Social Media

Japan’s biggest e-commerce player uses third-party marketplace model to expand

Most U.S. consumers, and many retailers for that matter, have probably never heard of Rakuten. But if Japan’s largest e-commerce marketplace has its way, that will soon change: The company has set its sights on becoming a household name in the United States. An even loftier goal: outpacing e-commerce giant Amazon.com.

Unusually high community engagement, user-driven initiatives, mobile growth and a love of all things vintage — that’s the formula behind the growth of ModCloth.com, which hit $100 million in sales just a decade after it launched out of co-founder Susan Gregg Koger’s dorm room back in 2002.

From online social sharing to location-based targeting to new payment technologies, the retail experience is being upended and disrupted in ways big and small. Ten companies are leading the charge.

Austin, Texas -- Raley's Family of Fine Stores has selected Revionics’ social commerce solution to power a measurable social media rewards program called Extra Friendzy.

By Punit Kulkarni, Symphony Analytics

Last week, I looked back at 2013 and how the biggest single trend in retail IT was customers using connective technology to take control of the shopping experience. This week, I look forward to the new year of 2014, when the biggest single trend in retail IT will be customer disruption.

Supermarket chain Raley's Family of Fine Stores has hired an Austin, Texas-based company to help it launch a new social media rewards program.

Looking back on 2013 (and as always, it’s amazing how quickly “look back” time arrived), the biggest single trend in retail IT has been customers using connective technology to take control of the shopping experience. And retailers should be thrilled.

Chelsea Handler has teamed up with 7UP Ten to challenge Americans to stop depriving themselves of the things they love in the new year.

The bestselling author and host of late-night TV show, “Chelsea Lately,” and the soda line are launching a series of videos that consumers can view and share with friends.

A program Tyson Foods developed to encourage people to make healthy choices by eating more chicken has been extended to three months and involves Facebook as a key component.