Retail

Most retailers recognize the importance of combining the best of digital technologies and physical stores to profitably create a seamless and consistent customer experience across channels. There’s a good reason for this. Their most valuable customers are engaging with them across all channels: store, mobile, social and online. Some retailers find that these omnichannel customers spend two times to five times more than customers who buy in only one channel.

Retailers who still think virtual reality is just for hard-core gamers should think again.

In another example of how physical retailers are employing state-of-the-art technology to remain engaging — and relevant — in a digital age, specialty apparel powerhouse Tommy Hilfiger on Tuesday became the first major retailer to employ virtual reality in its stores. The technology offers shoppers who otherwise might never attend a runway show a chance to view close-up and personal the fall runway show of the Hilfiger Collection.

Shoppers who hit the aisles at Kmart this Halloween are in for more treats than tricks.

The company said that shoppers in costume on Oct. 31 will receive a coupon for a purchase over $30. Additionally, the first 100 children ages 12 and under who show up to trick or treat will receive a fun-size candy bar.

Hungry consumers in Portland just got a new option for convenient eating.

Amazon.com is enabling Prime Now customers in Portland to obtain free delivery from local restaurants and food carts. Using the Prime Now mobile app, Portland customers can view participating restaurants, browse menus, place orders, track the status of their delivery, and watch as the driver travels from the restaurant to the delivery address in real time.

Once an order is placed, Amazon delivery drivers pick up and deliver the food within an hour or less.

Andrew Hunt, the co-founder of the hot eyewear retailer Warby Parker, has raised $138.3 million for a new venture capital firm, reports Boston Business Journal. The Boston-based firm is called Elephant Partners and is reportedly focused on consumer Internet, mobile and software. (Boston Business Journal)

Consumers’ intentions often differ materially from their behavior and retailers better hope that is the case this year or it won’t be a happy holiday, according to the latest consumer research from the National Retail Federation.

Amazon.com Inc. is suing more than 1,000 people for writing fake product reviews on its website. Defendants are misleading Amazon’s customers and tarnishing Amazon’s brand for their own profit and the profit of a handful of dishonest sellers and manufacturers,” according to a complaint filed Friday in a Seattle court. (USA Today)