BLOG POSTS BY THIS AUTHOR
Sep 2021
Sep 24
Robots automate workflows across the retail enterprise
Robotic technology is popping up in every facet of retailing.
Sep 17
Virtual store banners - an emerging omnichannel trend
An online storefront is nothing new, but what if it represents a brick-and-mortar-style store brand?
Sep 10
Three reasons retailers want to become tech platforms
More retailers are attempting to transform themselves into full-fledged technology platforms, with good justification.
Sep 03
Cool retail tech trends from a hot summer
The summer of 2021 featured some intriguing developments in retail technology.
Aug 2021
Aug 27
SPECS 2021: Artificial intelligence comes to retail construction
Automated and robotic systems have a growing presence in the retail construction field.
Aug 20
Retailers extend their presence with ghost kitchens
Ghost kitchens are appearing more and more, and making believers out of the retailers who open them.
Aug 13
Three signs Instacart wants to become a tech giant
Does Instacart have its sights sets on joining major technology providers such as Amazon, Apple, Google and Facebook?
ARTICLES BY THIS AUTHOR
Sep 2021
Sep 24
CSA Exclusive: DXL provides AI-based online personalization
The nation’s largest men’s big and tall specialty retailer is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to offer online customers individualized styling and outfitting.
Sep 24
Survey: Delta variant will fuel holiday e-commerce boom
For the second year in a row, the COVID-19 pandemic may drive many holiday shoppers online.
Sep 24
CSA Exclusive: Gap Inc. exec talks about retailer’s supply chain transformation
Gap Inc. is leveraging a variety of automated solutions to ensure its supply chain can meet holiday demand and overcome pandemic-related strains and delays.
Sep 24
Rite Aid expands same-day delivery with Uber Eats
Rite Aid customers have a new option for same-day delivery of online orders.
Sep 24
Carvana rolls out next-day delivery to two new Missouri markets
An omnichannel platform for buying and selling used cars is adding its sixth and seventh markets in the state of Missouri.
Sep 23
Exclusive Q&A: Francesca’s sees back-to-school as holiday foundation
Francesca’s Holdings Corp. bases success during the holiday season on performance with back-to-school shoppers.
Sep 23
Lovesac brings stores to customers with mobile showrooms
A modular furniture retailer is rolling out a personalized and curated shopping experience directly to customers' homes.
Sep 23
Hy-Vee adopts AI robots to reduce out-of-stocks
A regional Midwest grocer is rolling out autonomous robots that automatically scan tens of thousands of products.
Sep 23
Albertsons partners with Pinterest for shoppable recipes
Albertsons Companies is tapping into Pinterest’s product discovery features to enable shopping by ingredient and recipe.
Sep 23
Claire’s offers themed jewelry subscription boxes
A tween and teen accessories retailer is debuting its first subscription service program.
Sep 23
ShopRite pilots remote-controlled delivery robots
ShopRite will be the first supermarket chain on the East Coast to utilize Tortoise delivery robots.
Sep 23
Amazon expands ‘faster’ same-day delivery in four major cities
Amazon Prime delivery is now available in as little as five hours in more neighborhoods in Chicago, as well as in three entirely new metro areas.
Sep 22
Ultrafast delivery service adds product content to its offering
Buyk, a new ultrafast grocery delivery service, is enabling partner brands and manufacturers to provide customers with verified product content and images.
Sep 22
FedEx competing with Amazon in autonomous cargo delivery
FedEx Corp. will pilot self-driving vehicles for linehaul trucking operations.
Sep 22
Exclusive Q&A: Walgreens digitally streamlines healthcare access
Chain Store Age recently had a conversation with Giovanni Monti, senior VP, healthcare services, Walgreens Boots Alliance, about his company’s varied digital healthcare activities, as well as its brick-and-mortar partnership with VillageMD.
Sep 22
Amazon offers loans up to $100,000 for small sellers
Small-to-medium-sized businesses selling products via Amazon storefronts have new, expanded financing options.
Sep 22
Amazon to offer frictionless shopping, palm-based payment at new arena
The soon-to-open, net-zero carbon-certified arena in Seattle will feature Amazon's leading-edge contactless shopping and payment options.
Sep 22
Albertsons turns video into an e-commerce channel
One of the largest grocers in the U.S. is offering customers shoppable, short-form and livestream video.
Sep 22
Bed Bath & Beyond expands same-day delivery deal with DoorDash
Bed Bath & Beyond continues offering customers more options to receive same-day delivery of online purchases.
