News

Report: Walmart outlines strategic initiatives in New York
Walmart plans to improve the customer experience, invest in its grocery business, and put pressure on suppliers to drive down prices, according to a Bloomberg report.
Amazon.com gets to STEM of learning with new e-store
Seattle – Amazon.com is addressing the need for more science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education with the launch of a new online store focused on toys and games that help kids learn STEM subjects and ideas.

In addition to focusing on the core subjects, STEM also focuses on how they relate to each other and the real world.

According to Amazon, it selected the initial assortment of STEM toys because they “have clear goals and encourage kids to learn STEM skills while having fun.”

Virtual assistants help promote sweets in Belgian supermarkets

Bay Shore, N.Y. -- Confectionary giant Mondelēz International is deploying digital signage displays that resemble a store assistant to promote its new sweet treats in Carrefour, Cora and Makro stores across Belgium.

The Tensator Virtual Assistants displays, which have a 20- by 20-inch footprint, will stay in each location for two weeks before continuing on their retail tour. The displays use cutting edge technology to project the image of a real person that can deliver a variety of messages.
Kohl’s makes its move with wellness merchandising effort

Kohl’s is betting big on the notion that a new focus on health and wellness will increase sales.

The retailer is greatly expanding its assortment of active lifestyle and wellness offerings through brand launches, partnerships and unique social integrations that further the company’s commitment to active and well lifestyles promoted under the Make Your Move initiative launched earlier this year.
Study: U.S. has fastest e-commerce growth rate in North America and Europe

Austin, Texas -- The United States continues to lead e-commerce among the most Internet-friendly markets surveyed in North America and Europe, according to an international study commissioned by RetailMeNot.
Tech Guest Viewpoint: Poor Mobile Performance Can Mean Missing Out

By Carin van Vuuren, Usablenet

If there was ever any doubt of mobile’s essential role to retail success, the most recent holiday shopping season should put that to bed. Last year, more than 40% of all Cyber Monday sales came from mobile devices. In fact, Amazon stated that almost 60% of its customers shopped via mobile during the 2014 holiday season, with total U.S. sales from its app doubling from 2013.
Rebranded Shoes.com site launches

Seattle – Online specialty footwear retailers Shoes.com, OnlineShoes.com and Shoeme.ca will now be known as Shoes.com. Despite the new parent brand, OnlineShoes.com and Shoeme.ca will continue to operate under their individual names.
IBM adds weather insights to cloud offering

A new deal between IBM and The Weather Company promises to give retailers and suppliers access to a new range of insights to drive all manner of demand forecasting, merchandising and replenishment decision-making.
Nordstrom partnership with Shoes of Prey allows shoppers to design their own shoes

Sydney, Australia -- Australian omnichannel footwear retailer Shoes of Prey, which enables shoppers to design their own shoes, has launched phase two of its “Design Your Own Shoes” studios in partnership with Nordstrom. The collaboration marks the brand’s first foray into the U.S. market, bringing its virtual design experience to a physical shop-in-shop concept.
Ace Hardware launches free in-store pickup April 1

Oak Brook, Ill. - Ace is the place with the helpful in-store pickup of online orders. Ace Hardware is nationally launching its free store pickup program beginning Wednesday, April 1 at participating Ace stores.

Free store pickup will allow customers to check their neighborhood Ace store's available inventory on Acehardware.com and either go in-store to make their purchase or place their order online and pick it up in-store the same day.