Artificial Intelligence

Amazon continues to expand its footprint of distribution centers.   Amazon is set to break ground on its first fulfillment center in the state of Oregon. The 855,000-sq.-ft. facility, which will be located in Troutdale, will augment the company’s sortation center in Hillsboro, and Prime Now hub in Portland.  

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.  

Weis Markets knows the key to driving loyalty is to deliver value.   In a move that will improve its marketing and promotions operations, the regional grocer has partnered with dunnhumby and Aptaris. By integrating an enterprise promotional planning, price optimization, modeling and forecasting system, Weis is one step closer to increasing sales, improving customer loyalty and building a more profitable and competitive market position.  

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.   

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.   

A majority of Americans want to use connected devices to make purchases, yet they are keeping a keen eye on securing personal data.  

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.  

Retailers could unlock $2.95 trillion in value over the next decade simply by investing in transforming, digitally driven business models.