Dan Berthiaume
Dan Berthiaume’s Retail Insights blog is a 2020 Eddie & Ozzie Awards honorable mention winner in the category of B2B overall column/blog.
BLOG POSTS BY THIS AUTHOR
April 2021
Apr 16
Three ‘store of the future’ formats you can visit today
The technology-enabled “store of the future” is developing now, in several different directions.
Apr 09
Is AI becoming retail tech table stakes?
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly evolving into a standard technology tool retailers use across the enterprise.
Apr 02
The ‘90s are over: Stop slacking with your enterprise technology
Having been born in 1970, I squarely land in the demographic known as Generation X.
March 2021
Mar 26
Redefining customer experience in response to BOPIS
The rise of omnichannel shopping has changed consumer expectations, and retailers must adjust accordingly.
Mar 19
Three hot contactless payment solutions from a cold winter
The winter of 2020-21 saw three retailers deploy innovative, touch-free methods for customers to make in-store and online payments.
Mar 12
Three retail lessons of COVID-19
As the COVID-19 pandemic hits the one-year mark, retailers can look back to find guidance on how to move forward.
Mar 05
Leading female retail tech execs see progress, call for more growth
Women are obtaining more influence in the retail technology industry, with positive results for companies, customers and society in general.
February 2021
Feb 26
Don’t leave out the human touch in artificial intelligence
Retail is an intensely personal business, and the best artificial intelligence deployments recognize that fact.
Feb 19
Put your customers in the driver’s seat for product development
Digital engagement with customers makes it easier than ever for retailers to craft product offerings around the specific needs and wants of their shoppers.
Feb 12
Three Solutions to Gain Customers’ Love — on Valentine’s Day and Beyond
As Valentine’s Day approaches, here are a few suggestions for winning the hearts of your shoppers – through technology.
Feb 05
Jeff Bezos steps down – what will it mean for Amazon?
Apple and Microsoft provide a possible template for how business at Amazon will proceed once Jeff Bezos transitions to executive chair.
ARTICLES BY THIS AUTHOR
April 2021
Apr 21
Pinterest goes global with Shopify partnership
Shopify retailers in 27 new countries can now directly sell merchandise via the Pinterest visual social media platform.
Apr 21
Amazon hands palm-based payment to Whole Foods shoppers
The reach of Amazon’s contactless payment device keeps growing across the tech giant’s brick-and-mortar banners.
Apr 21
Survey: Close to half of grocery shoppers use omnichannel services
Data confirms that grocery orders which start online often end in a brick-and-mortar store.
Apr 21
Survey: Influencers have little influence on consumer trust
Retailers looking to build brand trust with consumers should focus on the experience they provide, rather than celebrity endorsements.
Apr 21
Marks & Spencer Food centralizes merchandising with AI
The grocery banner of a British retail giant is unifying its forecasting, ordering, and allocation processes.
Apr 21
Appliance brand integrates with Amazon smart reorders
LG Electronics USA is enabling users of its smart home appliances to receive personalized notifications when essentials run low.
Apr 20
Lululemon stretches into $30 billion resale market
Another apparel retailer is reselling used customer merchandise, with a charitable twist.
Apr 20
Klarna’s carbon plan includes consumer footprint tracking
A global retail bank, payments and shopping service is enabling customers to track their shopping carbon footprint in-app.
Apr 20
Study: Walmart.com shoppers are most focused on…
While Amazon leads Walmart in online customer reach, a specific subset of e-commerce consumers prefers Walmart.
Apr 20
Dollar General delivers targeted training in small doses
A major discount retailer is conducting personalized, scalable enterprise training.
Apr 20
Apple to let family members build credit together with new ‘Apple Card Family’
Apple is extending its “family sharing” group service model to the Apple Card.
Apr 20
CSA Exclusive: Finish Line optimizes merchandising with AI
A leading specialty sportswear retailer is testing the viability of artificial intelligence to aid workflows including markdowns, promotions, and assortments.
Apr 19
J. Crew launches ambitious sustainability program
J.Crew Group is integrating sustainability across its supply chain.
Apr 19
Direct-to-consumer brand Frame brings the store online
A vertical fashion retailer is connecting online customers to live store personnel.
Apr 19
Amazon takes lead in purchasing global renewable energy
Amazon is launching nine new utility-scale wind and solar energy projects in the U.S., Canada, Spain, Sweden, and the U.K.
