News

Dollar General taps Vitamin Shoppe exec for key role
Dollar General has added a Vitamin Shoppe veteran to its ranks as executive VP and chief merchandising officer. Jason Reiser, most recently executive VP and COO of Vitamin Shoppe, will join the discounter, effective July 12. He replaces the recently retired Jim Thorpe. Reiser brings with him to Dollar General more than 30 years’ experience in retail management, private brand sourcing and regulatory affairs. He also is a trained pharmacist.
CSA Q&A: Walgreens talks about frictionless retailing
In an era when shoppers want a seamless shopping experience, Walgreens is pulling out the stops to deliver on their expectation.

Social network giant improves visual search engine

Pinterest is giving its image-based search engine an upgrade. Pinterest introduced Lens in February. Since then, users have been pointing their mobile cameras at objects they see out in the real world, from apparel and accessories to decor, and Lens serves up similar styles or related information on their mobile device’s screen.
Report: Department stores missing the mark in key digital area

When it comes to mobile, department stores have a ways to go. That's according to an annual report by L2's annual L2 Digital IQ Index: Department Stores 2017, which benchmarks the digital performance of 64 department stores operating in 14 markets globally. The report examines a brand's strengths and weaknesses across the four digital dimensions of site and e-commerce, digital marketing, mobile, and social.
Deloitte: Retailers have false sense of cyber-security

A majority of companies, including retailers, are confident about cyber-security, but their confidence may not be justified. That’s according to “Cyber Risk in Consumer Business,” a report from Deloitte. The report is based on input from more than 400 CIOs, CISOs, CTOs and other senior executives.
Indochino, West Edmonton Mall, Edmonton, Alberta

Indochino's recently opened showroom at West Edmonton Mall showcases the omnichannel brand's stylish approach to customized menswear apparel. The 3,200-sq.-ft. space features eye-catching graphics, both on the exterior and interior, along with video screens that convey the brand's message of offering a “luxury tailoring experience without the high price tag.”
AmazonGo technology exec jumps ship

As Amazon continues to ready its cashierless convenience store concept for the public, the company has lost one of the project’s technology leaders.
Walmart to suppliers: Get off Amazon cloud

Walmart is asking its technology suppliers to pick sides in its retailing war with Amazon. The retailing giant reportedly warned some tech companies that if they want its business, they can't run applications on Amazon’s cloud platform, Amazon Web Services. Walmart currently partners with tech suppliers that already leverage cloud apps running on AWS, although the retailer didn’t reveal which applications or how many they use, sources told the Wall Street Journal.
Subway digital chief heading to discount giant

Dollar General has tapped a fast-casual restaurant executive to lead its technology and fledgling online operations. Dollar General Corp. announced that Carman Wenkoff will join the company as executive VP and CIO, effective July 10. He replaces current CIO Ryan Boone, who recently announced his retirement.
TJX Cos. bucks retail’s store closure trend

As a number of traditional chains across the industry continue to struggle, TJX Cos. is being called one of the country’s fastest growing retailers. Traditional retailers industry-wide are blaming shifting consumer tastes, digital options and new competitors for not only stealing their wallet share, but for declining foot traffic and related sales. However, this could not be farther from the truth for TJX Cos.