Technology

Walmart once again defends its pricing policy; disputes author’s claims
Walmart doubled down on its pledge that it does not engage in dynamic pricing, releasing an open letter refuting what it calls repeated mischaracterizations of its pricing practices and use of technology by economist Lindsay Owens.
Uber enters catering space with $2.3B ezCater acquisition
Uber Technologies Inc. is in a multi-billion-dollar deal that will make it a player in the catering niche.

Walmart teams with ShipStation for third-party seller fulfillment

Walmart has a new order management option for sellers on its digital marketplace.
Comcast Business: 2,500 cybersecurity events occur every second

The emergence of leading-edge artificial intelligence capabilities is increasing the effectiveness of cyberattacks.
Gap rolls out new conversational AI shopping, virtual try-on features

Gap Inc. continues efforts to transform its customer experience with leading-edge artificial intelligence.
Target, Amazon launch interactive holiday toy catalogs — in print and digitally

Amazon and Target are both turning the traditional holiday toy catalog on its head with interactive resources that promote products and entertain users.
Chatbots influence – but don’t control – consumer purchases

Artificial intelligence chatbots are growing in usage and importance as shopping tools but are not the only deciding factor in purchases.
Walmart to bring 30-minute drone delivery to two new markets

Walmart is expanding the drone delivery service it operates with technology from Wing westward.
Adobe: Prime Big Deal Days spending to rise 9% to $9.9B

Adobe has an optimistic outlook on Amazon’s upcoming Prime Big Deal Days sales blockbuster.
A deeper dive into Accenture’s holiday survey – inflation, AI loom

Accenture data shows that the holiday shopping season is shaping up to be centered around consumers using artificial intelligence and feeling financial pressure.
EXCLUSIVE: Accenture discusses how AI, inflation impact holiday spend

Kelly Askew, Accenture global retail industry lead, says shoppers are accounting for the economy and using artificial intelligence this holiday season.
Here’s why shoppers don’t like online search – and would consider AI

Consumers are growing frustrated with the online search experience on e-commerce sites and may turn to next-gen artificial intelligence assistants.