Apr 19
New app boosts local retail in Boston
The city of Boston is introducing B-Local, a mobile program that awards points to consumers who shop with local retailers.
Apr 19
CSA Q&A: Charming Charlie founder predicts future of retail
Charlie Chanaratsopon sees growing e-commerce, multi-use malls, and online marketplaces as critical elements of retail’s “new normal.”
Apr 16
Save Mart rolls out robots to reduce out-of-stocks
A regional grocer is piloting autonomous robots to streamline shelf auditing.
Apr 16
Survey: Brand loyalty hits all-time high, but can be shook
Retailers should not take widespread consumer brand loyalties for granted.
Apr 16
Survey: Consumers want digitally integrated stores
Customers value brick-and-mortar stores, but have specific expectations for the in-store experience.
Apr 16
EdApp offers free virtual summit April 29
Speakers including an NBA superstar and a C-level Netflix executive will present at an upcoming free online event from digital training platform EdApp.
Apr 16
Shop ‘n Save builds full-store promotions with AI
A mid-Atlantic grocery chain is leveraging artificial intelligence to measure the impact of promotions beyond individual items.
Apr 16
Report: Amazon tries its hand at assembly services
Amazon is reportedly piloting a new premium offering that would have its delivery drivers also assemble large items, such as furniture.
Apr 15
Family Dollar debuts new third-party digital ad network
Another major retailer is enabling advertisers to digitally target its customers.
Apr 15
Walmart puts its money behind driverless electric delivery
Walmart is moving from a pilot of self-driving electric vehicles into an investment.
Apr 15
RC Willey eyes increased camera surveillance
A regional home furnishings chain is upgrading its enterprise security with advanced network camera technology.
Apr 15
Home Depot opens three Florida distribution centers
A home improvement giant is expanding its same- and next-day delivery capacity across South Florida.
Apr 15
Target tests new process for faster order delivery
Target Corp. is piloting a new sortation center that streamlines the process of fulfilling digital orders from stores.
Apr 14
Wayfair’s online sales bonanza returns to April
Wayfair is hosting the 2021 edition of its annual 48-hour “Way Day” online sales event in its traditional April timeframe.
Apr 14
Kroger debuts next-gen fulfillment center model in Ohio
After three years of planning, Kroger has finally gone live with its leading-edge automated warehouse concept known as a customer fulfillment center.
Apr 14
FabFitFun looks forward to a personalized summer
A subscription membership retailer will launch a fully customized shopping experience.
Apr 14
Salesforce: Stimulus checks spur Q1 online spending
The release of government stimulus payments in March helped drive strong e-commerce performance in the first quarter of 2021.
Apr 14
Chick-fil-A pilots delivery robots
A leading fast-casual chicken chain is seeing a major increase in customer demand in tests of the “Kiwibot.”
Apr 14
At Home supports omnichannel commerce with advanced order management
A leading value home décor retailer is enhancing its customer experience across channels with a new order management system.
Apr 13
Taco Bell opens its first digital-only U.S. store in New York City
You can get anything you want at the newest Taco Bell restaurant – except for traditional ordering.
Apr 13
Survey: Retailers see digital messaging as crucial marketing tool
When it comes to digital messages, retailers are taking a “more the merrier” approach.
Apr 13
Frank And Oak to run stores on iPhone apps
A Canadian sustainable fashion brand will streamline store operations with a new mobile-driven omnichannel platform.
Apr 13
Plum Market opens shopper app to digital advertisers
A growing Midwestern specialty grocer is providing direct access to digital coupons and rebates in its consumer app.
Apr 13
Online grocer Farmstead eyes national growth with DoorDash
A San Francisco-based online grocer is supporting a planned 15-city expansion by collaborating with DoorDash.
Apr 12
Supply chain leaders take confident post-pandemic outlook
A new survey indicates U.S. supply chains expect to handle surging demand as the economy rebounds from COVID-19.
Apr 12
Foot Locker kicks off in-store omnichannel payments
Foot Locker, Inc. is enabling brick-and-mortar customers to make digital payments using their own mobile devices.
Apr 12
Nike steps into refurbished footwear market
A leading global athletic footwear/apparel brand is giving its merchandise a second chance.
