Six digital trends to stay on top ofMobile ad spending, smart speaker adoption, and augmented reality are among six digital trends on a watch list compiled by eMarketer. Marks & Spencer creates an AI-based call centerA British retail giant is automating its call center, a move that is freeing up customer service agents for store-level tasks. Middle-Ground Retail is Dying—But Discovery Shopping Could Save It Today, shoppers have more choices than ever before, and they also have the technological means to rapidly sift through those choices to find the ones they prefer. Ricker’s c-stores to offer cashier-free shopping experience An Indiana-based convenience store operator is about to launch a new checkout experience — one that allows customers to bypass the checkout counter. Fashion retailer uses new solution to step up self-service The parent company of Fabletics, the fast-growing activewear brand, is using a new kind of chatbot to drive customer service. Tailored Brands names new chief digital officer as it bolsters tech leadership team Tailored Brands has appointed two new leaders who will focus on applying data to business strategies. Kroger begins an unconventional delivery service—no driver required Kroger Co. has gone driverless in Scottsdale. Best Buy to acquire connected health services provider in mega-deal Best Buy is making a big acquisition that will give it even stronger footing in the healthcare segment. Online furniture e-retailer adds interior designers to its offering Wayfair now offers a platform that connects designers with online customers — for a small fee. Kroger in partnership with Chinese e-commerce giant Kroger Co. is continuing its push into online retail by teaming up with Chinese e-commerce site — and Amazon rival — Amazon rival Alibaba Group. Sainbury’s in U.K. first with cashier-free convenience store Sainsbury’s is piloting a cashier-less, grab-and-go experience at one of its convenience stores in London. Fragrance retailer uses AI to manage price and promotions internationally Douglas is creating a new pricing strategy that focuses on its customer segments, even those in other countries. First Previous 357 358 359 360 361 Next Last