TECHNOLOGY

Kohl's to partner with e-commerce giant on in-store shops
Yet another traditional retailer is partnering with Amazon, as the online behemoth continues to expand its presence in brick-and- mortar stores. Kohl's plans to add an Amazon "smart home experience' in-store shop, or "zone," in 10 select Kohl’s locations across the Los Angeles and Chicago areas starting in October. The spaces will allow shoppers to try out and purchase Amazon devices, accessories and smart home devices and services directly from the online retailer.
Gap Inc. shifting focus—and store footprint—to two brands
Gap Inc. is shifting its emphasis to its two best-performing brands — and realigning its store portfolio to reflect its new emphasis.

Walmart jump starts the holidays with layaway return; reveals 25 must-have toys

The nation's largest retailer is gearing up for the holidays with the early return of its popular layaway program and stocking up on exclusive toys. The program went into effect on Sept. 1. Again this year, there is no opening fee for customers to start a layaway account, and they only need to put down 10% (or $10, whichever is greater).
California grocer’s educates customers at the shelf’s edge

Raley’s is helping its customers make more informed food purchasing decisions in-store and online. Called the Raley’s Shelf Guide, the program features icon-based shelf tags that educate shoppers about current food trends and industry research — and also sets stricter standards for packaged food claims. Overall, the service is creating label transparency when it comes to helping customers understand packaged goods’ ingredients, food processing and nutritional value.
Discount giant steps up cloud and AI initiatives

Walmart is making a bold move as it continues to seek out ways to distance itself from Amazon. The discount giant is investing in Nvidia chips. These high-level graphical processing units (GPUs) will be the foundation of a robust cloud network where Walmart data scientists can build out AI systems, reported Geek Wire.
Report: Alibaba to open a physical mall in China

An e-commerce giant is making a big push into the brick-and-mortar world. Alibaba, China’s largest online sales platform, is building its own shopping mall, with a goal of enriching the real-world shopping experience with technology and convenience, reported MarketWatch.
Flash site pioneer unveils redesigned, more customized Web experience

Online luxury retailer Gilt.com is kicking off its 10th anniversary with the launch of a new website. The company, a pioneer in online flash sales, unveiled a complete site redesign on Tuesday. Dubbed “The New Gilt,” the site continues to feature daily new arrivals and the flash sales that it's known for, but it will also feature easier site navigation, more exclusive offerings, and edited and dynamic editorial content — all of which will contribute to a more tailored customer experience, Gilt said.
Amazon Prime Now to make its Canadian debut

Amazon is getting ready to introduce its same-day delivery service in its 10th country. Canada will be the newest country to offer Amazon Prime Now’s free two-hour delivery service. The online giant reportedly plans to pilot the program in Vancouver. Based on positive results, Amazon will expand the service to other Canadian cities throughout 2018, according to Nasdaq.
Casper extending reach into brick-and-mortar

Online mattress start-up Casper is getting more upfront with shoppers. The fast-growing company plans to open some 15 pop-up shops in cities across North America, including New York, Los Angeles and Chicago. The pop-ups are scheduled to launch in October 2017, and will remain open through spring of 2018.
New stores fuel online growth

Brick-and-mortar stores are crucial to supporting a retailer's e-commerce growth.