Sep 22
Stitch Fix offers shoppers curated assortments; passes sales milestone
Stitch Fix Inc. is moving a bit closer to a traditional e-commerce model by enabling customers to buy items directly without first ordering picks from a stylist.
Sep 21
Amazon opens first fulfillment center in North Dakota
Amazon is adding to its supply chain infrastructure in the Peace Garden State.
Sep 21
buybuy Baby welcomes new parents with omnichannel initiative
buybuy Baby is expanding resources in stores and online for new parents.
Sep 21
Walmart in new online push for healthy, sustainable products
Walmart is making it easier for customers to find healthy and environmentally friendly items on its website.
Sep 21
Exclusive Q&A: Torrid streamlines communications between HQ, stores
Elizabeth Haynes, senior VP store ops, loss prevention & visual merchandising at Torrid, tells Chain Store Age about the growing company’s mission to remove any friction in communications between headquarters and stores.
Sep 21
ThredUp investing $70 million in new DC that will store up to 10 million items
ThredUp is scaling up to meet its rapid growth with plans to open its largest and most automated distribution center to date.
Sep 21
Neiman Marcus opens shoppable virtual footwear showroom
Neiman Marcus Group is partnering with digital media platform Hypebeast to promote exclusive footwear from 11 luxury brands.
Sep 21
Amazon expands palm-based payment option to more than 60 stores
Amazon is rapidly increasing the availability of its Amazon One contactless payment method.
Sep 20
PetSmart opens online pet pharmacy
PetSmart is launching The Pharmacy at PetSmart as a comprehensive online destination for the medical needs of cats, dogs and livestock.
Sep 20
Exclusive: Destination XL repositions around customer experience
The nation’s largest men’s big and tall specialty retailer is focusing on meeting omnichannel demand and personalizing the customer experience.
Sep 20
Hudson’s Bay pioneers online resale of baby gear
The online retail business of Hudson’s Bay Co. is putting a unique twist on the rapidly growing second-hand resale model.
Sep 20
eBay rolls out new Promoted Listings offering
eBay is building upon its Promoted Listings paid advertising service.
Sep 20
DoorDash facilitates beer, wine and spirits delivery
DoorDash is opening the bar across 20 states, Washington, D.C., Canada and Australia.
Sep 20
Survey: Online grocery sales, but not profits, soar
A new survey of online grocery retailers reveals the dramatic increase in digital sales since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic is not necessarily driving profits.
Sep 17
Panasonic acquires Blue Yonder in $7.1 billion blockbuster deal
Panasonic is now the full owner of Blue Yonder.
Sep 17
Survey: Nearly half of consumers will boost holiday spending
Many shoppers intend to spend more money on the holidays in 2021 due to COVID-19’s impact on their 2020 celebrations.
Sep 17
Amazon virtual hiring event draws over 1 million applicants
Amazon’s Career Day 2021 hiring blitz for 40,000 job openings attracted job seekers from more than 170 countries around the world.
Sep 17
CSA Exclusive: Video enables online personalization
Retailers can leverage video content to bridge the gap between in-person and online shopping.
Sep 17
Carvana enters two new Arkansas metro areas
An omnichannel platform for buying and selling used cars is adding its fourth and fifth markets in the state of Arkansas.
Sep 16
‘Dark store’-based ultrafast delivery service debuts in New York
Buyk is the latest platform offering real-time grocery delivery to New Yorkers.
Sep 16
Survey: Black Friday and Cyber Monday still matter to shoppers
Retailers should pause before downscaling their plans for Black Friday and Cyber Monday holiday sales events.
Sep 16
PetSmart offers ‘buy now pay later’ installment payments
PetSmart has joined the growing ranks of retailers letting customers buy now and pay later.
Sep 16
Ikea debuts 24-hour online festival showcasing homes
A global furniture giant is offering a combination of virtual home tours and live musical performances as part of a daylong promotional event.
Sep 16
Autonomous ‘Express Shop’ pop-up comes to music festivals
Verizon’s mobile edge computing platform is the foundation of temporary “tap and go” stores being offered at musical events including BottleRock Napa Valley Music Festival.
Sep 15
Walmart partners with Ford for autonomous vehicle delivery pilot
Walmart is continuing to expand its efforts to fulfill online orders with self-driving delivery vehicles.
Sep 15
Canadian tech chain creates single, smart demand forecast
The Source is utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technology to boost sales while cutting inventory.
