Samsung

Samsung is partnering with Macy's on an experiential in-store shop concept.

Subway is debuting a new look.    On Monday, the fast-casual restaurant chain unveiled a new store design intended to provide a more distinctive and welcoming customer experience. The new "fresh forward" design, by FRCH Design Worldwide, includes a bright color palette, inspired by the hues of fresh vegetables, wall decor that communicates the brand's emphasis on quality ingredients, and more contemporary-looking seating. It also features such tech enhancements, such as self-ordering digital kiosks.  

Retail and restaurant executives, architects, suppliers and other industry professionals involved in store design/planning, construction and facility management gathered together for Chain Store Age’s 53rd annual SPECS conference.

The event, held at the Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee, Fla., focused on the evolution and innovation of physical stores in a digital age, and explored industry trends that are transforming how stores are designed, built, operated and maintained.

Samsung Pay is expanding its breadth.   Besides launching in Sweden and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the digital wallet also kicked off an early access program in Hong Kong and Switzerland. The launches in UAE and Sweden are Samsung Pay’s first introduction in the Middle East and the Nordics respectively, Samsung said.   Samsung Pay users in Sweden and the UAE can also integrate loyalty and membership cards within their mobile wallets.  

A new four-legged friend is roaming Boston neighborhoods, and it can bring shoppers more than their newspaper or slippers.   Spot, a four-legged, dog-like robot from Boston Dynamics, is programmed to deliver packages to consumers’ front doors, according to ReCode.  

Mobile wallet usage in the United States remains small, and shows no signs of increasing anytime soon.   This was according to “PYMNTS/InfoScout Mobile Payment Adoption,” a new report from PYMNTS.com. The survey, which was conducted in March 2017 among more than 7,655 consumers, said less than one in 20 consumers who have one of the main mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Sam-sung Pay, and Android Pay) use it regularly.   

Following a report that said the CIA is capable of breaking into Apple devices, the electronics company is working diligently to fix potential vulnerabilities.   On Tuesday, March 7, the WikiLeaks website said the CIA has an arsenal of malware ready to undermine security and encryption measures on Apple’s iPhones, Mac OS operating system, AirPort routers, according to ReCode.   

When Samsung Electronics America opened the doors to Samsung 837 in the heart of New York City, it unveiled a digital playground that personifies the evolution — and future — of retail. The store will be the focus of a session at Chain Store Age’s upcoming SPECS conference (March 12-14, at the Gaylord Palms, Kissimmee, Florida).      

Alibaba is championing the fight against counterfeit merchandise.   In a new alliance with international brands including Louis Vuitton, Samsung and Mars, Alibaba has created an anti-counterfeiting group. Called the Alibaba Big Data Anti-Alliance, the 20-member consortium of industry and technical leaders is working to keep pirated goods off of Alibaba’s e-commerce platform, according to the company’s website.  

What better place is there for global exposure than the Olympic Games?   At least, that is what Alibaba is counting on now that it struck a deal to become a top sponsor of the Olympic Games through 2028. The sponsorship, which is worth $800 million, pits the brand among giants like Coca Cola Co. and Samsung Electronics Co., according to Bloomberg.