News

Report: Mobility driving unified commerce
Retailers finally understand that the always-connected consumer expects a personalized, seamless experience wherever, whenever and however she shops. This, coupled with the proliferation of mobile devices, are the catalysts driving the new retail paradigm called unified commerce, according to “2017 POS/Customer Engagement Benchmarking Survey,” from Boston Retail Partners (BRP).
Saks Fifth Avenue, New York City
Saks has given over the 14 storefront windows of its Fifth Avenue flagship to United Airlines to help promote United’s new Polaris business class cabin. (Saks is providing the bedding for United Polaris.) The windows are designed to give passersby the feeling that they are actually walking through the luxurious Polaris cabin. And just in time for resort season, the mannequins that are in some of the windows are decked out in the latest spring fashions.

Twitter shutting down business app

Retailers may need a new way to track their Twitter activity. As of Feb. 3, the social media platform will shut down Twitter Dashboard, a service that enables businesses to track tweets about their brands, monitor keywords, schedule posts, and access analytics, among other functionality, according to TechCrunch.
Report: Wal-Mart CIO to leave

Wal-Mart Stores is reportedly losing its top technology executive. Karenann Terrell will step down as CIO of Wal-Mart on February 24, the Wall Street Journal reported. Terrell has served in the position for nearly five years. The retailer, which did not say where Terrell is headed, expects to announce new leadership in technology “shortly,” according to the report.
Top 10 Women in Retail Tech

Chain Store Age presents its third annual “Top 10 Women in Retail Technology ” report, which showcases the achievements of an influential group of technology executives. The professionals in the class of the 2017 — profiled below in no particular order — exemplify the innovation and leadership needed to suceed in today’s fast-changing retail environment. They share a record of success that is worthy of emulation by all their peers.
Zappos' newest retail experience? Road trip!

Zappos is hitting the road. The online footwear retailer famous for its customer service is embarking on a year-long road show to show its gratitude to loyal customers nationwide. The event will feature merchandise, special events and one-of-a-kind experiences. “At Zappos, we know there are real people behind each online transaction. And we wanted a way to celebrate and thank you for your loyalty — personally,” the company’s website said.
New partnership expands digital payments

A new partnership is giving Discover card users more flexibility and security at point-of-sale. An agreement between Discover Financial Services (DFS) and PayPal allows U.S.-based PayPal customers to use Discover at all contactless-enabled merchants that accept the card. Discover cards will be presented as a payment option within the PayPal wallet, making accounts easily identifiable to card members when paying.
Unusual partners make for impactful window displays

United Airlines has taken over the windows of one of the nation’s most iconic department stores. Saks Fifth Avenue on Wednesday unveiled United Airlines Polaris-themed windows at the retailer’s flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York City.
Supervalu Q3 sales disappoint

Supervalu Inc. swung to a loss in its third quarter amid increased competition in the retail segment. The company reported a net loss of $26 million during its 2017 fiscal third quarter, ended Dec. 3, as revenue fell 1.4% to $3 billion. The loss, however, included a settlement charge of $41 million related to pensions and also store closure charges.
Another solar milestone for home furnishings giant

The larger solar rooftop array in the state of Washington is now completed — and it’s on top of an Ikea store. Ikea has installed a solar array on the top its 244,000-sq.-ft. store currently under construction in Renton, Washington. It is scheduled to open in spring 2017.
Can E-Commerce and Sustainability Co-Exist?

Technology is transforming the retail landscape as we know it. The Census Bureau estimates that U.S. online retail sales were $97.3 million in second quarter 2016, a 15.8% increase from the previous year. According to Forrester, that growth is expected to continue with U.S. online retail sales anticipated to exceed $520 billion by 2020. Globally, online sales are growing three-times faster than GDP.
New credit card rewards Prime members

Amazon has a new perk for its Prime members. Through its partnership with Chase, Amazon is introducing the new Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card. Available exclusively to Amazon Prime members, the card offers users 5% back on all Amazon.com purchases, and rewards members for other purchases, including 2% back at restaurants, gas stations and drug stores, and 1% back on every other purchase.