Apr 12
CSA Exclusive: Oracle Retail says data science is key to planning
Jeff Warren, VP of strategy and solution management, Oracle Retail, recently spoke with Chain Store Age about the continuing challenges retailers face in properly stocking individual stores.
Apr 12
Domino’s testing pizza delivery by self-driving robot car in Houston
The world’s largest pizza retailer (by sales) is piloting autonomous delivery at one of its stores in Houston.
Apr 09
Podium releases new frictionless card readers
A leading customer messaging and payment platform is enabling in-store and text-based payments via a new connected POS device.
Apr 09
Exclusive Q&A: Steve Dennis says you can win customers amid disruption
A top retail influencer is back with new advice on how to engage customers in uniquely challenging times.
Apr 09
H-E-B brings on-demand delivery to Texas A&M
Campus residents at Texas A&M University have a new omnichannel grocery option.
Apr 09
Study: Three in 4 consumers shopped in-store during holiday 2020
Online and in-store channels are complementary, not competing, elements of the path to purchase.
Apr 08
Report: Amazon Prime Day may come early this year
The 2021 edition of Amazon Prime Day may be a late spring/early summer event.
Apr 08
Giant Eagle spreads omnichannel personalization wings
A regional supermarket chain is evolving its customer personalization strategy beyond the four walls of the store.
Apr 08
eBay takes authentication effort on the road
eBay will host events across the country to authenticate some of the most sought-after items in major collectible product categories.
Apr 08
It’s beginning to look a lot like advanced EDI at Mr. Christmas
A direct-to-consumer holiday retailer is modernizing its electronic data interchange (EDI) operations.
Mr.
Apr 08
The game is afoot with Tophatter’s newest rewards program
Tophatter is adding two integrated mini-games to its e-commerce platform.
Apr 07
CSA Exclusive: Retailers see value in AI for customer relationships
New data indicates retailers are more likely to utilize artificial intelligence (AI) technology to engage customers than employees.
Apr 07
United Dairy Farmers relaunches loyalty program
A Cincinnati-based convenience store/ ice cream chain is re-platforming its legacy loyalty offering to better engage customers.
Apr 07
Midwest c-store retailer eases merchandising with AI
Iowa-based Kum & Go is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to unify its demand planning and category management processes.
Apr 07
David’s Bridal provides 24/7 live support - digitally
The nation's leading bridal retailer is expanding the availability of its AI-based Zoey customer service chatbot.
Customers can now contact David's Bridal anytime day or night via the LivePerson-based Zoey mobile CRM tool to book appointments, te
Apr 07
Discount Tire hits the road with mobile tire inspections
The world’s largest independent retailer of tires and wheels is deploying a proprietary tire tread depth-reading mobile solution.
Apr 06
Kohl’s opens sixth e-commerce fulfillment center
Kohl’s is supporting its rapidly-growing digital sales with a new dedicated fulfillment center.
Apr 06
SAP: COVID-19 causes lasting supply chain issues for shoppers
As the pandemic enters its second year, consumers are changing behaviors in response to supply chain disruptions.
Apr 06
Northeastern grocer provides omnichannel ad access to suppliers
Tops Friendly Markets is increasing the ability of its brand partners to directly reach its customers, on- and offline.
Apr 06
Study: Amazon could exceed $500 billion in revenue
During 2021, Amazon may increase its revenue by more than 20%.
Apr 06
Tractor Supply Company revamps loyalty offering
The nation’s largest rural lifestyle retailer is enabling members of its Neighbors Club loyalty program to earn points as they spend.
Apr 06
Regional grocer reduces food waste with AI
Kimberton Whole Foods is growing sales and cutting out-of-stocks and shrink by automating inventory management.
Apr 06
Albertsons automates POS software testing
One of the largest grocers in the U.S. is streamlining the testing of POS and peripheral systems with artificial intelligence (AI).
Apr 05
Cyberattack exposes Destination Maternity customer data
The nation’s largest retailer of maternity wear says a database containing certain personal customer information was breached in March 2021.
Apr 05
Google reveals top shopping search trends
There has been a significant increase in commercial intent for searches across Google since the outbreak of COVID-19.
Apr 05
For second year, Walgreens goes digital to help tackle child poverty
Walgreens is not letting COVID-19 stop its annual effort to assist a major charitable initiative to end child poverty.
