It's been a little over a year since we first announced our plans to relocate downtown. In a somewhat complicated deal, we announced a year ago that we were partnering with Resort Gaming Group (RGG). RGG will purchase the current Las Vegas City Hall and act as our landlord, and we will be leasing our future office space (City Hall) from RGG

Recently we passed a major milestone towards our goal of being in our new home by late 2013, and we're issuing a joint press release today announcing it. The press release is below.

The short version is that we've finalized the terms of the lease with RGG and are moving forward, full steam ahead, to collaboratively design our new campus with input from all of you as well as our new downtown community. Look for more details about our new campus in early 2012!

If you have any questions or need help locating a lost unicorn (newborns are smaller than sea monkeys, so can be easily misplaced), please let me know!

Thanks,

-Tony

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RESORT GAMING GROUP, ZAPPOS FINALIZE LEASE TERMS FOR CITY HALL

LAS VEGAS, NV --- Representatives of Resort Gaming Group (RGG) and Zappos.com, Inc. (Zappos) announce today the finalization of terms on the lease agreement for the existing Las Vegas City Hall in downtown Las Vegas.  The City Hall building and surrounding property is planned to become the corporate headquarters for the Zappos Family of Companies in 2013. In November 2010, RGG announced plans to purchase Las Vegas City Hall to lease the site to Zappos. The 2010 agreement between RGG and Zappos allowed for 16 months to finalize lease terms. The negotiations were completed in 12 months, four months ahead of the deadline.

The lease execution is contingent upon passage of a modification to RGG’s development agreement with the city of Las Vegas.  The modifications to the agreement are necessary to conform to legal points in the lease between Zappos and City Hall LLC, a Donner company managed by RGG. The modifications are not monetary and do not result in increased risk to the city.  The amendment to the development agreement is expected to be on the January 18 city council agenda.

“Finalization of lease terms with Zappos is a significant step in bringing to fruition a pivotal transaction for the redevelopment of downtown Las Vegas,” said Andrew Donner, owner and founder of RGG. “My partners and I are humbled to be a part of something so special and are excited about the future of our great city.”

Ranked the #6 Best Place to Work in America by Fortune Magazine, the Zappos Family of Companies intends to relocate its corporate headquarters to the current Las Vegas City Hall site in late 2013, after completing building renovations. Zappos’ plans for the site include adapting the site to accommodate up to 2,000 employees. 

About Zappos.com

Established in 1999, Zappos.com, operated by Zappos Development, has quickly become the leading destination in online apparel and footwear sales by striving to provide shoppers with the best possible service and selection.  The Zappos Family generates gross merchandise sales exceeding $1 billion annually. Zappos.com currently showcases millions of products from over 1000 clothing and shoe brands. Zappos.com, Inc. was recognized in 2009, 2010 and 2011 by FORTUNE MAGAZINE as one of the "100 BEST COMPANIES TO WORK FOR". Zappos.com is also proud to be rated ELITE by STELLAService and was named a J.D. Power 2011 Customer Service Champion, one of only 40 companies so named in the U.S. More information about the customer service philosophy, unique culture, and job openings can be found at http://about.zappos.com. More information about Zappos Insights and its business membership program can be found at http://www.zapposinsights.com.  

About Resort Gaming Group

Resort Gaming Group is a Las Vegas, Nevada-based hospitality management and development company founded in 2002 and wholly-owned by Andrew Donner. Currently, RGG provides management and consulting services to full service restaurants, casino gaming operations and taverns. RGG is currently focused on building up its development arm, Urban Development Group, to accelerate the development of other downtown Las Vegas projects.

1. Barbour Break Cap Toe Boot, 2. Barbour Buckle Hi Boot, 3. Barbour Wing Tip

One look at the impressive Rockport collaboration with Barbour, and it’s easy to see how the almost 118-year-old British clothing company inspired the very core of the collection’s design.   

There are three very cool styles in the collection: the Buckle Hi Boot, the Breaktrail Cap Toe and the Wing Tip. Rockport infuses their signature comfort into each shoe with adiPRENE® technology.

Another special feature of this collection is the CF Stead suede used. CF Stead is one of the most respected tanners of suede leather in the world, making these styles even more distinctive.

Get yours now before they’re gone!

In this special holiday edition of The Trend, host Victoria Recaño chats with stars about what’s on their Christmas wishlist this year. From a fabulous winter coat, to a tropical beach coverup, Zappos Couture has you covered with luxe gift ideas.

Speaking of tropical, The Trend, in collaboration with the Jamaica Tourist Board, the Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival and Iberostar Hotels & Resorts , will be giving away a Jamaican resort vacation! Just go to visitjamaica.com to enter. Victoria will be announcing the lucky winner in the January edition of The Trend.

Check out this month’s spotlight trends—perfect for holiday gifting!

Snake print coat: Robbi & Nikki Reptile Print Trench

Bold-colored clutch: Marc by Marc Jacobs Petal to the Metal Zip Clutch

Skinny Jeans: DSQUARED2 Slim Jean

Tropical Coverup Maxi Dress: Jean Paul Gaultier Tulle Chevron Strapless Dress

Men: 1. Grenade G.A.S. Sullen Jacket , 2. Burton Poacher Pants, 3. Grenade Lizard gloves, 4. Spy Optic Platoon goggles, 5. thirtytwo Lashed 2012 boots, 6. Burton Custom Flying V 158 snowboard

Women: 7. Sessions VPS, 8. Oakley eaves 2.0 Pant, 9. Celtek Neptune gloves, 10. Arnette Mercenary goggles, 11. Burton Sapphire boots, 12. GNU B-Pro snowboard

There’s lots of fresh powder begging to ridden out there this season. Are you ready to carve through the snowy terrain? We’ve rounded up some of our best snowboarding gear to get you ready to shred it all winter long.

To check out even more snowboarding shoes,clothing and gear, check out the Rideshop Snow page!

Featuring bioSTABILITY™ technology, PUMAgility is NOT your average stability trainer. It blends comfort and stability to provide a stable platform for running and gym workouts. New Year’s resolutions anyone?

Be careful, it's easy to get carried away. Shake presents with caution!