Sep 15
Rite Aid introduces digital COVID-19 vaccine cards
Rite Aid is offering customers the ability to digitally access and share their proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
Sep 15
Survey: Customers want in-store contactless payment
Consumers and retailers agree that contact-free payment is becoming a necessary feature of the brick-and-mortar store experience.
Sep 15
Exclusive Q&A: Kroger sees ‘hybrid shoppers’ as the future of e-commerce
An emerging segment of shoppers who interact with retailers across physical and digital channels requires retailers to rethink their engagement strategies.
Sep 15
Amazon reportedly confirms October beauty event
Amazon’s push into beauty continues with reports of a holiday event.
Sep 14
Kroger, Instacart offer 30-minute delivery of convenience items
Kroger and Instacart are opening an online convenience store with on-demand delivery.
Sep 14
FedEx bolsters Amazon competition with Salesforce partnership
FedEx is integrating two Salesforce cloud solutions into its ShopRunner e-commerce platform.
Sep 14
Amazon extends hiring blitz with 125,000 new openings
Amazon keeps adding to the jobs it is looking to fill.
Sep 14
eBay Motors adds parts and accessories shopping to app
eBay's latest enhancement to its automotive marketplace partially automates the process of finding the right parts and accessories.
Sep 14
Amazon licenses palm-based identification to legendary concert venue
Denver’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre has featured the Grateful Dead, U2, Eagles, Dave Matthews Band…and now Amazon One biometric ticketing.
Sep 13
Taco Bell tests mobile subscription plan
If you have a smartphone and love eating tacos, Taco Bell is piloting a new loyalty offering just for you.
Sep 13
Jack in the Box rolling out new digital loyalty program
A quick-service hamburger chain is updating its online ordering interface and mobile app, while adding a digital loyalty program.
Sep 13
Gap Inc. invests over $100 million in supply chain infrastructure
Gap Inc. has expanded its fulfillment capabilities in time to meet increased holiday demand.
Sep 13
CSA Exclusive: Security, innovation, budget lead retail IT challenges
Survey results released exclusively to Chain Store Age reveal four in 10 retailers view data/cyber security as a top IT challenge.
Sep 13
Marketers frequently change digital strategy, struggle with analysis
Digital marketers are responding to the rapid pace of change in the current consumer environment, even as they find their analytical tools less than adequate.
Sep 13
J.C. Penney transforms e-commerce with AI
J.C. Penney Co. is deploying smart predictive technology to better understand what assists shoppers in making purchase decisions.
Sep 10
David’s Bridal to host first-ever warehouse sale; says brides are happier
The nation's largest bridal retailer is holding a major $99 and under sale, and also reporting on bridal customer attitudes as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
Sep 10
Despite COVID-19 concerns, holiday spending looks solid
A new survey from Berkeley Research Group (BRG) reveals most consumers will spend the same or more on the holidays this year as in 2020.
Sep 10
Walmart issues $2 billion green bond
Walmart is taking a big step toward financing its sustainability goals.
Sep 10
Carvana doubles down on Nevada with Reno, Carson City rollouts
An omnichannel platform for buying and selling used cars is open for business in two new Nevada markets.
Sep 10
CSA Exclusive: Verizon technology keeps small businesses competitive
Verizon provides solutions and services tailored to the unique challenges of small businesses.
Sep 10
Target honors Latino Heritage Month
Target is ready for the kickoff of the annual Latino Heritage Month on Wednesday, Sep. 15.
Sep 10
Teen apparel retailer debuts gender-neutral brand
Pacsun is launching its first fully dedicated gender-neutral apparel collection, Colour Range.
Sep 10
J.C. Penney reimagines two private apparel brands for fall
The J.C. Penney Co. Inc. is expanding its assortment of items from both private and national apparel brands for the fall 2021 season.
Sep 10
Kroger beats Street with sales, earnings in Q2
The Kroger Co. exceeded analyst expectations for revenue and net earnings in the second quarter of fiscal 2021, and raised full-year guidance.
Sep 09
Shipt in biggest national expansion in three years
The Shipt same-day delivery platform is adding 1,000 stores and 2 million households to its delivery area.
Sep 09
Amazon to pay full employee tuition as part of $1.2 billion plan
Amazon is following the lead of other big retailers who are adding more benefits and perks to attract workers in today’s tight job market.
