TECHNOLOGY

U.K. department store jumps into experiential technology
Selfridges is giving shoppers a new way to test and purchase cosmetics. Through a partnership with Estee Lauder and YouCam Makeup, the U.K.-based department store chain now features a virtual makeover app. Harnessing augmented reality and facial mapping technology, YouCam Makeup’s cosmetics app enables Selfridges’ shoppers to virtually try on up to 30 lipstick shades prior to making a purchase at the store.
Online menswear retailers growing offline
Two menswear brands founded online are growing their brick-and-mortar operations. Made-to-measure men’s clothing maker Indochino, which was founded in 2007, plans to open eight new locations in 2017. Three are slated to open in the brand’s home territory of Canada, and five in the U.S. “This year, we’re almost doubling our showroom network as we focus on significantly expanding our experiential retail model,” stated Drew Green, CEO, Indochino.

Yelp is launching delivery by robots

A social media player is getting in on the robot delivery game. Through a partnership between Yelp and robot delivery startup Marble, customers in San Francisco’s Mission and Potrero Hill neighborhoods will soon receive their Yelp Eat 24 deliveries via rovers, according to ReCode. When a customer places an order, they may receive a notification with the chance to opt-in for a robot delivery.
Sportswear retailer looks to grow with new platform

J.McLaughlin is in a growth phase. Armed with a new cloud-based retail platform, the chain can more efficiently execute its plan. The Brooklyn, New York-based retailer is a specialty apparel chain that operates 115 stores and an e-commerce site. In November 2015, private equity investment firm Brentwood Associates acquired a majority stake in J.McLaughlin, and in July 2016, former Ralph Lauren executive Mary Ellen Coyne came aboard as CEO.
Study: Three companies had 84% of shoppers spend with them in 2016

Some of the biggest names in retailing and foodservice used experiences to encourage a high percentage buyers to visit at least once last year. Specifically, Walmart, McDonald’s and Target had more than five out of six U.S. consumers shopping with them in 2016, according to “The Checkout Penetration Index,” from The NPD Group’s Checkout Tracking.
Beauty powerhouse adds high-tech tool to its stores

Ulta Beauty chain is adding a new “consultant” to its in-store team. Through its partnership with hair color brand Madison Reed, Ulta is deploying a color-recognition chatbot (called Madi) that gives consultations similar to those customers receive from a professional colorist in a hair salon. Described by Madison Reed as the industry’s first-ever color-recognition chatbot, Madi combines artificial intelligence and selfies to engage in-store shoppers.
(R)Tech: Navigating Retail’s Path of Disruption

The retail industry is going through an innovation revolution, driven by game-changing technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality and advanced analytics.
Teens’ favorite apparel brand is…

Athletic brands rule when it comes to teen preferences for apparel and footwear. That’s according to Piper Jaffrey’s 33rd semi-annual Taking Stock With Teens research survey which details teen spending trends and brand preferences. Nike ranked as the top brand with teens, with a 31% share, up from 21% last year. Another athletic brand, Adidas, however, is the fastest growing brand in the survey across footwear & apparel.
Study: Retailers need to get in shape to meet demand for fast fashion

The hottest fashion trend today is speed—and retailers need to be in the fast lane to remain competitive. That’s according to new research from Kurt Salmon, part of Accenture Strategy, which finds that speed and agility are the top priorities for every retailer competing in fast fashion.
Appliance, electronics retailer in deal with Aaron’s

Conn’s has found a new third-party lease-to-own partner. The retailer said it has formed a partnership with Progressive Leasing, a subsidiary of Aaron’s, to provide lease-to-own payment solutions to customers who do not qualify for Conn’s proprietary credit offering. Conn’s has entered into an exclusive three-year agreement with Progressive Leasing to offer Conn’s customers Progressive’s lease-to-own program.