News

In-store technologies: Separating the ‘cool’ from the ‘creepy'
Smart mirrors are a ‘cool’ in-store technology, but facial recognition software is another story entirely. Those are among the findings of a new survey by RichRelevance, a provider of omnichannel personalization technology. The company surveyed more than 2,000 U.S. and U.K. consumers about how technology can impact their in-store shopping experience, highlighting the differences between what shoppers thought was ‘cool’ and ‘creepy’.
NRF: Consumers want swipe fee status quo
The people have spoken – and they like limits on debit card swipe fees the way they are.

A FRESH TAKE ON ‘RETAILTAINMENT’

Entertainment concepts are the future of retail fun

Retail has been the foundation of shopping centers throughout their existence, but new entertainment concepts are making inroads in traditional retail venues.

Even in mixed-use venues, it’s generally accepted that a critical mass of traditional retail is the highlight, and that other uses are complementary pieces, designed to drive traffic and support the retail component.
FOCUS ON AUTOMATIC DOOR SYSTEMS

From convenient access to reduced heating costs, automatic doors provide retailers with some key benefits.
Walmart Pay undergoes big growth spurt

Walmart did not reach its stated goal of rolling out the Walmart Pay digital payment service to every store by the end of June, but it certainly made a lot of headway.
Home furnishings powerhouse debuts new store design

Pottery Barn unveiled a revamped interior at its newly designed store at The Village at Corte Madera, in Corte Madera, California. Inspired by a modern farmhouse, the 12,288-sq.-ft. location features dramatic high ceilings with exposed wood beams, a skylight in the center of the space, and 11-foot high steel framed doors that open to an outside seating area at the front of the store.
Report: J.C. Penney looks abroad for new tech center

The J.C. Penney Co Inc. is reportedly developing a new IT facility in a popular overseas location.
New York grocer reaches out to customers

With 15 regional stores, New York-based Fairway Market needs to compete with larger rivals on quality of experience. To that end, Fairway has deployed the omnichannel retail platform from Index to help better communicate with customers and provide an optimal experience across various touchpoints. The platform includes secure in-store payment solutions that offer processing flexibility and are compliant with EMV and P2PE protocols. Fairway can also accept a variety of tender types, including Apple Pay and Android Pay.
Specialty grocer commits to solar power

Mom’s Organic Market is extending its renewable energy portfolio. The family owned and operated Maryland-based chain has begun purchasing all power from a designated solar farm in Kingsville, Maryland., bundled with national solar renewable energy credits. This 1.5-megawatt DC system is projected to output 2,124,000 kilowatts per year. Mom’s will purchase the entire system's output for the next 20 years.
Pirch, New York City

Upscale kitchen, bath and outdoor appliance retailer Pirch has opened its largest location to date, a three-floor, 32,000-sq.-ft. flagship in an historic, former ironworks building in Manhattan’s SoHo neighborhood.