News

Office Depot makes $1 billion acquisition
Office Depot took a first step toward its goal of transforming itself from a traditional office products retailer to a broader business services and technology products platform.
Walmart ups same-day delivery capabilities with Big Apple acquisition
Walmart is determined not to be bested by Amazon when it comes to same-day delivery. The discounter announced on Tuesday that it has acquired Parcel, a last-mile delivery startup that specializes in delivery of perishable items and general merchandise to customers in New York City. Operating out of a warehouse in Brooklyn, Parcel delivers goods the same-day, overnight and in scheduled two-hour windows, providing customers with live updates via text messages throughout the delivery process.

NRF: Holiday sales to increase 3.6% to 4%

One of the most closely watched holiday forecasts has good news for retailers. The National Retail Federation said it expects holiday retail sales in November and December to increase between 3.6% and 4% for a total of $678.75 billion to $682 billion. In 2016, up from $655.8 billion last year. The NRF forecast, which excludes automobiles, gasoline and restaurants, would meet or exceed last year’s growth of 3.6% and the five-year average of 3.5%.
Report: Online giant has its eye on some French supermarkets

Amazon is exploring its next grocery opportunity — but not in the United States. The online giant is looking for physical store locations in France, especially Paris. French newspaper Le Monde, which first broke the story, said Amazon has approached various French supermarket operators — including Groupe Casino, Intermarche and Systeme U — about setting up distribution deals or making an acquisition in the country, according to CNBC.
Nordstrom unveils updated store concept

Nordstrom opened the doors on Tuesday to its newest full-line store, one that includes new store design concepts and services.
Study: Walmart shoppers checking out Whole Foods Market

As Whole Foods Market continues to slash prices at its stores, the chain is attracting competitors’ shoppers — including those from Walmart. This was according to “Competitive Impact of Lower Prices at Whole Foods,” a report from data intelligence firm Thasos Group.
Nominations open for most influential women in retail tech

Who are the leading women working in retail technology? Chain Store Age is accepting nominations for its annual feature recognizing female executives who are helping to transform the retail industry through technology. The “Top 10 Women in Retail Tech” will celebrate the achievements of retail executives from all areas of technology. The winners will be profiled in a special section of the January 2018 issue of Chain Store Age, as well as in an online report on chainstoreage.com.
Study: Retailers cutting prices to compete with online players

Online-only retailers may be taking a toll on omnichannel companies, but traditional companies are finding ways to fight back. This was according to “Brick-and-Mortar Retailers Fight Back: Winning Strategies to Compete with Online-Only Players,” a report from Applied Predictive Technologies (APT).
Coffee giant pulls the plug on online store

Starbucks Corp.’s online store has officially closed its virtual doors. The e-commerce site, which sold Starbucks’ branded merchandise — from mugs and coffee brewers to coffee, tea, and flavored syrups — shut down on Sunday, Oct. 1. The coffee giant decided to close the online store to focus on integrating its physical and digital channels, and to establish stores as destinations, according to Business Insider.
Holiday digital priorities

E-commerce holiday sales are expected to increase 18% to 21% this holiday season, reaching $111 to $114 billion, according to the annual holiday sales forecast from Deloitte. With online growth eclipsing total holiday sales growth (expected to rise 4% to 4.5%), savvy retailers will be pulling out all the stops to step up their digital game.

Industry experts say retailers need to create an engagement strategy based on individual customer needs — along with the optimal solutions to support their efforts.