TECHNOLOGY

Survey: Election outcome unlikely to affect holiday spending
Americans will open their purses for holiday shopping regardless of whether Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump wins the election. A survey of American voters by RetailNext found the vast majority will not let the outcome of election 2016 affect their planned spending this coming holiday season.
Online sales to hit major milestone this holiday season
According to eMarketer’s holiday sales preview forecast, ecommerce will surpass 10% of total U.S. holiday retail sales for the first time this year. Total retail sales will increase 3.3% over the same period last year, to $884.50 billion, according to the report. Holiday retail ecommerce sales will jump to $94.71 billion, representing 10.7% of total holiday retail sales.

Visa teams up with Oracle to offer retailers feedback on online ads

Visa and Oracle are partnering to provide merchants with new insights regarding their digital ads. Visa has introducted Visa Advertising Solutions, a new suite of products available to retailers through the Oracle Data Cloud. It is designed to help merchants understand whether their digital advertising efforts are influencing consumer purchase decisions online and in stores.
Online menswear retailer switches to RFID tags to improve ops

The Black Tux has implemented new RFID tags to speed delivery and improve order accuracy. The online formal wear rental company has implemented RFID tags from Fujitsu Frontech North America Inc., including its new washable UHF RFID fashion tag as well as its rugged linen tag to reduce garment processing time and improve order accuracy.
Target shakeup: New chief digital officer is already out

That was fast. Jason Goldberger, the recently promoted chief digital officer of Target Corp., has left the company, effective immediatedly. No reason was given for his departure. Goldberger's responsibilities will be split, with Target CIO Mike McNamara overseeing the website and digital operations, and chief merchandising officer Mike Tritton taking on pricing and promotions.
Online grocery competition to heat up

One of the country’s oldest online grocers just secured a major cash infusion to help it expand its services. FreshDirect has received a $189 million investment, led by JPMorgan Asset Management, that will be used to launch its grocery delivery service in more cities, to expand new business units and incubate others, reported RECode.
Best Buy to push products from startups

Best Buy hopes to enhance its appeal to customers with innovative products from startups. The consumer electronics giant has launched a program, called Ignite, that will include dedicated store space for products and services from startups, and a new section on the Best Buy web site where customers can browse, learn about, and purchase the newest products from startups.
Rolling robots are coming to Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C., is gaining a new grocery delivery service — one that is powered by rolling drones. With municipal regulators approving the use of rolling delivery drones for urban deliveries, these bots will deliver groceries to mainly single- or double-occupant households, according to TechCrunch.com.
#UGGseason is here!

It's hard to find a brand more excited about the first day of fall than UGG. Ready to kick off its favorite season in style, UGG is launching a custom, fall-themed Snapchat lens. The lens, which will be available until midnight tonight, is part of the company’s digital campaign, #UGGseason. UGG fans can log onto Twitter and post their favorite looks, memes and comments, including those created through Snapchat.
Macy’s accelerates beauty push with on-demand home services

Macy's is revving up its beauty offerings with at-home beauty and treatment services. The department store retailer is partnering with beGlammed, an on-demand beauty service that delivers hair and makeup to the customer’s front door. The deal will utilize beGlammed’s network of more than 1,200 stylists in 22 U.S. markets. Customers will be able to book a variety of beGlammed services, from a touch-up to bridal makeup, on macys.com/beglammed.com. Prices will range from $25.00 to $185.00.