TECHNOLOGY

Amazon expands Prime Now’s international breadth
Amazon has introduced its same-day delivery service in its ninth country. The online giant launched Prime Now in Singapore, giving Prime members free two-hour delivery on tens of thousands of items ordered through the Prime Now app. Merchandise ranges from grocery items like eggs, cold beer and ice cream to general merchandise, such as baby strollers, toys, and consumer electronics. This is Amazon’s debut in the Southeast Asian market.
Aldi’s newest fulfillment center planned for Arizona
A German discount grocer is buying up land in the Grand Canyon State — but not to open stores. Aldi is planning to open a regional fulfillment center in Goodyear, Arizona. The facility will house an office and distribution center, and will create 132 jobs, according to the Phoenix Business Journal.

Camping World makes a new purchase

The largest U.S. chain dedicated to recreational vehicles is acquiring a new company. Camping World Holdings announced that it will purchase TheHouse.com, an online retailer specializing in bikes, sailboards, skateboards, wakeboards, snowboards and outdoor gear. Both companies will maintain distinct brands, with Camping World focusing on the outdoor camping and RV industry, and TheHouse.com continuing to provide its offering to shoppers with active outdoor lifestyles.
Luxury department store puts a restructuring plan in motion

Neiman Marcus is making moves to offset its debt and improve its capital structure. The luxury department store’s first step was to eliminate 225 positions. Affected employees — which span all brands and operating divisions — will receive severance packages, and also be considered for other job openings within the company, according to the Dallas News.
Study: Majority of retailers adding AI tools within two years

Eager to improve customer communication, a majority of retailers plan to increase in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) moving forward. This was according to “How AI Technology Will Transform Customer Engagement,” a report from Linc and BrandGarage. The study polled 104 senior-level marketing and e-commerce executives from leading retail brands.
Online giant in big supply chain hiring push

Amazon is making good on its promise to hire 130,000 workers by 2018. The online giant announced Wednesday that it plans to fill more than 50,000 roles across its fulfillment network in the United States. Amazon is hiring “tens of thousands” full-time associates who will pick, pack and ship customer orders from its fulfillment centers. It will also fill supporting and managerial roles within its facilities, including human resources managers, IT specialists, and operations leaders, among other positions, the retailer said.
Warehouse club operator launches mobile site

BJ’s Wholesale Club just made a big move within its digital transformation plan. The warehouse club operator introduced a mobile site that is integrate within its omnichannel strategy. In addition to using the site to browse, research and purchase items, members can also manage their memberships through their smart device.
Study: Saving money tops parents’ back-to-school shopping lists

Parents are pulling back on their back-to-school spending, and making “essential” school supplies their top priorities. This was according to a new survey from Ebates and global internet services company Rakuten. The study, which was conducted online by Propeller Insights in June 2017, tapped 1,001 adults and 500 teens.
Teen retailer pulls the plug on U.K. business

Less than three years after opening stores across the pond, American Eagle Outfitters is closing up shop in the United Kingdom. The specialty retailer operates three stores in the U.K. It has already closed one location, and is winding down operations at its remaining two stores, as well as its British e-commerce site, according to the Telegraph.
Walmart speeds up the task of reordering frequent purchases

Walmart has found a way to make the digital shopping experience even faster. The discounter launched a new service on Tuesday that streamlines how shoppers reorder merchandise via their desktop or Walmart app. Called Easy Reorder, the service integrates shoppers’ purchase histories —a list that is comprised of merchandise purchased both in-store and online. The service curates the customer’s most purchased items — including brands and sizes.