Omnichannel

Site search specialist SLI Systems has elected New Zealand marketer and social media executive Andy Lark as a non-executive independent director.

"We are very pleased to add Andy's wealth of global brand, e-commerce and marketing experience to the SLI Board," said SLI Systems Chairman Greg Cross. "With his direct experience of building and funding businesses, he is conversant with the challenges unique to a fast-growing technology company like SLI Systems."

New York -- Chain Store Age's Retail Store of the Year design competition has added a new category for its 2014 awards: in-store digital innovation. Retailers, design firms, vendors and suppliers are all eligible to submit entries.

Richmond Hill, Ont. -- Interactive mobile advertising technology provider iSign Media Corp. has developed the Smart Player Kit. The solution is a form of advertising technology that combines digital signage with mobile messaging.

Through this technology, restaurants can now send real-time discounts and offers to customers’ mobile phones while they’re in close proximity or inside the restaurant ready to make a purchase.

Strong third-quarter sales at footwear retailer Finish Line and elevated expectations for the full-year were attributed to the company’s approach to integrated commerce.

Sales for the third quarter ended November 30 increased 22.9% to $364.5 million and same store sales advanced 7.1%. Profits increased to $2.3 million from a prior year loss of $107,000 at the operator 658 athletic footwear stores and 198 branded footwear departments at Macy’s.

Retail Cloud Technologies is the name of a new retail software solutions company created by Dallas entrepreneur Chad Willis and software developer Michael Mauerer.

Scaumburg, Ill. - Overall in-store satisfaction has grown 23% in the last six years. Meanwhile, the annual Motorola Solutions Holiday Shopping study shows that satisfaction with the checkout process and the availability of store associates has increased 32% and 23% respectively since 2008.

The windows of Macy’s Herald Square flagship are a holiday delight. The six windows on the Broadway side of the store — with themes of Dream, Giving & Sharing, Joy, Beauty, Magic and Believe — tell the story of a young boy’s dream on Christmas Eve, where he travels to a magical crystal forest complete with fairies and sparkling, animated snow.

Groupon is offering last-minute holiday shoppers Grouponvelope and a digital gift voucher. With these new options, Groupon lets local merchants who do not have a gift card program reach customers who are looking for last-minute holiday gift ideas.