TECHNOLOGY

Study: Don't underestimate the value of AI
Brands that are not thinking about how to leverage artificial intelligence are already falling behind. This was according to the Retail Revolution study from OMD EMEA, and Goldsmiths, University of London. It is based on 15,000 consumers across 13 European countries.
Abercrombie continues global expansion with partners
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. is entering a new market in the Middle East. The teen retailer announced that, in partnership with Dubai-based Majid Al Futtaim, it will open the first Abercrombie & Fitch store in Saudi Arabia, at the Red Sea Mall in Jeddah. The store is part of the previously announced franchise agreement between Majid Al Futtaim Fashion and Abercrombie.

Target streamlines mobile strategy

As promised, Target has moved its Cartwheel savings program into the retailer's app. Target announced the move on Monday, saying that shoppers no longer need to switch back and forth, or maintain separate apps. The Target app is now listed as “Target—now with Cartwheel.”
Amazon fulfillment center to rise on site of ‘World’s Biggest Mall’

The Randall Park Mall outside of Cleveland was part of retail history in the mid-70’s when it debuted as “The World’s Biggest Mall.” Now the site becomes woven into the retail narrative of the 21st Century.
GNC steps up online payment options for Chinese customers

A wellness retailer is making is easier for its Chinese shoppers to make online purchases. By partnering with Alipay, GNC Holdings is enabling all registered users of the payment platform in China to purchase vitamins, supplements, minerals, herbs, sports nutrition, diet, and energy products on its e-commerce site. Besides being a leading online payment provider in China, Alipay has 520 million registered users that access the platform to make online and mobile payments.
Teen apparel chain revamps app experience

Pacific Sunwear of California is stepping up its game to better connect with its mobile-savvy customers. Through a partnership with PredictSpring, the teen apparel chain has launched a new mobile app experience — one that is faster and more and visually rich. For example, the new app links to Instagram Shop-the-Look, a service that allows customers to browse and purchase directly from the PacSun Instagram feed.
Nordstrom’s app lets shoppers ‘reserve online, try on in-store’

An upscale department store retailer has a new way to bridge the gap between its online and offline shopping experiences. Nordstrom is rolling out its Reserve Online & Try In-store service to approximately 40 stores across the country. As the program’s name implies, the service allows customers to select items online and try them on in person at their nearest Nordstrom store.
Day One: Amazon makes its presence known at Whole Foods stores

Amazon found a savvy way to remind customers that it now owns Whole Foods Market.
Planalytics issues initial estimate on lost retail sales due to Hurricane Harvey

Hurricane Harvey, the first Category 4 Hurricane to make U.S. landfall since Charley in 2004, is poised to have the same, if not larger, economic impact.
The top destination for U.S. holiday shoppers will be....

Expect an Amazon-dominated holiday retail season among U.S. consumers this year, with the e-commerce giant being the top destination for shoppers.