Data & Analytics

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.   

Staples named a new technology chief who is expected to step up the company’s IT initiatives.  

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.   

At Home reported a strong first quarter, helped by the addition of 23 new stores the chain opened in the past 12 months — and there are more on the way.   

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

Even Amazon isn’t immune to the occasional online hiccup.   Pages failed to load across the online store on Wednesday, June 7. When they did, customers viewed a 503 error message, along with snippets from the online retailer’s “Meet the Dogs of Amazon” page, which included photos and stats of the company’s canines, according to The Verge.  

Consumers rank Wegmans, Publix Super Markets, and Amazon.com as the top three companies when it comes to corporate social responsibility efforts.   

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.