Artificial Intelligence

Centennial hatches plan to let people shop their malls like they shop Amazon
Back in March and April, when the COVID-19 pandemic began putting malls out of business, Centennial executives hunkered down in a series of defensive planning meetings to weather the crisis.
Five Tips for Retailers to Prepare for the 2020 Holiday Shopping Season
Retailers who prioritize customers’ desires for a safe, efficient shopping journey will be the big winners this year.

H-E-B is latest grocer to deploy micro-fulfillment centers

A Texas-based regional grocer is joining the burgeoning trend of supporting omnichannel services with automated micro-fulfillment technology.
Amazon expands computer science education efforts

Amazon is more than doubling the reach of its Future Engineer initiative.
Amazon launches invite-only luxury shopping experience

Amazon unveiled Luxury Stores, a mobile shopping experience for select U.S. Prime members.
Deloitte: Holiday sales to inch up 1% to 1.5% amid ‘unparalleled uncertainty’

Holiday sales growth this year will largely depend on how much wealthy households splurge and how a range of different pandemic-related factors play out.
FedEx senses need for real-time parcel tracking

FedEx is offering a new location awareness tool for packages in its supply chain, with an eye toward eventual COVID-19 vaccine shipments.
Canadian Tire inflates insight into customer experience

Canadian Tire Corp. is tracking the success of its customer experience efforts across channels, in real-time.
Walmart won’t be investing in TikTok; Oracle wins bidding contest

Microsoft’s bid for the U.S. business of TikTok, which includes Walmart as a minority investor, has been rejected.
Walmart prepares for takeoff with health-and-wellness drone delivery

Walmart’s latest drone pilot will provide on-demand delivery of select health-and-wellness products.
Survey: Fashion retailers unprepared for holidays amid COVID-19

Fashion retailers are concerned about how COVID-19 may affect holiday sales, with many unsure how to prepare.
COVID-19 causes change in convenience chains

Convenience retailers are increasingly adopting cashierless checkout, on-demand delivery, and targeted merchandising programs in response to the impact of COVID-19.