Omnichannel

Macy’s is toying with a lofty idea that could create more traffic at its Herald Square store in New York City.  

A majority of Americans want to use connected devices to make purchases, yet they are keeping a keen eye on securing personal data.  

Complexities associated with online shipping and fulfillment are eating into retailers’ profitability.   This was according to “Strategies for Agile, Profitable and Secure Omnichannel Execution.” The report, from Radial, revealed that more than 55% of customers are using multiple channels, such as online and mobile to shop.  

Even Amazon isn’t immune to the occasional online hiccup.   Pages failed to load across the online store on Wednesday, June 7. When they did, customers viewed a 503 error message, along with snippets from the online retailer’s “Meet the Dogs of Amazon” page, which included photos and stats of the company’s canines, according to The Verge.  

Amazon is giving Prime members another way to shop — through their Amazon Fire TV.   Amazon Fire TV already streams Web-based content, such as videos, music and games on the “big screen.” Now Amazon’s new app lets Prime members search and browse Amazon products and make purchases directly through their Fire TV remote, according to TechCrunch.  

E-commerce sales may be hitting all-time highs, but the key to success is seamless online returns processes.   This was according to “Making Returns a Competitive Advantage,” a re-port from Navar. The report is based on responses from 700 U.S. con-sumers who returned an online purchase in the past 12 months.  

The battle for low-income shoppers is heating up.    Amazon announced that individuals participating in government assistance programs can sign up for Amazon Prime membership at the discounted rate of $5.99 per month. The regular annual membership for Prime is $99 per year, or $10.99 a month for those who prefer to pay on a monthly basis.