TECHNOLOGY

The top drivers of consumer loyalty are...
When it comes to being loyal to a retailer or brand, the majority of U.S. consumers are swayed by their pocketbooks. Nine out of 10 (92%) loyal customers rank price and value as the top factor in driving loyalty to specific retailers, followed by product/quality (79%) and variety/selection (71%), according to the International Council of Shopping Centers’ survey on brand loyalty.
eTail East: Warehouse club operator debuts new desktop site
BJ’s Wholesale Club introduced the newest service within its digital transformation. The warehouse club operator launched a new desktop website on Monday. Besides featuring a modern look and feel, the site also supports easier navigation, browsing and shopping.

The five most loved brands are....

A social media giant and an online retail giant are the most loved brands in the world. Facebook took the top spot, followed by Amazon, in NetBase's third annual "Top 100 Global Brand Love List." Rounding out the top five were eBay, Apple, and Snap.
Survey: 36% of shoppers made purchases on Prime Day

The third annual Amazon Prime Day attracted more shoppers than ever, with many attracted by personalized marketing efforts. Thirty-six percent of respondents confirmed they made a purchase on Amazon Prime Day in a survey from Periscope by McKinsey, which conducted online research with U.S. shoppers to explore their attitudes and actions regarding the online giant's mega-sale. This was a substantial increase on the 22% who said they had actively shopped for Prime Day deals in 2016.
RILA announces first-ever tech awards

The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) is looking for a few good tech innovators. The group has put out a call for applications for its first annual (R)Tech Retail CEO Innovation Awards. The awards will highlight innovations that enable retail's future. Winners will be invited to showcase, pitch and network with the retail chief executives at RILA's annual Retail CEO Forum Jan. 21-23 in Tucson, Arizona.
Target's Q2 Earnings Call: Six Interesting Facts

Target's remodeling efforts, new smaller store format, same-day delivery pilot and private-label brands were among the topics discussed by company executives during the chain's quarterly earnings call on Wednesday with investors and analysts. Here are six interesting points from the call worth noting:
Study: Millennials don't act — or shop — alike

Retailers need to update their approach to targeting millennials. That's according to a new report by management consulting firm L.E.K., which provides insight into Millennials and their predecessors Gen X and the Baby-Boom generation.
Saks Fifth Avenue to roll out new salon concept — with augmented reality

Saks Fifth Avenue is debuting a new salon concept with a futuristic edge.
Fast-casual chain steps up digital ordering

As Panera Bread’s electronic orders continue to rise, so does its commitment to digital customer engagement. The fast-casual chain continues to add more digital touchpoints, making it easier for shoppers to engage with its brand. Whether delivering new services via the Web, mobile or in-store kiosks, “we want to drive convenience, speed, and contribute to an exceptional customer journey,” Mark Berinato, VP, digital, Panera Bread said during a session at eTail East on Monday.
Target expands next-day delivery pilot — with some tweaks

The delivery wars continue to heat up.