Omnichannel

Today’s consumer is driven by an “I want it now” mentality, yet retailers are still not prepared to deliver. Reducing the time it takes an order to arrive at a customer’s home is every retailer’s objective, but while quicker fulfillment makes customers happy, it comes at a cost.

Effectively meeting the customer’s impulse to buy the moment it occurs is a crucial part of retail success.

Specialty fashion retailer Nicole Miller is meeting that impulse not only when it occurs, but where it occurs.

Nicole Miller is using the PowaTag mobile platform to allow customers to make digital purchases directly from social media and email promotions, as well as from its e-commerce site.

Taco Bell has developed a new store design and banner for the brand’s expansion into urban markets.

The new model — designed in house — eliminates the drive-thru and uses technology to help simplify and modernize the restaurant experience. The format, called Taco Bell Cantina, will debut in the Wicker Park neighborhood of Chicago on Tuesday, Sep. 22. The second will open in San Francisco later this month. And in a big change for the company, Cantina customers will be able to buy wine or beer to accompany their tacos.  

The term “omnichannel” has been bandied about so much that some feel it is simply a buzzword, but retailers are taking it seriously and working to implement omnichannel solutions and practices.

According to a new survey of executives at tier one and two retailers by digital technology provider Happiest Minds, 64% of retailers are putting an omnichannel strategy in place and there seems to be a widespread acknowledgement of omnichannel as a key strategy lever.

Best Buy is looking to keep its customers as connected as possible, with a little help from AT&T.

Starting this month, new AT&T shop-within-a-shops at select Best Buy stores will provide what the two companies are calling a “#ConnectedLife” experience.

Online shoppers looking for a sofa in that perfect shade of leather will enjoy new technology being rolled out by Wayfair.

The leading furniture e-commerce retailer announced that, in partnership with tech solutions provider roOomy, high-resolution image renderings based on 3D product models will be available on DwellStudio and Birch Lane. Now, customers shopping on these sites will be able to experiment with multiple textures and fabrics, and see 360-degree views to find the perfect pieces of furniture for their home.

Bentonville, Ark. – On the same day Target launched a pilot of the Instacart online grocery delivery service, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. announced it will expand its existing grocery pickup service.

Virtually all U.S. consumers will do at least some holiday shopping online this year.

According to the new Consumer Pulse survey from Rubicon Project, more than one-third of shoppers anticipate conducting the majority of their shopping online.

Consumers who conduct most of their holiday shopping online plan to spend 20% more than consumers who plan to do the majority of their shopping in-store. Amazon.com is the top holiday shopping destination, followed by Walmart and Target.