Omnichannel

Japanese retailer Uniqlo's U.S. expansion is picking up speed as the company prepares to open its first-ever stores in the Seattle, Denver and Washington, D.C.

Boston - Americans are more likely to subscribe to Amazon Prime for free two- day shipping than for Prime Instant Video, and in the U.S. when they do subscribe, are more likely to use Netflix than Prime Instant Video. According to a new study from global intelligence firm Strategy Analytics, nearly two-thirds (63%) of Amazon Prime subscribers used Netflix in the previous month compared to 59% who used Prime Instant Video.

Japan’s largest eyewear brand is opening its first U.S. flagship store in California with a unique, gallery-like setting designed by San Francisco architecture firm Kwan Henmi.

Shoppers at JINS will be able to choose trendy, customized eyeglass styles for each face and personality with affordable prices ranging from $60 to $120, including high-quality aspheric lenses.

By Andy Wong, co-founder and VP of client services, Mobispoke

The rapid adoption of e-commerce in the digital age has fundamentally changed the way people shop. The online shopping experience today is not only richer and more engaging than in-store, but it is also personalized to each individual consumer, offering outfit pairings and special discounts based on a consumer’s profile.

Winston-Salem, N.C. - Lowes Foods, a locally-owned and operated grocery chain, has selected Unata’s customer engagement platform for a pilot which will offer a one-to-one e-commerce experience for its shoppers. Lowes’ new Click & Collect customer experience will include a one-to-one personalized homepage and personalized product recommendations across the shopping experience.

A big jump in digital sales and the integration of Saks Fifth Avenue helped Hudson’s Bay Co. post a larger increase in profit in the fourth quarter.

Jeffersonville, Ind. – Retailers worried that it will take a while for consumers to become comfortable engaging in omnichannel commerce via wearable technology can rest easy.

According to new research from Accent Marketing, half of more than 1,000 consumers surveyed said they would buy wearable tech so brands can send alerts and have more insight into their lifestyle.

And three in four Millennial respondents said they believe wearable technology is a new way for brands to engage consumers. Other key findings include:

New York -- Rising rents and increased online competition have claimed one of downtown Manhattan’s most iconic retail stores, Pearl River Mart in SoHo. The Chinese department store, which opened its doors in 1971, will close at the end of its current lease in December.