Data & Analytics

By Ulf Mattsson, Protegrity

Staples is taking the next step in creating the largest curated ecosystem of “smart home” devices.

The company has announced that its home automation system, called Staples Connect, will now offer ambient alerts for the home and office. The alerts provide audio and visual notifications outside of the Staples Connect app and through compatible devices in the home or office.

As it seeks to further improve its digital interaction with customers, Walgreens has chosen Qualcomm as its partner for device connectivity with the drugstore chain's mobile and web applications, as well as its Balance Rewards program. 

Embattled teen retailer Wet Seal Inc. has defaulted on $27 million in senior convertible notes and related costs.

In a regulatory filing, Wet Seal said the total amount due is equal to $28.8 million, plus costs of collection, attorneys’ fees and disbursements.

Atlanta -- The new year has brought news of a possible new data breach. Chick-fil-A acknowledged on Friday that it has received reports of potential “unusual activity” involving payment cards used at a few of its restaurants and that it was investigating whether a data breach had taken place.

“We take our obligation to protect customer information seriously, and we are working with leading IT security firms, law enforcement and our payment industry contacts to determine all of the facts,” the company said in a statement.  

The more than 2 million sellers who comprise the Amazon Marketplace sold more than 2 billion items worldwide in 2014, as more and more businesses relied on the retail giant’s fulfillment capabilities.

Marketplace transactions accounted for 40 percent of all products sold through the retail giant last year, the company announced. Also, the number of items sold by Marketplace sellers doubled from 2013 even though the number of Amazon sellers remained the same.

Last week, I took a look back at three technologies that disrupted retail in 2014. Now that we are kicking off the first work week of the New Year, it’s time to look ahead at three technologies likely to disrupt retail in 2015.

Wearables

Santa Clara, Calif. - Intel Corp. has made a $24.8 million investment into Vuzix Corp., a provider of  wearable display technology video eyewear and smart glasses products in the consumer, commercial and entertainment markets. Vuzix is focused on next-generation optics and displays that have the potential to fit in fashion-based wearable glasses.  

Intel's investment will be used for general working capital to accelerate the introduction of Vuzix next generation fashion-based wearable display products into the consumer market.