TECHNOLOGY

Target ups holiday hiring by 40%
Target Corp. announced a major investment for the holiday shopping season. The discounter said it plans to hire approximately 100,000 employees for the upcoming holiday season, which is up about 40%. Additionally, Target will hire 4,500 workers at the company’s distribution and fulfillment centers to replenish products to stores and fulfill digital sales throughout the season.
Online giant to expand its distribution network in Mexico
Amazon is looking to take advantage of Mexico’s growing e-commerce industry. The online giant is planning to open a 1 million sq. ft. warehouse near Mexico City, according to Reuters. Scheduled to open next year, it would be the company’s third distribution center in the country.

Target in new exclusive partnership—with TV duo

Target Corp. is launching a new brand with HGTV's 'Fixer Upper' stars Chip and Joanna Gaines, and it's doing it just in time for the holidays. The retailer announced an exclusive multi-year partnership with Magnolia, the home and lifestyle brand founded by the Gaines, to launch a home and lifestyle goods line called Hearth & Hand. It is Magnolia’s first collaboration with a retailer.
Study: Amazon influences how shoppers research merchandise online

Amazon is expanding into one of the go-to destinations for product discovery. This was according to “Amazon: The Big E-Commerce Marketing Opportunity for Brands,” a report from Kenshoo. The study is based on 3,100 consumers in the United States, Germany, United Kingdom and France.
Study: Cash-free society could be here sooner than you think

A cash-free economy could be here sooner than expected — and American consumers are leading the charge. Slightly more than half (54%) of consumers in the United States expect to stop using cash for shopping by 2020, according to “Lost in Transaction,” a report from payments provider Paysafe. The study, conducted among 3,038 consumers in the United States, United Kingdom and Canada, examines how cash is merging with digital formats.
Home furnishings giant launches augmented reality design app

Ikea is allowing its shoppers to virtually test drive merchandise before making a purchase. The home furnishings giant is preparing to launch a new augmented reality (AR) app. Called Ikea Place, the app allows customers to virtually place furniture in any space in their home, office, school or studio — and share the images. The app, which will be supported by Apple’s iOS 11 platform, will launch in late September.
Report: Walmart reorganizing U.S. store ops

Walmart is simplifying its U.S. business as it looks to respond more quickly to the accelerating pace of change in the retail industry. The discounter is consolidating its six divisional groups into four and its 44 U.S. regional groups to 36, reported Bloomberg.
Restaurant lets customers pay using their face

A new restaurant concept gives customers an easy — and high-tech way — to pay for their meal without having to take out their wallet or even their smartphone.
Target pairs associates with digital experts in 'innovation sprint'

Target Corp. has kicked off a partnership with BCG Digital Ventures to conduct a 14-week “innovation sprint.” For the project, BCG's experts (including designers, engineers and investors) are working side-by-side with five Target associates to develop new growth concepts and ideas. (The associates are middle managers from across Target's various divisions, reported the Star Tribune.)
America's most trustworthy brand is...

Face-to-face human contact is not necessary for a brand to make a strong connection with consumers.