Apr 05
Canadian fashion brand to introduce BOPIS with new POS system
Groupe Dynamite will upgrade its legacy POS platform to support in-store omnichannel commerce.
Apr 05
Afterpay springs into livestream shopping
A global buy now pay later (BNPL) solution is integrating a live shopping technology platform.
Apr 01
Etsy extends carbon reduction effort to packaging
A handmade and vintage goods e-commerce retailer isn’t just offsetting carbon emissions from shipping, but from materials used to pack shipments.
Apr 01
Walgreens provides charitable option for loyalty members
Walgreens is unveiling a new donation feature of its myWalgreens rewards program.
Apr 01
Study: Retail cyberattacks grow more sophisticated
The percentage of hacking attempts in the retail industry that were considered “sophisticated” doubled from the first half of 2020 to the year’s second half.
Apr 01
Survey: The top reason for online grocery shopping is…
Six in 10 consumers who purchase groceries online agree on one driving factor.
Apr 01
April Fools press pitches – this year, they got me
The public relations industry has long had a taste for April Fools gags, and an unusually believable press release had a veteran reporter going today.
March 2021
Mar 31
The online shopping feature which has grown in importance the most is…
Roughly half of consumers agree that one specific aspect of the e-commerce experience is more important to them now than one year ago.
Mar 31
Michaels expands same-day delivery with Instacart pilot
The leading arts and crafts retailer in North America is supplementing its existing proprietary same-day delivery offering.
Mar 31
Study: In-store shopping rises amid vaccinations
Early shopping trends among consumers who have received the COVID-19 vaccine are promising.
Mar 31
CVS sets social responsibility goals
CVS Health is targeting customers, employees, and sustainability in its “Transform Health 2030” corporate social responsibility strategy.
Mar 31
Travel retailer’s newest store model is an interactive vending machine
Hudson is offering 24/7, contactless shopping for hurried airport shoppers.
Mar 30
Survey: Online sales keep booming as store shopping picks up
Consumers are beginning to return to brick-and-mortar stores, but not necessarily at the expense of e-commerce.
Mar 30
Albertsons and Google partner to enhance grocery shopping
A leading U.S. grocery conglomerate is collaborating with Google to develop a wide range of omnichannel customer-friendly services, including everything from hyper-local shoppable maps to predictive grocery list building.
Mar 30
Specialty grocer boosts omnichannel efficiency with micro-fulfillment
H Mart is adopting a supply chain solution that is growing in popularity with many of its larger competitors.
Mar 30
Pizza Hut creates fast lane for digital orders
A leading pizza retailer is serving a dedicated digital order pick-up window at over 1,500 locations across the country.
Mar 30
Podium recognizes messaging innovation in retail
A leading customer messaging platform is honoring three multi-location retailers using its solutions to enhance customer engagement and boost revenue.
Mar 30
Walgreens doubles down on financial services with banking offering
Walgreens is getting into the digital-banking-as-a-service business.
Mar 29
Specialty footwear retailer M. Gemi turns customers into sellers
M.Gemi, a Boston-based Italian footwear brand, is creating a new social sales program – for its top customers.
Mar 29
Clarins holds the cookies, serves triggered emails
A global skincare brand is delivering highly personalized, one-to-one email promotions to customers – at scale.
Mar 29
CSA Q&A: EY talks about staying relevant, building trust with consumers
COVID-19 caused profound changes in how consumers live their lives and retailers must adapt their selling strategies accordingly.
Mar 29
Text-to-order takes flight at Jet’s Pizza
A pizza chain with franchises across the country is enabling customers to place orders via text, assisted by an artificial intelligence engine.
Mar 26
The top supply chain challenge for retailers is…
The two biggest supply chain issues reported by retailers both involve demand fluctuations.
Mar 26
CSA Q&A: Accenture sees AI, automation as key to post-pandemic success
Chain Store Age spoke with Manish Sharma, group CEO, operations of Accenture, about how retailers can satisfy customers and drive growth in an era of continuing uncertainty.
Mar 26
BDO Q&A: Four questions about the state of retail
CSA spoke with David Berliner, leader of BDO’s restructuring and turnaround service, about the state of retail after such a disrupted year.
Mar 26
Online furniture retailer streamlines visual merchandising with AI
Coleman Furniture is building visually focused customer journeys around the products customers are most likely to buy.
