Artificial Intelligence

Generational Perspective: How our past defines our future buying behaviors
Everyone’s trying to figure out what drives consumers to purchase. But to understand how they shop, you need to know what makes them tick. Alliance Data’s Analytics and Insights Institute conducted a study with more than 2,400 respondents to better understand consumer buying habits and expectations. These insights, cross-referenced with results from our "Understanding Customer Loyalty" study, confirmed that consumer buying habits track closely with life stage and each generation’s cultural identity.
Analyst: Amazon stock to hit $1,275 per share in 2018
Amazon is the "best long-term growth story available to investors today." But don't expect the company to generate meaningful profits anytime soon. That's according to MKM Partners managing director Rob Sanderson who, on Tuesday, raised his price target on the online giant's stock to $1,275 per share, up from $1,095.

Report: Alibaba primed for explosive global growth

Move over Amazon — China's largest online player is looking to take on the world. Now the largest e-commerce company in the world with $430 billion in gross merchandise volume, Alibaba is seeking to become a global company as well with a goal of serving more than 2 billion shoppers, according to a new report by global think tank FGRT (Fung Global Retail & Technology).
Five ways Walmart uses big data

Walmart is bullish on big data — especially when it comes to finding ways to better serve its shoppers. Big data volume continues to grow, but Walmart is using it to the company’s — and its customers’ — advantage. By analyzing the robust information flowing throughout its operations, the discounter has gained a real-time view of workflow across its pharmacy, distribution centers, stores and e-commerce, according to a company blog.
Nation's largest mall is ‘mapping out’ a better shopping experience

Technology that works like GPS for indoor locations is helping shoppers find their way through Mall of America.
Online giant explores ‘mobile’ drone launch pad

Amazon has lots of ideas about how drones can improve package deliveries, but they also need supportive facilities and operations. In hopes of getting the ball rolling, the online giant has filed a patent application for “ground-based mobile maintenance facilities for unmanned aerial vehicles.” Simply put, these hubs would be dedicated to accommodating, loading, launching, receiving and maintaining the delivery drones.
Simon launches ‘concierge bot’

Simon is debuting a new type of concierge — one that never calls in sick. The mall owner launched a chatbot designed to deliver customers at its 208 North American centers useful information as they shop. Described as the industry’s first enterprise-wide bot, the artificial intelligence-based technology is available through Facebook Messenger, and provides store and restaurant information, hours of operation, special events, daily promotions and a list of available amenities.
Pier 1 on hunt for new finance chief

Pier I Imports' loss is Fossil Group's gain. Pier 1 Imports announced that Jeffrey N. Boyer, executive VP and CFO, is leaving the company effective October 3, 2017 to become CFO of Fossil Group, where he has been a member of the board of directors since 2007. Pier 1 is appointing an executive search firm to conduct a search for a new CFO.
Walmart deploying tech that lets in-store shoppers check out — on their own

A discount giant is helping more shoppers skip the checkout line. Walmart is expanding the deployment of its Scan & Go mobile app, which is being tested in approximately 12 stores across Northwest Arkansas, Florida, Texas and Georgia. The chain is now rolling out the app for use in at least 10 additional locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth and Nashville markets. The stores will offer the solution by the end of the month, according to Justin Rushing, spokesman for Walmart.
Wayfair extends reach of its augmented reality app

A furniture e-retailer is putting its augmented reality-based app into more shoppers’ hands. Wayfair’s AR application, WayfairView, has been integrated into its mobile shopping app on the newly released ASUS ZenFone AR. The smartphone, which launched on Thursday, is equipped with Google’s Tango AR platform.
Regional furniture retailer modernizes front-end

City Furniture sales associates are moving away from the cashwrap, and completing transactions directly on the show floor.
Amazon Opens Old Wounds for Retailers (Again)

Before we completely move on from last month’s Amazon Prime Day, it’s important to understand why retail brands once again braced themselves to lose customers and online sales when they had a whole year to do things differently.