News

Dollar General is looking to drive increased participation in its digital coupon program by featuring several enhanced benefits during the month of October.

The digital and physical selling environments are converging. Whether this phenomenon is called “cross-channel”, “omnichannel”, or given some other label, consumers now routinely use their Internet-enabled (and frequently mobile) devices to find information about potential purchases, even when they are in the store. So as far as consumers are concerned, the selling channels have already converged. As a result, retailers are now forced to catch up.

Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) is launching a wide-ranging corporate growth and efficiency initiative, with omnichannel technology at the center.  Building on its purchase of Saks Inc. in 2013, HBC seeks to deliver an enhanced omnichannel customer experience, accelerate financial performance and drive future success.

Consumers have made it clear what type of marketing influences their purchase decisions, and it’s not always high-tech. According to a new study from branding network Experticity, 82% of marketers believe social media is extremely or somewhat effective in influencing buyer decisions, yet only 49% of consumers reported that they trust brand social media campaigns.

In addition, 83% of marketers believe traditional advertising is the most effective means of influencing buying decisions, but only 47% of consumers say they trust it.

Walmart has extended its grocery pick up service to eight additional markets and is alluding to the possibility of a more significant roll out in the months ahead.

The online giant is launching an Uber-like program, called Flex, that uses on-demand independent contractors to deliver Amazon packages.  The service is now available only in Seattle (and only to members of Amazon’s Prime Now same-day delivery service), but the company  expects to  roll it out  to other cities where Prime Now is offered, including Manhattan, Baltimore, Miami, Dallas, and Chicago.

The big winner in The Home Depot’s innovation award program goes to a line of cordless outdoor power equipment fueled by a 58-volt battery.

The Atlanta-based retail giant says the annual award recognizes, in its words: “the most revolutionary new products that provide true benefits to consumers and the companies that exceeded expectations in sales, service and program execution.”

Specialty apparel retailer True Religion has found something to connect the physical to the virtual. The Manhattan Beach, California-based chain, which operates about 900 stores globally, has launched an e-commerce site that links its customer experience across channels.