Sep 09
Delta variant sparks significant shifts in consumer sentiment, study reveals
Consumers are less comfortable with indoor activities, particularly shopping without a mask, as a result of the spread of the Delta variant.
Sep 09
Petco offers pet owners free virtual training
Petco Health and Wellness Company Inc. is introducing a free virtual training seminar intended to help customers facing new post-pandemic routines.
Sep 09
Chipotle enhances partnership with top influencers
Chipotle Mexican Grill is launching a new program to promote closer branding collaboration with leading creators of social content.
Sep 09
Shopify invests in e-commerce marketing platform Yotpo
Shopify and Yotpo enter multi-year platform partnership.
Sep 09
Amazon’s newest business: manufacturing smart TVs
The latest line of Fire smart TV devices from Amazon includes the first TVs the e-tail giant has ever built itself.
Sep 08
Amazon opens three new Michigan facilities, plans 4 more
Amazon is significantly increasing its physical fulfillment infrastructure in Michigan.
Sep 08
Walmart grocery customers can shop online via ingredient
Walmart Inc. is collaborating with multi-platform media company Meredith Corp. to turn meal planning into a shoppable e-commerce experience.
Sep 08
Amazon bringing cashierless tech to Whole Foods Market
Two Whole Foods stores will offer the Amazon “Just Walk Out” experience.
Sep 08
Drizly offers personalized concierge service for weddings
Brides and grooms have a new omnichannel option to remove the stress of planning the alcohol menu for their wedding.
Sep 08
Canadian retailers accept contactless payment with Square Register
A number of Canadian retailers are leveraging the Square Register to remove friction from in-store payment.
Sep 07
Exclusive Q&A: Stater Bros. shifts to digital ERP management
The largest privately-owned supermarket chain in Southern California is leveraging SAP cloud technology to transform enterprise operations including supply chain and workforce management.
Sep 07
Meijer introduces online custom cake ordering
A Midwest regional discount chain is letting customers have their cake and eat, too – with digital customization and ordering options.
Sep 07
Report: Quick-service restaurants create delivery-only banners
A number of leading quick-service chains are reportedly launching brands that exclusively serve customers using third-party delivery platforms.
Sep 07
Beautycounter partners with Klarna for livestream series
A specialty clean beauty brand and a global retail bank, payments and shopping service are jointly entering the livestream shopping space.
Sep 07
Yum! Brands completes third AI technology acquisition of 2021
Yum! Brands Inc. has an appetite for artificial intelligence, and is sating its technology hunger with Dragontail Systems Ltd.
Sep 07
Survey: Walmart, DoorDash lead in food delivery popularity
Consumers have clear-cut preferences about what platforms they like to use for online grocery and meal delivery.
Sep 03
Survey: Back-to-school shoppers are open to messaging
Retailers should include notifications, especially via email, in their back-to-school promotional strategies.
Sep 03
Walmart introduces new agriculture sustainability best practices
Walmart is stepping up its efforts to become a regenerative company with a new focus on how row crops in its supply chain are farmed.
Sep 03
Survey: Amazon will benefit from strong online holiday season
Consumers are increasing their volume of online shopping for the upcoming holidays, and Amazon is the leading destination.
Sep 03
Lowes Foods enhances online delivery capabilities
Lowes Foods is partnering to gain additional fulfillment capabilities for its on-demand delivery offering.
Sep 03
CSA Exclusive: REI provides virtual access to outdoor gear experts
REI is connecting customers with on-demand, digital access to one-on-one product tutorials.
Sep 03
Amazon works to restore Brazilian rainforest
Amazon is investing in the Agroforestry and Restoration Accelerator, a new, nature-based carbon removal initiative.
Sep 02
Exclusive Q&A: Create omnichannel customer profiles with AI
Cloud-based artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions enable retailers to obtain a single, unified view of customers for enhanced personalization.
Sep 02
Burger King scales up rewards offering
Burger King customers will have an easier time redeeming “crowns” on purchases made across brick-and-mortar, web, and mobile channels.
Sep 02
Amazon opening delivery stations, career center in Maryland & Virginia
Amazon is expanding its supply chain and operations infrastructure in the states of Maryland and Virginia.
Sep 02
Walgreens, Mastercard partner on new bank account and debit card
Walgreens continues building on its financial services offerings.
Sep 01
Chipotle adds gamified ‘Extras’ feature to rewards program
Chipotle Mexican Grill is building on the success of its Chipotle Rewards loyalty offering with a new feature that that unlocks access to extra points.
