TECHNOLOGY

Report: Snapchat ads use augmented reality
Snapchat’s newest filters are moving beyond the selfie. The company is rolling out a new augmented reality ad division that lets users overlay marketers’ life-like filters on any photo they snap with their smartphone, according to ReCode. Warner Brothers is the unit’s first advertiser, tying the lenses to promote its new movie, “Everything, Everything.” Dunkin Donuts and Netflix are next in line to launch the service, the report said.
REI in gym partnership
Outdoor retailer REI is setting up shop in a fast-growing gym niche. REI and Momentum TM Indoor Climbing are launching REI Co-op Climb, which will serve as a hub for climbing gear, programming and events at each of Momentum’s new climbing gyms. Expert instructors from REI’s Outdoor School will help Momentum members and guests gain skills and confidence through gym to crag classes.

Report: Amazon makes bigger push into furniture category

The message is clear: Amazon wants to furnish its shoppers’ homes. The online retailer has made a strong commitment to the furniture category by expanding its merchandise assortment and custom designs. Now it is giving the category even more attention, according to sources that said the Amazon is building at least four massive warehouses focused on fulfilling and delivering bulky items, MarketWatch reported.
Lilly Pulitzer, Vera Bradley make online gift giving easier, more personal

Two specialty retailers are hoping to get more customers on board with e-gifting. Lily Pulitzer and Vera Bradley have joined Loop Commerce’s e-gifting service and platform, GiftNow.
David’s Bridal alleviates stress — for associates and customers

A specialty retailer’s new point-of-sale upgrade is helping to meet — and surpass — its customers’ expectations. David’s Bridal has created a reputation for enabling brides—and her entire wedding party— to choose a gown right off the rack. But as it expanded its offerings and services, the retailer has also established a robust special order business.
Report: Online growth continues at blistering pace

Online retailing is on an upward trajectory that shows no sign of slowing. In fact, the segment is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of close to 16% between 2017-2021, according to a research forecast from Technavio.
Supermarket Trends: Technology, food safety and sustainability are top of mind

The supermarket industry is constantly changing. Consumer food choices and how they shop, frequent regulation modifications and new technologies to integrate are just a few things we gathered from recent customer input concerning the most pressing issues for the industry. As 2017 rolls along, there are four emerging trends we see that grocery marketers should be aware of for the remainder of the year. 1. Impact of the digitally engaged food shopper on retail facilities
‘Alexa, pay my AmEx bill…’

American Express cardholders are now only a voice-command away from browsing their account or paying their bill. The credit card company is expanding its partnership with Amazon by launching its new Amex skill for Amazon Alexa. The skill brings select experiences of AmericanExpress.com and AmEx’s mobile app to Amazon’s voice service Alexa, within devices like Amazon Echo and Echo Dot.
Nordstrom partners with Hollywood celeb on wellness pop-up

Nordstrom is welcoming its newest retail curation — one that is centered on wellness. The department store chain is creating an experience around goop, the modern lifestyle brand founded by Gwyneth Paltrow, through its Pop-In@Nordstrom concept — an ongoing series of themed pop-up shops. Pop-In@Norstrom, which was developed and curated by Olivia Kim, VP of creative projects at Nordstrom, is designed to feature a different brand of new, often exclusive merchandise every four to six weeks.
Study: Pitfalls still linger around loyalty programs

Consumers are excited by the prospect of retailers taking their loyalty programs digital — if they can keep programs simple. In fact, a majority of shoppers would prefer if retailers would create digital rewards programs. Not only do 71% of shoppers want the option of managing their loyalty programs on mobile phones, 70% said they would use a mobile version of their loyalty cards if they didn’t have to sign into a website or download an app.