News

Judge rules supermarket chain must make web site accessible
Website accessibility is shaping up as the next big challenge for retailers with regards to ADA compliance. A Miami federal judge has ruled that Winn-Dixie violated the Americans with Disabilities Act by not making its website, which was recently updated, accessible to blind and visually impaired users, the Miami Herald reported. The Jacksonville, Florida-based supermarket chain has set aside $250,000 to revamp its online site and was ordered to pay the plaintiff’s legal fees, according to the report.
Newest mall tenant: An 'athletic resort'
A J.C. Penney store is going to be displaced by a fancy fitness club. Simon announced that the J.C. Penney store at Southdale Center, in Edina, Minn., will close and be replaced by a Life Time fitness center, or ‘athletic resort.’ Expected to open in early 2019, the three-level facility will be operated by Life Time, which currently runs 123 centers in the United States. The centers are designed as one-stop fitness shops offering tennis, swimming, basketball, and yoga along with weight loss and nutrition education.

Amazon re-launches Dash Wand — with new feature

Amazon is giving its Dash Wand a makeover — make that a “voice over.” The online giant has upgraded its Amazon Dash Wand with its artificial intelligence-based Alexa functionality. Extending Amazon’s signature virtual assistant Alexa beyond the Echo home speaker offering, the Dash Wand is described as the smallest and most inexpensive Alexa-enabled device, according to Geek Wire. The Amazon Dash
Retailers getting serious about artificial intelligence

A new survey suggests that retailers are ready to invest in artificial intelligence and other new technologies.
Panera on pace to hit $1 billion in digital sales this year

The chain, which is known for its signature soups, sandwiches and salads, is slated to report digital sales well above $1 billion on an annualized basis. The chain is on track to be twice as high in two years, according to CNBC.
Amazon training program hits milestone

Amazon’s innovative re-training program has hit an all-time high.
Home decor chain enters new market

At Home, the fast-growing home decor and accessories retailer, continues to grow its store presence. The retailer has opened its first Massachusetts location, in Seekonk. It's one of 25 stores the chain will open this year.
U.K. sporting goods chain acquires two U.S. retailers

Sports Direct, the largest sporting goods retailer in the United Kingdom, has expanded its presence in the United States. The company announced that it has completed its acquisition of Bob's Stores and Eastern Mountain Sports. It will initially operate a total of some 50 stores in the Northeast and five EMS outdoor adventure schools, along with e-commerce sites for both brands.
Is Amazon Go readying for prime time?

A recent job listing by Amazon has raised speculation that the online giant plans to roll out its checkout-free convenience store concept, Amazon Go. The online giant recently posted a job listing seeking a senior real estate manager for Amazon Go. The role will be based in Seattle and will include travel.
Tough quarter for Toys "R" Us

The nation's largest toy store retailer saw its sales decline and net loss widen in a rough first quarter. For the quarter ended April 29, Toys "R" Us reported a net loss of $164 million. That's up from net loss of $126 million in the year-ago period.