Sep 01
Wayfair extends risk management deployment
A digitally native home furnishings brand is renewing its partnership with risk management solutions provider Riskified.
Sep 01
Walmart brings ghost kitchen concept to U.S. stores
Walmart is expanding its relationship with a Canadian ghost kitchen operator to the United States.
Sep 01
Crocs, J.D. Sports join Afterpay, Snap for AR-based Fashion Week promo
A leading “buy now, pay later platform” is creating an immersive, augmented reality (AR)-based shopping experience with products from Crocs and J.D. Sports, coinciding with New York Fashion Week.
Sep 01
Amazon in hiring blitz for 40,000 new corporate, tech employees
Amazon will hold its biggest-ever recruiting event on Sep. 15.
Aug 2021
Aug 31
Survey: Consumers want digital capabilities in-store
Many shoppers are coming to expect an omnichannel customer experience when they enter a brick-and-mortar store.
Aug 31
Giant Eagle provides digital TV content to in-store pharmacy customers
Pittsburgh-based regional grocer Giant Eagle Inc. is installing digital TV screens from Mesmerize, an out-of-home media company specializing in patient education at the point of care, at 165 Giant Eagle Pharmacy locations.
Aug 31
Alltown Fresh provides seamless customer experience via new app
A Northeast convenience retailer is integrating loyalty and online ordering features into its mobile app.
Aug 31
Pandora combats COVID-19 threats with workforce safety solution
A global jewelry brand is supporting workplace health and safety across its U.S. operations with cloud-based technology.
Aug 31
Amazon supports climate simulations with cloud computing
Amazon is donating Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud capabilities to support simulations of near-term climate change.
Aug 31
Amazon partners with Korean e-commerce marketplace
Amazon is launching Amazon Global Store on 11st, a collaboration with Korean online retailer 11st that will open its U.S. inventory to customers in Korea.
Aug 30
Amazon adding Affirm to flex payment options
An e-commerce titan is increasing its presence in the burgeoning “buy now pay later” (BNPL) payment space.
Aug 30
Survey: Customers are ready to spend as work, school await
Apparel retailers in particular may have something to look forward to this fall as consumers purchase attire for returning to the office and the classroom.
Aug 30
Mercatus integrates with Instacart for improved online fulfillment
Grocers using the Mercatus e-commerce platform now have access to the Instacart infrastructure to pick, pack and deliver orders.
Aug 30
Sephora Black-owned brand campaign includes AI-based shade matching
Sephora is reaching out to African-American customers with targeted products and promotions, as well as artificial intelligence (AI)-enhanced foundation shopping.
Aug 30
DKNY debuts new brand logo – as an NFT
A specialty fashion brand is introducing its redesigned logo as a non-fungible token (NFT), and auctioning it for charity.
Aug 27
Adobe: Online inflation keeps going up
Everyday staples are becoming more expensive for online purchase.
Aug 27
Stop & Shop enabling federal benefit payments for online orders
A Northeast regional grocery chain is now accepting payments via electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card for online pickup and delivery orders.
Aug 27
Grubhub streamlines online ordering for independent restaurants
A leading online delivery provider is teaming up with a POS/business management platform to help independent foodservice retailers fulfill online orders.
Aug 27
Walmart promotes employee well-being with high-tech services
Walmart is offering associates seven ways to prioritize their self-care, including several options with a decidedly techno-centric focus.
Aug 26
Best Buy lets advertisers directly target its customers
A consumer electronics giant is signing on with a digital third-party ad network.
Aug 26
Gap continues size inclusion push with virtual fit tech acquisition
Gap Inc. is purchasing Drapr, a startup that enables customers to create 3D avatars and virtually try on clothing.
Aug 26
Amazon opens first high-tech grocery store in Maryland
Live from Chevy Chase, Md. - it’s the latest Amazon Fresh location.
Aug 26
Sweetgreen acquires restaurant automation start-up
A fast-casual restaurant chain which specializes in healthy eating is making a major commitment to automating its operations.
Aug 26
Nearly half of consumers prefer to shop in-person — here’s why
A positive in-store experience is critical to repeat business.
Aug 26
Amazon to offer free cybersecurity training
Amazon is unveiling two new security initiatives designed to help protect organizations and individuals from increasing cybersecurity threats.
Aug 25
Survey: Delta concerns put a damper on Labor Day celebrations
The continuing spread of the Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus is changing how, and even if, consumers will observe the upcoming Labor Day holiday.