Mar 25
Lowe’s celebrates spring – all April and across channels
Fans of spring have a month of themed omnichannel events to look forward to at Lowe’s.
Mar 25
CSA Exclusive: FTD florist forecasting partnership blooms
A leading specialty floral and gifting retailer is improving its customer experience by closely collaborating with independent florist partners.
Mar 25
Survey: Customer experience initiatives should not end with COVID-19
Consumers appreciate the increased digital engagement from brands during the pandemic, and want it to continue beyond COVID-19.
Mar 25
Chipotle drives innovation forward with robotic delivery investment
Chipotle Mexican Grill is diversifying its digital presence by investing in autonomous delivery vehicle provider Nuro.
Mar 25
Amazon rolls out on-site vaccine clinics
Frontline personnel at select U.S. Amazon locations will receive COVID-19 vaccinations.
Mar 25
Bed Bath & Beyond overhauls inventory management as part of tech plan
Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. is focusing on inventory management in the next phase of its $250 million program to drive modernization and innovation in its technology platforms.
Mar 24
Gap extends warehouse robotics to returns processing
Gap Inc. will utilize a smart robotic solution to streamline how it handles returns.
Mar 24
eBay stacks the deck for trading card sellers with scan-based listings
Soon, creating an eBay listing for collectible card games will be as easy as scanning a card’s image with a smartphone.
Mar 24
Yum! Brands adds marketing platform to growing tech portfolio
A global quick-service restaurant conglomerate is taking another step toward becoming a technology platform.
Mar 24
Major U.S. airports deploy robotic vending machines
The newest “stores” at several U.S. airports enable consumers to instantly get the products they need or want, without dealing with anyone or touching anything.
Mar 24
Rite Aid expects net loss of at least $90 million in fiscal 2022
Rite Aid is adjusting some guidance for fiscal 2020 and 2021 after a challenging Q4.
Mar 24
BJ’s hops across channels with one-stop Easter shop
BJ’s Wholesale Club is providing targeted discounts and products to Easter shoppers –online and in-store.
Mar 24
McKinsey: Vaccination accelerates consumer spending
Consumers who have been or plan to be vaccinated are more likely to engage in a variety of purchases.
Mar 23
Whole Foods likes the look of virtual beauty try-on in its stores
An Amazon-owned organic grocer is joining an increasingly popular augmented reality (AR)-enabled trend in cosmetics retailing.
Mar 23
Southeastern Grocers will personalize 200 million offers per month
A conglomerate operating regional grocery banners including Winn-Dixie is upgrading its targeted digital coupon program.
Mar 23
Still-struggling restaurants renew appeal to take it to go
“The Great American Takeout” is coming back – just in time for its first anniversary.
Mar 23
A new subset of online shoppers is just looking for something to do
Rising levels of consumer boredom during the COVID-19 pandemic is having an impact on e-commerce shopping habits.
Mar 23
Deloitte: Discretionary spending shows positive signs
Intent to spend on several categories of discretionary items is improving in the U.S.
Mar 22
DoorDash delivers COVID-19 tests on-demand
DoorDash is partnering with two digital health companies to ship COVID-19 at-home collection kits via its DashMart locations.
Mar 22
Verizon to launch highly customized Yahoo Shops online marketplace
Verizon Media is preparing to roll out a digital marketplace with native commerce capabilities and a curated customer experience.
Mar 22
Survey: How does COVID-19 affect shopping habits one year later?
Many of the consumer shopping trends which sprang up at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic are still having a large impact.
Mar 22
Domino’s learns as it goes with new AI management platform
The world’s largest pizza retailer by sales is monitoring the effectiveness of its enterprise artificial intelligence models in real-time.
Mar 22
Procurement execs don’t see cost savings as No. 1 for bottom line
A new survey of procurement executives reveals near-unanimous agreement as to what factor drives the bottom line – and you may be surprised.
Mar 22
Hudson’s Bay creates Canadian challenge to Amazon, Walmart, eBay
A major Canadian department store retailer is taking on some big names with its brand new online marketplace.
Mar 19
Amazon expands on-the-ground air cargo presence in Alaska
Amazon Air has opened its most northern air gateway in the entire world.
Mar 19
Digitally native tire retailer makes finding products a snap
SimpleTire customers can streamline their product selection process with a new visual search feature.
