Omnichannel

Unfazed by store closures, shoppers plan to get most of their holiday shopping done in-store this year.    Nearly three-quarters of consumers (71%) plan to do the majority of their holiday shopping in physical stores — the same percentage from a similar poll a year ago. Additionally, the vast majority (88%) plan to at least visit stores this holiday season.  

Publix Super Markets is ramping up its grocery delivery services.   Beginning Sept. 28, the supermarket chain will begin testing curbside grocery pickup at a store in Wesley Chapel, Florida, and another in Valrico, Florida. In addition, Publix's Metro-Atlanta stores will begin testing the service by the end of this year.  

Ikea Group has entered the booming market for on-demand services.      The home furnishings giant is acquiring TaskRabbit, an on-demand services platform company that connects customers with workers, called "taskers," that handle everyday needs such as furniture assembly, moving and packing, general handyman repairs, and home improvements. The price of the transaction was not revealed.  

CVS Pharmacy has brought its new store format to the "crossroads of the world."  

More than three-quarters of consumers are shopping at bricks-and-mortar stores just as much as or more than they did a year ago.   That's according to Consumer View, a new quarterly report from the National Retail Federation. NRF is working with Toluna Analytics to produce the report, which is designed to gauge consumer behavior and shopping trends related to stores, online channels, customer loyalty, technology and other issues.  

Macy's is overhauling its loyalty program, putting a new focus on its best customers.   The department store retailer is revamping its Star Rewards program with a tiered rewards system that gives its very best shoppers (those who spend $1,200 or more annually) such perks as free shipping, additional savings and earned points on every purchase.  

American Eagle Outfitters has gone omnichannel with its loyalty program.   The teen apparel retailer announced the launch of AEO Connected, a highly digitized loyalty program for its American Eagle and Aerie customers. Over 16 million current rewards members were immediately converted to AEO Connected.