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It is not easy for a 100-plus year-old retailer to reimagine its retail strategy, but J.C. Penney is doing just that.   

UGG is driving a new level of engagement with loyal shoppers.   Starting today, shoppers nationwide are invited to join UGG Rewards, a loyalty program that awards shoppers with points for every purchase. The program, which was launched as a pilot among a limited customer base between September 2015 and June 2016, is now available to shoppers in-store and online throughout the United States.  

Amazon Prime launched its newest set of benefits, but these are targeting gamers.   Bolstering its live streaming video platform Twitch, Amazon has intro-duced Twitch Prime. This membership-based service entitles members to exclusive discounts on pre-orders and newly released games; a rotating selection of free digital games and in-game loot, and a premium experi-ence on Twitch that includes a free monthly Twitch channel subscription.   

As consumers connect with their favorite brands, they expect a consistent shopping experience.   With the help of Salesforce.com, The Aldo Group consolidated shopper data across its enterprise so it can create a singular shopping experience. By adding a cloud-based platform, Aldo gained 360-degree views of each shopper, a move that provides better insight into their preferences and allows the chain to engage with consumers more effectively.  

The signs of fall are definitely upon us. The weather is finally dropping into the 70s on the east coast. Summer’s green leaves are slowly transitioning to rich autumn hues. You can’t escape “Pumpkin Spice.” And of course, the biggest sign of fall: Halloween pop-up stores.  

Skechers now allows shoppers to manage their shopping experience from the palm of their hand.  

It's hard to find a brand more excited about the first day of fall than UGG.   Ready to kick off its favorite season in style, UGG is launching a custom, fall-themed Snapchat lens. The lens, which will be available until midnight tonight, is part of the company’s digital campaign, #UGGseason. UGG fans can log onto Twitter and post their favorite looks, memes and comments, including those created through Snapchat.  

Mirror, mirror in her hand, is Rebecca Minkoff one of the most innovative retailers in the land?   The specialty retailer is inching closer to this title as it brings its store-level smart mirror experience into its shoppers hands through a new app. Specifically, the app from Zeekit allows consumers to virtually “try on” fashions before buying online or trying them on in-store.  

Forget apparel, electronics and gift cards. Free shipping is expected to be the most-coveted wish among many shoppers this holiday season.   That’s according to the “The September 2016 Holiday Retail Report” from Radial and CFI Group, in which 91% of respondents said they would be willing to increase the size of their online order to qualify for free shipping.  

Retailers should see a modest uptick in holiday sales this year. But the news isn’t all positive for big chains or even major online retailers.