Mar 19
Best Buy rolls out nationwide COVID-19 testing program for employees
A consumer electronics giant is adding free COVID-19 test kits to its employee screening process.
Mar 19
Survey: The most popular social media platform for purchases is…
Almost half of all social media users have made a purchase via social media, and show clear preference for one provider.
Mar 18
Survey: Deals drive purchases during pandemic
Retailers seeking to stay competitive in the era of COVID-19 should offer discounts across channels.
Mar 18
Lacoste preps for intelligent customer messaging
A French fashion brand best known for its crocodile logo is rolling out an artificial intelligence-based solution for text and video chat.
Mar 18
Amazon rolls out electric delivery vans in Bay Area
Amazon is bringing a pilot of custom electric delivery vehicles to a new market, with an eye toward rapid expansion.
Mar 18
Sam’s Club offers digital access to outdoor pop-ups
Sam’s Club is showcasing its outdoor collection for spring with four omnichannel pop-up shops located across the U.S.
Mar 18
Amazon opens 12th high-tech grocery store in U.S.
Amazon is now operating eight Amazon Fresh brick-and-mortar grocery locations in Southern California.
Mar 18
Study: Pickup gains popularity with online grocery shoppers
While total U.S. online grocery sales are contracting, a higher share are being fulfilled via physical pickup services.
Mar 17
Walmart to provide digital vaccine record access
Walmart is partnering with an identity verification platform and a digital non-profit to provide customers secure access to their health records, including COVID-19 vaccine information.
Mar 17
Amazon in major health care move with expansion of telehealth service
The Amazon Care on-demand healthcare service is expanding to other companies in Washington State, with more growth to come.
Mar 17
Nordstrom launches livestream shopping platform
An upscale department store chain is the latest retailer to join the livestream shopping trend.
Mar 17
Walmart Canada aligns projects with corporate strategies
The Canadian subsidiary of Walmart is broadening its deployment of a project management platform across the organization.
Mar 17
Afterpay goes omnichannel with retail holiday
A leading buy now, pay later (BNPL) platform is including brick-and-mortar shopping for the first time in its bi-annual savings event.
Mar 17
Shopify: Young consumers lead the way in online retail shift
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the growth of e-commerce, especially among consumers under 35.
Mar 17
Albertsons directly connects customers to vaccine info
A leading grocery conglomerate is leveraging Google Business Messages to inform customers about COVID-19 vaccine availability – in real-time.
Mar 16
Ahold Delhaize helps launch CPG promotional tool
Ahold Delhaize USA isn’t just the co-developer of the new Quotient promotion amplification solution, it’s also a client.
Mar 16
Tim Hortons invests $64 million in Canadian tech, menu items
Tim Hortons is funding digital innovation as part of its Canada-focused “Back to Basics” program.
Mar 16
Survey: The highest-priority supply chain technology is…
Supply chain executives are investing in digital transformation, with almost all agreeing on one solution as a priority.
Mar 16
Dick’s continues focus on digital fulfillment
Dick’s Sporting Goods will utilize its current omnichannel fulfillment platform for at least three more years as digital sales soar.
Mar 15
Adobe: U.S. e-commerce will hit $1 trillion in 2022
COVID-19 created a significant rise in domestic e-commerce spending, with long-term impact.
Mar 15
CSA Q&A: U.S. Polo Assn. weathers pandemic with digital commerce
The official brand of the United States Polo Association is strengthening online commerce and distribution, as well as corporate communications.
Mar 15
New rental platform targets high-end home décor market
1RentPlace provides an online marketplace for anyone who wants their home to look upscale – at least for a little while.
Mar 15
Survey: COVID-19 drives demand for better customer experience
As consumers increase their digital interactions with businesses, they want more personalized and flexible services.
Mar 15
Survey: COVID-19 puts a dent in impulse purchases
Customers have become less likely to make impulse purchases since the outbreak of COVID-19.
Mar 12
Online bedding retailer scores with customers on mattress removal
Purple is teaming up with a third-party delivery and installation platform to satisfy California delivery laws.
Mar 12
Survey: Retailers shift supply chain strategy in response to COVID-19
Retail and CPG supply chains will look very different in the next three years.
Mar 12
Survey: Eight in 10 consumers want this omnichannel service
Omnichannel demand is generally up as a result of COVID-19, but one offering is especially popular.
