TECHNOLOGY

Party goods retailer bolsters store fleet with Halloween pop-up shops
Party City is getting ready for the Halloween rush. The party goods retailer plans to open up more than 270 Halloween City pop-up stores during its make-or-break season. These locations will bring the company’s store fleet up to more than 1,200 Party City and Halloween City retail outlets.
Discount giant steps up hurricane relief efforts — again
Walmart is allocating more funds to hurricane relief. The discount giant announced that it will donate another $5 million in support of Hurricane Maria relief. This is in addition to its previous commitment of $35 million in response to Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.

Toys ‘R’ Us in ‘play’ mode

The nation's largest toy retailer wants everyone to take some time out to play. Toys "R" Us announced that, this fall, it is launching "play labs" at 42 stores where kids (and parents) can play with some of the season's hottest toys. The retailer said that adults can use the lab to test the items on kids' holiday lists to check for age appropriateness before they make a purchase.
Survey: Most shoppers will visit stores this holiday season

Unfazed by store closures, shoppers plan to get most of their holiday shopping done in-store this year. Nearly three-quarters of consumers (71%) plan to do the majority of their holiday shopping in physical stores — the same percentage from a similar poll a year ago. Additionally, the vast majority (88%) plan to at least visit stores this holiday season.
Report: Restaurant chain is latest data breach victim

Sonic has been targeted in a cyber-attack. The restaurant chain, which is known for drive-up ordering kiosks and roller skating waitresses, has confirmed it has suffered a data security breach. Specifically, the incident has jeopardized the security of credit cards from up to 5 million customers, according to KrebsOnSecurity, which first broke the news.
Supermarket retailer to test curbside pickup

Publix Super Markets is ramping up its grocery delivery services. Beginning Sept. 28, the supermarket chain will begin testing curbside grocery pickup at a store in Wesley Chapel, Florida, and another in Valrico, Florida. In addition, Publix's Metro-Atlanta stores will begin testing the service by the end of this year.
Home furnishings giant enters ‘gig economy’ with acquisition

Ikea Group has entered the booming market for on-demand services. The home furnishings giant is acquiring TaskRabbit, an on-demand services platform company that connects customers with workers, called "taskers," that handle everyday needs such as furniture assembly, moving and packing, general handyman repairs, and home improvements. The price of the transaction was not revealed.
Macy’s revamps loyalty program

Macy's is overhauling its loyalty program, putting a new focus on its best customers. The department store retailer is revamping its Star Rewards program with a tiered rewards system that gives its very best shoppers (those who spend $1,200 or more annually) such perks as free shipping, additional savings and earned points on every purchase.
Walmart targets rival with relaunch

Walmart is looking to expand its share of the lucrative market for baby products. The discounter announced it is relaunching its Parent's Choice line of baby essentials with an expanded line of products and a new logo. Parent's Choice, which began 20 years ago with just baby formula, will grow to 275 items. The relaunch comes as Target Corp. has been focusing on baby with new Cloud Island baby brand, which recently added has bedding and nursery decor to its assortment.
Study: Even younger shoppers like stores

More than three-quarters of consumers are shopping at bricks-and-mortar stores just as much as or more than they did a year ago. That's according to Consumer View, a new quarterly report from the National Retail Federation. NRF is working with Toluna Analytics to produce the report, which is designed to gauge consumer behavior and shopping trends related to stores, online channels, customer loyalty, technology and other issues.