News

Amazon expands Alexa’s shopping functionality
Amazon’s voice-controlled assistant is becoming a more powerful shopping tool. Amazon announced on Tuesday that Prime Now subscribers can now use Alexa to order from Prime Now and its two-hour delivery service in the cities where it is available (30 in total at the present time). In addition, customers can also order from Prime Now’s newly launched alcohol delivery service in the markets where it is offered.
Home goods retailer jumps into augmented reality app
Pottery Barn customers in the San Francisco area will soon be able to see how a product will look in their home before they buy it. The retailer, a division of Williams-Sonoma, will launch its first smartphone augmented reality app later this month. Called 3D Room View, the app is powered by Tango technology from Google. (It can be used only on Tango enabled smartphones.)

Teen apparel retailer steps up its digital engagement ‘game’

Hollister & Co. is connecting with its shoppers through two of their favorite pastimes: mobility and video games. Through a partnership with Rovio Entertainment and TreSensa, the re-tailer debuted a mobile video game whose activation functionality func-tions as an ad that connects the brand with loyal and potential shoppers, according to AdAge.
Fashion retailer credits record online holiday sales to AI

The use of artificial intelligence has given Charlotte Russe an important competitive edge. With its online and mobile shopping communities growing larger and their expectations for flawless services increasing, the apparel retailer turned to IBM to prepare for the busy and critical 2016, five-day holiday shopping season kick-off. To get a jump start, Charlotte Russe launched IBM’s Watson Customer Engagement solutions in seven months. And the technology immediately gave the retailer a wake-up call.
Former Gordmans CEO set to make offer for bankrupt retailer

Jeff Gordman, the former CEO of Gordmans, plans to submit a bid for the bankrupt 106-store chain that would rescue it from liquidation. But he isn’t the only interested party.
Commentary: Francesca’s will remain one of the winners in the fashion space

Håkon Helgesen, analyst at GlobalData Retail, comments on Francesca’s fourth quarter and full year results:
Staten Island outlet project hires top consultant

Developers of a 350,000-sq.-ft. outlet mall in Staten Island’s burgeoning St. George district have looked across the New York Narrows to enlist the help of one of Manhattan’s most noted real estate brokers.
Rouse sells Oregon power center

Rouse Properties has divested itself of an 821,564 center in Eugene, Oregon, whose tenants include Target, Cinemark, Cabela’s, Kohl’s, Hobby Lobby, and Ulta. The Shoppes at Gateway was purchased by Balboa Retail Partners for an undisclosed amount. “The Shoppes at Gateway is a thriving shopping center that drew significant investor interest," said JLL EVP Geoff Tranchina, who represented Rouse in the deal. JLL will continue on as the managing agent of the property.
Hhgregg deal falls through

Bankrupt Hhgregg Inc.’s proposed purchase by an anonymous buyer has collapsed.
Fashion retailer steps up its mobile experience

Charlotte Russe is taking steps to blend its online and offline experiences. The young women’s apparel specialty chain recently added a mobile commerce platform from PredictSpring designed to deliver a next-generation app to its customers. The app delivers the three key elements most demanded by Charlotte Russe’s customer: speed, flexibility, and a smooth blend of the online and offline brand experience.