Mar 12
Walmart invests in Japanese tech giant
Walmart is extending its partnership with Rakuten via a $153 million USD investment.
Mar 11
It’s always someone’s birthday at 1-800-Flowers
1-800-Flowers is introducing a new hub dedicated to a holiday that occurs every single day of the year.
Mar 11
Survey: Online returns performance misses the mark
A solid majority of consumers are less than satisfied with retailer efforts at managing the e-commerce returns process.
Mar 11
Survey: Americans curb their drunk shopping habit
It won’t result in a suspended driver’s license, but Americans are cutting back on drinking and shopping, with much lower spending levels.
Mar 11
Gartner: Gen Z will drive evolution of smart supply chain
The supply chain will become increasingly automated as the youngest members of the workforce gain prominence, according to Gartner.
Mar 11
Amazon opens fourth high-tech grocery store in Illinois
Amazon now operates 11 locations of its Amazon Fresh grocery format.
Mar 11
Amazon selects supply chain site in Lone Star State
Amazon plans to open a new fulfillment center in Amarillo, Texas.
Mar 10
Walgreens automates COVID-19 vaccine scheduling
Walgreens is extending access to COVID-19 vaccine information and scheduling with an artificial intelligence-based bot.
Mar 10
Survey: COVID-19 causes long-term shifts in consumer preferences
Customers have been more likely to frequent local businesses that offer omnichannel services during COVID-19, and will continue doing so post-pandemic.
Mar 10
Harps Food Stores rewards loyalty – with a personal touch
A regional grocer is responding to an influx of digital shoppers with a new targeted rewards program.
Mar 10
Survey: The top priority for online shoppers is…
Three-quarters of consumers agree that one factor reigns supreme when selecting an online retailer.
Mar 10
Amazon integrates merchandise into mobile music experience
The digital music arm of Amazon is now directly selling products from featured artists.
Mar 10
Aldi’s aggressive new sustainability goals include continued shift to renewable energy
Aldi is embarking on a number of initiatives designed to lower emissions, reduce waste and increase recycling in an effort to substantially reduce its environmental impact by 2030.
Mar 09
Survey: Retailers see value, challenges in AI
A new survey of retail executives reveals artificial intelligence is evolving quickly in the industry, with some growing pains along the way.
Mar 09
Walmart springs forward with livestream shopping on TikTok
Walmart has big plans for the TikTok short video platform.
Mar 09
Survey: The top reason consumers shop Amazon is...
Amazon has been growing rapidly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and low price is not a top five sales driver.
Mar 09
Clarks custom fits promotions with AI
Clarks is leveraging a new artificial intelligence (AI)-based shoppable content engine for dynamic ad creation.
Mar 09
Walmart Canada believes in ghosts — of the kitchen variety
The Canadian subsidiary of Walmart is teaming up with a third-party provider to pilot a delivery-only, digital kitchen.
Mar 09
Amazon extends reach of palm-based payment option
Amazon now offers its Amazon One contactless payment device at nine Seattle-area stores, with more to come.
Mar 09
Chipotle’s newest menu item isn’t available at the counter
Chipotle Mexican is introducing a new hand-crafted, customizable quesadilla on March 11 – for digital customers only.
Mar 08
Canadian vertical footwear retailer steps up product management
Trend Marketing Wholesale is centralizing product data and assets for its direct-to-consumer and wholesale sales operations.
Mar 08
AutoZone accelerates speed, accuracy of store-level labor forecasts
A leading retailer of automotive replacement parts and accessories is keeping up with real-time demand and variability in labor requirements at its stores.
Mar 08
Crunch Fitness franchisee slims down operations management system
A multi-unit franchisee of Crunch Fitness is centralizing critical workforce and operations workflows on a single platform.
Mar 08
Survey: Store systems failures pose major inconvenience to c-stores
Almost all convenience retailers experience store-level technology failures, with significant financial impact.
Mar 08
Walmart presents spring collection via ‘virtual home’
Walmart is partnering with a digital media platform to offer a shoppable assortment of home goods in an online home experience.
Mar 05
Survey: Retailers struggle with omnichannel growth
Retailers are aware of sharp increases in BOPIS and curbside pickup orders, but are falling behind in their response.
Mar 05
Survey: Online shoppers will pay more for these features
Consumers are frequently dissatisfied with their e-commerce experience, but making them happy pays off.
