News

Amazon poaches Target exec for Prime expansion
One of Target’s rising stars is joining Amazon to drive Prime membership in international markets. Jamil Ghani, Target’s former senior VP of strategy and innovation, will champion the growth of the retail giant’s Prime presence overseas. He will report to Greg Greeley, VP of Amazon Prime, and be based out of the company’s Seattle headquarters, according to ReCode.
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.

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.
Teen apparel retailer reopens 500-plus stores

Aeropostale, the teen apparel retailer that most of the industry had written off as dead, has risen like a Phoenix. Starting this week, the company is reopening more than 500 doors across the United States. In February, Aéropostale will kick off its spring 2017 marketing campaign, which is designed to showcase the brand’s trans-formation under its new owners. The campaign will be in the stores as well as online and through social media.
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.
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.
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.
FedEx to offer package dropoff, pickup at Walgreens

FedEx Corp. and Walgreens on Wednesday announced a long-term alliance agreement that will offer convenient access to FedEx dropoff and pickup services at thousands of Walgreens locations across the United States beginning within the next several months.
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.
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.