News

Walmart developing facial recognition technology
The nation's largest retailer is working on technology to enable store associates to respond more quickly to potential customer service issues. The chain is developing facial recognition technology to detect frustrated or unhappy shoppers, according to a report by Business Insider. The technology uses video cameras at checkout lines that monitor customers' facial expressions and movements to identify varying levels of dissatisfaction, according to a patent filing, the report said.
Discounter pulling plug on loyalty program
Target is discontinuing its mobile Cartwheel Perks rewards program, but new app-based improvements are underway. The discounter alerted shoppers participating across its five test markets via email that its “perks pilot is winding down.” Shoppers have until August 27, to collect points toward perks rewards, and all rewards must be redeemed by October 27, according to Target.

Study: Loyalty programs need a digital boost

Expensive, ineffective loyalty programs are in need of a makeover. Retailers that shift to digital-centric programs that engage and promote brand advocacy will retain the loyalty of customers, according to the “Intelligence Report: Loyalty 2017.” The report, from L2, evaluates the successes and pitfalls of loyalty programs for 99 consumer brands across activewear, beauty, big box, department stores, and specialty retail.
Deloitte: Back-to-college spend to outpace back-to-school sales two-fold

Retailers who fail to promote back-to-college offers and savings this year do so at their own peril.
HRC: Discounter tops with Gen Z for back-to-school shopping

Gen Z shoppers are gearing up to hit the stores for back-to-school purchases — and their top destination is Walmart. Thirty-six percent of boys and girls cite Walmart as their first choice for back-to-school shopping, more than double that of any other retailer, according to a survey conducted by strategic retail advisory firm HRC Retail Advisory.
Online apparel brand with big following to open flagship

A clothing brand know for its "radical transparency" is putting down roots in its hometown. Everlane will open its first permanent brick-and-mortar location, in San Francisco. The opening date hasn't been announced yet, but the company has posted a variety of available jobs, including "flagship store leader," on its website. The storefront, on Valencia Street in the city's Mission District, is already identified with the brand's "100% Human" tagline.
Dunkin' Brands exec joins rapidly expanding restaurant chain

An industry veteran has been tapped to lead operations at of the nation's fastest-growing fast-casual restaurant companies. Mod Super Fast Pizza Holdings has appointed Paul Twohig to the new role of COO, effective immediately. The appointment comes as the company continues its rapid expansion in the United States and abroad. With Twohig’s arrival, Chris Schultz, former senior VP of operations, will take on the new role of senior VP, international to lead Mod’s development abroad.
Drug chain names new finance chief

Fred's named Jason Jenne as executive VP and CFO. He will replace outgoing CFO Rick Hans, who is leaving to pursue other opportunities. Hans will stay onboard as an advisor until August 18, to ensure a smooth transition.
Online giant quietly launches meal kits

Amazon isn’t wasting any time in entering the booming meal kit category.
West Elm marks another first

On the heels of opening its first location in Arizona, West Elm is entering a new state. The home furnishings retailer, a division of Williams-Sonoma, will open its first store in Maine, in the historic Old Port district of Portland. The 12,000 sq. ft. location will open its doors on Thursday, July 27.
Amazon adds a shoppable “Spark” to Prime

Amazon Prime is getting more social as the online giant looks for yet more ways to entice shoppers to buy. On Wednesday, the online giant launched Amazon Spark, a new shoppable social media feed for its Prime members. Described as “a place to discover things from people who share your interests,” Spark will help Prime users discover — and shop for -- merchandise found across followers’ stories and ideas, according to Amazon’s website.
Target CEO: Hispanics are shopping less

An important demographic for many retailers appears to be staying home more these days. In remarks at Fortune’s Brainstorm Tech Conference in Aspen, Colorado, Target CEO Brian Cornell cited an 11% dip in shopping activity among Hispanic consumers in the past several months. (A Target spokesman said later he was referencing industrywide data from the NPD Group, The Star-Tribune reported.) “There’s almost a cocooning factor,” Cornell said.