Artificial Intelligence

Visa acquisition adds new level of digital commerce security
Visa’s new acquisition promises consumers more digital security when making payments on their laptop, mobile app, or connected device. Visa is acquiring e-commerce payment authentication provider CardinalCommerce, a move that will enable the card issuer to deliver shoppers more secure, seamless digital payments, and help accelerate digital commerce. While Visa did not disclose financial terms of the transaction, the deal is expected to close in Visa’s second fiscal quarter 2017.
Furniture retailer to bolster shopping experience with virtual reality
Ashley Furniture is jumping into virtual and augmented reality to help shoppers visualize how furnishings can fit into a space more accurately. The retailer is launching a company-wide virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) initiative that is designed to enable consumers to create interior layouts and experience living spaces in 3D. Ashley Furniture will create and scale its product catalogue for AR and VR, and publish new 3D product experiences, with a platform from augmented reality and virtual reality provider Marxent.

Tech Guest Viewpoint: Is Technology Creating a Better Customer Experience?

This holiday season shoppers will see many new high-tech and digital advancements in stores, from self-service kiosks and free Wi-Fi to mobile pay and retail apps. In the coming years, shoppers may even find robots helping them face-to-face.
IDC Retail Insights: Top 10 Predictions for Global Retail

The need for digital transformation, more integrated IT and operations, business security, and rethinking the future of work are among the themes that dominate IDC Retail Insight’s top 10 predictions for worldwide retail 2017. While the predictions largely focus on the near- to mid-term (2017–2020), the impact, in some instances, will be felt for years to come, according to IDC. Most of the predictions refer to a continuum of change within the wider ecosystem of the retail industry and global economy.
Tech Guest Viewpoint: Protecting and securing your site for holiday success

It seems that cybercriminals never sleep no matter where you are in the world. The Information Commissioners Office released data showing that cyberattacks and breaches nearly doubled from 2015 to 2016 in the U.K.
Settling the New Frontier: How Retailers can Pave the Path to Purchase

Incorporating digital components into the physical store is the next frontier for retailers. You see, customers’ expectations have grown while their attention spans have shrunk. Some reports have even found that goldfish (yes, you read that right, goldfish) have a longer attention span than humans.
Startups Spotlight: Employee engagement, elevating store experiences and more

If you’re concerned about employee engagement and reducing your staff turn-over numbers, you’re not alone. Fortunately, there’s a startup offering solutions to meet your workers engagement goals and encourage your associates to stay onboard and thrive with your team. Other companies in the spotlight this month are innovating around point-of-purchase mobile marketing, using in-store scents to stand out, real-time store promotional display monitoring and creating meaningful and memorable customer experiences.
Don’t Miss Out — register for SPECS 2017 now!

Connect with retail professionals involved in the planning/design, construction and maintenance of stores and restaurants at Chain Store Age’s annual SPECS show, March 12 -14, 2017, Gaylord Palms, Kissimmee, Florida.
5 core strategies of next generation merchandising [Presented by Menasha]
Tech Commentary: How Augmented Reality is Changing Online Shopping

The rapid evolution of e-commerce has created a consistent channel for retailers and brands, giving brick-and-mortar stores a run for their money. Still, many vendors have yet to create engaging, timely experiences throughout the buyer’s journey.

Visa acquisition adds new level of digital commerce security

Furniture retailer to bolster shopping experience with virtual reality

Tech Guest Viewpoint: Is Technology Creating a Better Customer Experience?

IDC Retail Insights: Top 10 Predictions for Global Retail

Tech Guest Viewpoint: Protecting and securing your site for holiday success

Settling the New Frontier: How Retailers can Pave the Path to Purchase

Startups Spotlight: Employee engagement, elevating store experiences and more

Don’t Miss Out — register for SPECS 2017 now!

5 core strategies of next generation merchandising [Presented by Menasha]

Tech Commentary: How Augmented Reality is Changing Online Shopping