Aug 25
Dick’s Sporting Goods has record-breaking Q2 sales, profits
Dick’s Sporting Goods is raising its full-year outlook following an extremely successful second quarter of fiscal 2021.
Aug 25
Shopify takes TikTok shopping to new level with Kylie Jenner on board
Shopify is enabling direct shopping on the TikTok platform.
Aug 25
Giant Food providing flu shots at all pharmacies
Regional grocer Giant Food is making seasonal flu vaccinations available at all 152 of its in-store pharmacies for both adults and children, with no appointment required.
Aug 25
Albertsons pilots in-store pickup service with Instacart
Albertsons Cos. is expanding upon its proprietary in-store pickup service in a new partnership with on-demand delivery platform Instacart.
Aug 25
Camping World plans to open 20-plus new stores by 2024
Camping World Holdings Inc. plans to aggressively expand its national footprint through the opening of 20 or more new greenfield locations over the next three calendar years, in addition to acquisitions.
Aug 25
Save Mart provides customers with personalized omnichannel engagement
A regional grocer is moving its omnichannel shopping and promotional activities onto a third-party digital media platform.
Aug 25
Ralph Lauren enters virtual shopping arena
Ralph Lauren is partnering with the Zepeto global social networking and avatar simulation app to provide customers with a personalized virtual world.
Aug 25
Target taps Google exec to run in-house digital ad network
Target Corp. is naming Sarah Travis as president of Roundel, the retailer's in-house media company.
Aug 25
Walmart continues revamping ad platform
Walmart is officially launching its planned demand-side platform for suppliers and their media and ad agencies in time for the 2021 holiday season.
Aug 25
Express swings to profit; on track to hit $1 billion in e-commerce by 2024
Express reported a strong second quarter and updated its guidance for the rest of the year as it continues to make progress on its turnaround.
Aug 24
Michaels seeks 20,000 seasonal holiday workers
The largest arts and crafts retail chain in North America is expecting a busy holiday season, both in-store and online.
Aug 24
Bed Bath & Beyond taps Macy’s exec to lead diversity efforts
Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. has named Nicole Cokley Dunlap as chief diversity officer, to lead its diversity, equity and inclusion (DE & I) strategy.
Aug 24
Shipt members can handpick their favorite shoppers
An on-demand delivery platform is letting users select more than the products they want to buy.
Aug 24
Walmart moves into Instacart turf with delivery service
The newest retail delivery platform needs no introduction.
Aug 24
Walgreens provides flu shots nationwide
Walgreens is now offering flu shots for everyone ages three and up by walk-in or appointment at more than 9,000 store locations across the U.S
Aug 24
Urban Outfitters will enter resale market
The rapidly growing second-hand resale niche is gaining a significant new player.
Aug 24
Best Buy continues strong financial performance in Q2
For the second quarter in a row, Best Buy beat expectations for revenue, profits, and same-store sales.
Aug 23
Dip in ship-to-home orders cuts into online grocery sales
The U.S. online grocery market generated $6.7 billion in sales during July for an overall sales decline of 2%.
Aug 23
Walmart marks back-to-school with livestream shopping, TikTok contest
Walmart is leveraging two of the hottest social commerce trends to kick off another new academic year.
Aug 23
Target adding more than 100 Disney shops
Target Corp. is nearly tripling its offering of “shop-within-in-shop” Disney stores in time for the holidays.
Aug 23
Survey: Online shopping goes mobile
Almost all online shoppers search for promotional codes and coupons, and more than six in 10 make purchases via mobile device.
Aug 23
Lowe’s to match 50 loyalty members with outdoor design creators
Lowe’s Cos. Inc. is welcoming fall with a new promotion that will provide selected consumers with funding and expert assistance for outdoor projects.
Aug 23
Taco Bell names rap star head of impact
Taco Bell is naming rapper Lil Nas X, a former store associate, to the new honorary position of chief impact officer.
Aug 20
Target to open four regional 'sortation' centers for online orders
Target Corp. is attempting to shave time off its online delivery process by speeding up the fulfillment of e-commerce orders from stores.
Aug 20
Survey: In-store experience still critical to shoppers
The COVID-19 pandemic and an uptick in digitization are blurring shopper distinction between online and brick-and-mortar channels.
Aug 20
CSA Exclusive: Retail co-op members stay independent with shared tech
CCA Global Partners is helping independent flooring retailers remain competitive in the face of national chain competition and COVID-19 challenges.
