Artificial Intelligence

Study: Sales associates not well-equipped to perform job
Digital retailing is intensifying, yet retail associates still don’t have the technology they need to serve customers when they visit in-store. That's according to “The 2017 Retail Associate Technology Study,” from Salesfloor. The report, which surveyed 254 North American retail associates across a variety of product categories, compensation models and store sizes, explores the connection between store-level employees and the technology they use to serve customers.
Digital directory keeps Mall of America traffic moving
Traffic is good at the Mall of America. Arguably Minnesota’s biggest tourist attraction, the 5.5 million-sq.-ft. theme-park-cum-shopping center packs in some 40 million visitors a year. The big challenge for owner Triple Five is how to keep that traffic moving, experiencing, and spending instead of seeking out directions.

Study: Shoppers drawn to smart devices stay abreast of security

A majority of Americans want to use connected devices to make purchases, yet they are keeping a keen eye on securing personal data.
UPS: International online shopping is on the rise

More U.S. online shoppers are buying items from international retailers. To compete against these lower prices, U.S brands to step up personalization efforts.
Beauty retailer steps up augmented reality offering

Sephora is upgrading its app-based digital makeover experience. The beauty chain is expanding the functionality of its Sephora Virtual Artist, an augmented reality-based feature on its mobile app that enables shoppers to digitally try on make-up. The app’s new Cheek Try On service allows users to virtually try on over 1,000 shades of cheek color, including blush, bronzer, contour, and highlighter shades available in single colors and palettes.
Accenture: Digital innovation to drive trillions of dollars in value

Retailers could unlock $2.95 trillion in value over the next decade simply by investing in transforming, digitally driven business models.
From Catwalk Trends to Data Trends: Must-Have Skills for Tomorrow’s Retailers

In today’s digital world, creativity is just one skill needed for commercial success in the fashion industry. The art of design remains crucial, but leading designers are supplementing art with science – using digital technologies to connect with customers on both a hyper-local and hyper-personal level.
eBay personalizes every shopper’s visit

Shoppers are demanding that retailers treat them as individuals, and eBay is listening. eBay is launching an enhanced, more personalized eBay shopping experience through a new homepage that is responsive to its individual customers’ interests. Leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technology, eBay is tailoring recommendations across all categories during each shopper’s new site visit, and serving up an inventory mix that's unique only to them.
Walmart leverages ‘employees’ for last-mile delivery initiative
7-Eleven opening futuristic store in South Korea

Convenience-store giant 7-Eleven is opening a store that allows customers to pay simply with a wave of their hand.
Walmart CEO: ‘Associates are the secret to our success’

Walmart is no stranger to innovation. However, when defining the secret to the company’s success, Walmart’s chief executive Doug McMillon said he just has to look within the company’s proverbial four walls.
Online giant granted patent for parachute-dropping drone

Amazon’s newest win aims to further improve how it delivers packages. The online giant won a patent from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on May 30, for an “aerial package delivery system.” While Amazon is no stranger to using drones, the company’s newest air-based endeavor raises the bar another notch.