Store Systems

Two leading retailers highlighted different aspects of their digital customer experience efforts at the recent SAP Retail Forum in Miami.

Keri Stelle, director, Target Technology Services, said Target Corp. is trying to modify its entire corporate culture to respond to changing needs of the new digital customer in a session titled, “Who is the Evolving Target Guest?”

“It’s not just about Mom anymore,” said Stelle. “Today, the entire family wields influence over the retail purchase.”

Microsoft is opening its first Manhattan flagship store, with a major competitor conveniently nearby.

Moms are now much more likely than ever to complete a purchase via mobile, rather than simply using their devices to compare prices and find coupons.

According to a new infographic from pregnancy and parenting website BabyCenter, in just one year, there has been a 33% increase in moms using their smartphones for making actual purchases. Sixty-four percent of moms say they had completed a purchase via mobile in the last month, in comparison to 48% who said the same in 2014.

Microsoft Corp. has opened its first Manhattan flagship, within blocks of its major competitor.

The new Microsoft store is located at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and 53rd Street, just several blocks away from Apple's Manhattan flagship with its famed glass cube entry. Microsoft has been planning the five-floor, 22,369-sq.-ft. store for more than six years.

Sleepy’s, The Mattress Professionals is staying awake when it comes to the latest in consumer payment.

The privately held specialty mattress and bedding accessories retailer has committed to upgrading to Ingenico Group smart terminals to securely accept EMV credit and debit cards and NFC/contactless mobile payments at all of its 1,000-plus stores by the end of 2015.

Many retailers are still on a quest to offer customers a seamless experience.

Anyone who thinks Michael Jordan’s star may have dimmed in the 10-plus years since he retired from professional basketball, should think again.

Nike on Saturday, Oct. 24, in Chicago, debuts its first-ever store dedicated entirely to its Jordan Brand, and fans of the sports legend, along with sneaker enthusiasts, lined up for days in anticipation of the opening. Nike also plans to open Jordan Brand stores in additional locations, including New York, Los Angeles and Toronto.

Product and pricing data provider 360pi is out with its take on what retailers and brands can expect this holiday season.

According to 360pi, retailers that offer real-time data, regionalized pricing and exclusive products will shine during the 2015 holiday shopping season. The firm puts more meat on the bone with its six holiday predictions, including: