News

The convergence of a number of leading-edge technologies is launching a revolution in the customer experience. Mobile devices, social media, 24/7 connectivity and a blurring of the lines between formerly separate customer service “channels” have upended the rules of retail, forever disrupting the notion of business as usual. It’s a brave new world — and one that Chain Store Age will explore at its first-ever Customer Disruption event, May 7-9, 2014, at Sofitel Hotel in Redwood Shores, Calif., the Gateway to the Silicon Valley.

Fitbit has announced a relationship with Tory Burch to develop a collection of accessory wristbands and necklaces for Fitbit Flex. The Tory Burch for Fitbit accessories collection will include pendants, bracelets and wristbands designed to hold the Fitbit Flex tracker, transforming the activity tracker into a chic accessory for work or weekend, day or evening.

New York -- On Tuesday, Mexican retail company Grupo Gigante said in a regulatory filing that it will list shares in Office Depot de Mexico, the local division of the U.S. office-supply chain it purchased last year.

The listing would be public in Mexico and private in the United States and other markets.

APPLEBEE’S GIVES CUSTOMERS MORE CONTROL OF DINING EXPERIENCE

Casual dining chain Applebee’s is looking to redefine and enhance its guest experience by placing tablets tableside. The company plans to deploy 100,000 devices — E la Carte Presto tablets, powered by Intel — chainwide by the end of 2014. It is installing the tablets on every table and in multiple bar positions at its more than 1,8000 U.S. restaurants.

Hampshire, U.K. - Annual retail payments on mobile handsets and tablets are expected to reach $707 billion by 2018, representing 30% of all e-retail by that time. According to a new Juniper Research report, “Mobile Payment for Digital & Physical Goods: Opportunities & Forecast 2014-2018,” this compares with mobile retail spend of $182 billion in 2012, when mobile accounted for around 15% of e-retail.

As retail store designs continue to rapidly evolve in the ecommerce era, Chain Store Age is looking for the best of the best for its 32nd annual Retail Store of the Year Design Competition.
 

The mobile channel by definition extends retailing to an almost limitless range of touchpoints, since mobile devices bring the store to wherever the customer goes. Yet current trends in mobile retailing center on tying disparate touchpoints closer together using mobile technology.

Las Vegas -- Facial visualization and imaging technology company ModiFace is introducing a 3-D Augmented Reality Makeup and Anti-Aging Mirror to help beauty brands and retailers market their products to consumers standing at cosmetic counters, as well as shopping at home.