According to a new survey of roughly 2,000 U.S.
Mar 05
Eyemart Express sees potential in buy now, pay later offering
A Dallas-based value optical chain is launching a flexible payment option in its stores across the nation by the end of March.
Mar 05
Meijer to administer 10,000 COVID-19 vaccines to teachers throughout Indiana
Meijer is doing its part to help schools reopen safely.
Mar 05
What has four wheels and makes Safeway deliveries?
Regional grocery chain Safeway is the latest retailer to test an autonomous delivery robot.
Safeway parent Albertsons Cos.
Mar 04
Target powers up three new renewable energy projects
Target is furthering its commitment to use solar- and wind-generated electricity.
Mar 04
Survey: As e-commerce grows, so do delivery problems
Failed deliveries are a near-universal issue for e-commerce retailers, and customers aren’t happy.
Mar 04
Michaels beats Street with Q4 profits, earnings
The good financial news continues for The Michaels Companies with strong results for the last quarter of fiscal 2020.
Mar 04
BJ’s more than doubles Q4 profit, launches online EBT program
BJ’s Wholesale Club had a generally strong fourth quarter and is accepting federal benefit payments for online orders in select locations.
Mar 04
Amazon opens its first brick-and-mortar store outside the U.S.
Amazon is reportedly bringing its Amazon Go self-checkout convenience/grocery store concept to the U.K., under a new name.
Mar 04
Ashley HomeStore extends consumer financing program
The number one selling U.S. home furnishings retailer is continuing to offer online and in-store consumer financing.
Mar 03
Survey: Brands can build consumer trust with product quality
A heightened emphasis on e-commerce has made brand trust the top priority of consumers, according to a new survey.
Mar 03
Charming Charlie revival continues
Charming Charlie is extending its comeback efforts online.
Mar 03
Walmart makes major commitment to U.S. manufacturing
Walmart will spend $350 billion in the next 10 years on items made, grown or assembled in the U.S.
Mar 03
Best Buy targets older adults with mobile health offering
Best Buy is providing a full array of health and safety services via Apple Watch.
Mar 03
FedEx to phase in electric delivery vehicles
A shipping giant is focusing on electric vehicles and sustainable facilities as key components of a plan to achieve carbon neutrality.
Mar 03
Sephora keeps top spot for personal experience
A familiar name is ranked number one in the fourth annual Retail Personalization Index.
Mar 03
Leading New Zealand retailer mobilizes for improved task management
New Zealand’s largest home improvement chain is streamlining enterprise communications to enhance store execution.
Mar 02
Ralph Lauren saddles up for subscription program
The world of Ralph Lauren now includes a subscription apparel rental initiative.
Mar 02
Walmart boosts ad network with three new partners
Walmart is building up the advertising partner network it launched in January 2020.
Mar 02
Trader Joe’s leads again in customer satisfaction as overall retail satisfaction declines
Trader Joe’s kept its customer satisfaction score steady during 2020, which is more than most other retailers can say.
Mar 02
Regional grocer takes closer look at competitor pricing
North State Grocery is analyzing the prices of rival supermarket chains at a granular level.
Mar 02
Fabletics finds solution for better search performance
An activewear retailer with a Hollywood connection is boosting its search revenue and transaction rate metrics.
Mar 02
Yum! Brands beefs up AI efforts with acquisition
A quick-service restaurant operator is purchasing an artificial intelligence-based consumer insights and marketing performance analytics technology provider.
Mar 01
Walmart eliminates order minimum from Express Delivery
Walmart is continuing its efforts to draw shoppers away from the Amazon Prime Now same-day delivery service.
Mar 01
CSA Exclusive: Creating online impact with social influencers
Social influencers offer retailers the opportunity to engage with customers in a direct and personal way, but they must understand this new environment.
Mar 01
Crate & Barrel designs new trade program
A specialty home furnishings retailer is targeting designers and businesses with a new omnichannel service experience.
Mar 01
Survey: Retail ‘winners’ recognize nature of modern supply chain disruptions
Retailers with exceptionally high sales growth are more likely to take steps to address supply chain issues that are rising in the wake of the pandemic and social strife.
Mar 01
Survey: Customers will pay for great online service
Online shoppers are dissatisfied with many aspects of customer service, but satisfying them can pay dividends.