Aug 20
Survey: Retailers boost spending on returns management
Retailers are seeing an increase in returned items, with the growth of e-commerce a likely culprit.
Aug 20
Survey: Shoppers still headed to stores — but taking precautions
The Delta variant of COVID-19 concerns consumers, but not enough to keep them home.
Aug 19
Survey: Gen Z fuels vending machine surge
Unattended retail (i.e., vending machines and automated kiosks) has grown in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially with younger consumers.
Aug 19
Grubhub brings robotic delivery to Ohio State campus
There will be a new on-campus dining option at Ohio State University this fall – courtesy of Grubhub and Yandex Self-Driving Group.
Aug 19
Amazon reportedly planning to open small department stores
Amazon’s next foray into brick-and-mortar retail will reportedly center on large spaces akin to department stores.
Aug 19
Walmart, Albertsons partner with United Airlines for COVID-19 testing
United Airlines customers can now directly book COVID-19 tests at participating Walmart and Albertsons locations.
Aug 19
Weedmaps offers in-app ordering; launches partnership with NBA star
An online cannabis marketplace is easing mobile purchases and expanding into a content venture that includes NBA star Kevin Durant.
Aug 18
Personal info of 48 million-plus consumers exposed in T-Mobile breach
A major U.S. wireless provider with more than 3,200 retail stores is acknowledging a significant cyberattack that revealed some sensitive consumer information.
Aug 18
Old Navy rolling out size-inclusive shopping experience — in stores and online
Old Navy has launched a major initiative that puts its own spin on inclusive sizing.
Aug 18
Amazon: Bipartisan infrastructure deal would be good first step
Amazon is publicly supporting passage of the proposed bipartisan infrastructure deal, but is pursuing larger ambitions for U.S. broadband access.
Aug 18
CSA Exclusive: More sales are happening in-store
As of mid-June, the percentage of omnichannel sales represented by in-store purchases has hit a high point for 2021.
Aug 18
FTD/Proflowers obtains unified data view with Google cloud platform
A leading specialty floral and gifting retailer is unifying goals and optimizing its business across systems, functions, partners, and geographies.
Aug 18
NRF: COVID-19 boosts retail crime; organized crime threat grows
Retailers attribute increases in criminal activity to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new survey from the NRF.
Aug 18
Walmart takes on Best Buy with Tech Services Initiative
The Best Buy Geek Squad has some new nerds moving into its turf.
Aug 17
Kroger provides personalized training via employee app
The Kroger Co. is launching a new mobile training program for its nearly 500,000 associates.
Aug 17
Fast food franchisee shifts Mexican stores to Oracle cloud platform
An operator of more than 30 Burger King and Church's Texas Chicken franchises in Mexico is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic with Oracle cloud technology.
Aug 17
7-Eleven brings the minibar to your front door
7-Eleven is teaming up with on-demand alcohol delivery service Minibar Delivery in select markets.
Aug 17
Survey: Almost all holiday shoppers will make some purchases online
Close to nine in 10 consumers will perform at least some of their upcoming holiday shopping digitally.
Aug 16
Staples Canada offers mobile payment to B2B customers
Business-to-business buyers at the Canadian subsidiary of Staples can now use a one-click mobile payments app.
Aug 16
Walmart job posting suggests major bitcoin push
Walmart is looking for a director-level executive to oversee digital currency and cryptocurrency products.
Aug 16
Survey: Social content from consumers beats influencer content
A new survey indicates that regular people have more impact on how consumers spend their money than influencers.
Aug 16
Albertsons launches new app, loyalty program, delivery service
Albertsons Cos. is unveiling a major omnichannel customer service initiative with the simultaneous rollout of three digital offerings.
Aug 13
Steve Madden Mexico digitally integrates store experience
The Mexican subsidiary of footwear/accessories brand Steve Madden Ltd. is creating a seamless, mobile-enabled shopping environment in its stores.
Aug 13
Survey: Consumers haven’t forgotten Black Friday weekend
Retailers should not overlook the importance of Black Friday weekend this holiday season – especially those with an online presence.
Aug 13
Sephora inclusive beauty event returns – virtually
Sephora is re-launching its “Sephoria” event in a gamified digital environment.
Aug 13
Survey: E-commerce surge will continue through holidays and beyond
A new survey indicates that online retailers can look forward to elevated shopping levels, even as stores reopen.
