Retail Technology News: July update

Retailers in July focused technology efforts in areas including holograms, perishable distribution, and metaverse commerce.

Here are some of the most noteworthy and innovative technology stories as reported by Chain Store Age in July, starting with the most recent. 

• Best Buy’s new strategy includes AI, holograms, reimagined stores and more Through a partnership with Google Cloud, Best Buy said it will provide customers and employees with more personalized, “best-in-class” tech support experiences, including a generative AI-powered virtual assistant for customers who prefer a self-service option.
• Pacsun partners with Pinterest; unifies customer data for analysis The teen apparel and accessories retailer is introducing its fall campaign, "Better in Baggy,” in partnership with Gen Z content creators and Pinterest. In addition, Pacsun is transforming how it collects and analyzes customer data.
• Amazon Prime Day crushes records with $14.2 billion in sales During the 48-hour period of July 16-17, 2024, consumers spent $14.2 billion online, representing 11% growth year-over-year from $12.7 billion in 2023.
• Levi’s overhauls e-commerce site to make it more customer-friendly Levi Strauss & Co. is enhancing four critical areas of its e-commerce site: performance, search, navigation and product storytelling. 
• Walmart opens new high-tech perishable distribution center Walmart has opened a new 730,000-sq.-ft. perishable distribution center (PDC) in Lancaster, Tex., 15 miles south of Dallas. 
• Starbucks upgrades frictionless Amazon tech used in two New York stores Starbucks has added features to its store concept that lets customers bypass the checkout using Amazon "Just Walk Out" technology.