Aug 13
Specialty tool retailer crafts AI-based pricing strategy
Northern Tool + Equipment is assembling a pricing approach based on advanced artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms.
Aug 12
Taco Bell preps new ‘Defy’ frictionless drive-thru concept for ‘22
A quick-service Mexican food chain will pilot a store model that offers enhanced drive-thru service for customers who order via mobile app or third-party delivery platform.
Aug 12
Gopuff accelerates European expansion with acquisition
On-demand delivery platform Gopuff is purchasing its second U.K.-based startup in the past three months.
Aug 12
Giant Eagle breaks new ground by accepting in-store PayPal, Venmo payments
Giant Eagle and its GetGo division are the first U.S. supermarket and convenience chains to accept PayPal and Venmo payments at the store checkout.
Aug 12
CSA Exclusive: Combat rising returns with flexibility, analytics
Although already high rates of merchandise returns are climbing during the COVID-19 pandemic, strategies are available to mitigate the impact.
Aug 12
Abercrombie in exclusive online deal with Zappos
Abercrombie & Fitch is looking to expand its U.S. customer base and distribution channels through a new partnership with Zappos.
Aug 12
Amazon to open robotics hub, five delivery stations in Florida
Amazon is dramatically increasing its supply chain infrastructure in the Sunshine State, including a new robotics fulfillment center.
Aug 12
Amazon set to spend over $120 billion with U.S. businesses in 2021
Amazon expects to increase its spend on supplies and services from businesses in the U.S. by 20% year-over-year.
Aug 11
Amazon opens central air hub for U.S. Prime deliveries
Amazon is launching an air cargo hub at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport which will facilitate rapid Prime deliveries.
Aug 11
Wendy’s to open 700 delivery kitchens in U.S., Canada and U.K.
The Wendy’s Company is going full speed ahead with ghost — or delivery-only — kitchens.
Aug 11
Exclusive: Store success rests on digital transformation
The brick-and-mortar store is becoming a major center of technology.
Aug 11
Survey: Intoxicated online shopping is soberingly big business
During the COVID-19 pandemic, seven in 10 consumers have made e-commerce purchases while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Aug 11
Bed Bath & Beyond Mexico will personalize search in real time
One of the largest omnichannel home furnishings and decor retailers in Mexico will roll out the Algonomy FIND algorithmic search optimization tool.
Aug 11
Grubhub integrates digital orders into restaurant POS systems
A leading on-demand delivery provider is injecting its orders directly into the order stream of its restaurant partners.
Aug 11
Wakefern pilots micro-fulfillment at ShopRite store
The nation’s largest retailer-owned cooperative is the latest grocer to experiment with micro-fulfillment technology.
Aug 10
Two CPG food brands bite into e-commerce
Leading CPG companies Kellogg Co. and General Mills are testing the direct-to-consumer e-commerce waters with well-known product lines.
Aug 10
CVS Health eases access to virtual health care
CVS Health is launching a new health care benefit called Aetna Virtual Primary Care.
Aug 10
Survey: Keep back-to-school shoppers happy, or hear about it online
A recent Oracle Retail survey of more than 5,000 global consumers indicates back-to-school shoppers are posting – and reading – about bad experiences on social media.
Aug 10
Revlon freshens up direct-to-consumer cloud infrastructure
A leading cosmetics brand is deploying SAP cloud technology to support continued growth in its burgeoning e-commerce sales channel.
Aug 10
Amazon to pay up to $1,000 for damages caused by defective products
Amazon is unveiling a new process offering customers support if a defective product bought from a third-party seller causes property damage or personal injury.
Aug 10
Survey: Shopping via TikTok explodes
In the past 12 months, the number of consumers shopping on TikTok has increased by more than six times.
Aug 09
Instacart continues Canadian expansion with Dollarama
Dollarama is becoming Instacart’s first extreme value discount retail partner in Canada.
Aug 09
Dallas convenience retailer rolling out delivery robot
Urban Value Corner Store is following in the (robotic) footsteps of some major retailers with an upcoming robotic delivery pilot.
Aug 09
DoorDash opens orders to items from multiple stores
DoorDash customers can now double (or more) the number of stores they can shop for a single delivery.
Aug 09
Amazon opening second high-tech grocery store in Seattle
The newest Amazon Fresh brick-and-mortar grocery location will launch in Seattle on Thursday, Aug. 12.
Aug 09
Amazon primes targeted offers for college students
Amazon is introducing a number of exclusive discounts for members of its college-focused Prime Student loyalty program.