TECHNOLOGY

Shoptalk has announced a partnership with the Retail Industry Leaders Association focused on RILA’s newly launched (R)Tech Center for Innovation.   Through the partnership, Shoptalk will support the (R)Tech Center for Innovation as a member of the (R)Tech Innovators Network.   

As shoppers demand a streamlined, more personalized shopping experience, retailers are adopting solutions that can draw customers into their stores.   This was revealed in the “ICSC Retail Technology Survey.” The report, which was conducted February 16-19, surveyed 1,022 adults 18 years of age and older.   Consumers of all ages want more access to information — and they expect retailers to respond to this demand.   

The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) and Accenture on Monday announced the launch of a new initiative that will explore the impact that technologies such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality will have on the retail industry.   RILA’s new (R)Tech Center for Innovation will also help retailers create innovative ways of doing business.  

A new partnership will help retailers make smarter business decisions faster.   Based on a new alliance between IBM Watson and Salesforce, the companies will seamlessly connect their solutions — a move that will enable a new level of intelligent customer engagement across sales, service, marketing, and commerce, among other operations.     

also struggle to find the right styles post-pregnancy.   Zulily hopes to ease these “fourth trimester” blues with a new digital engagement tool. Called “The Fourth Trimester Closet Concierge,” the limited-edition solution helps new moms navigate their wardrobes during pregnancy and after they’ve welcomed their new baby.  

An online giant and the world’s biggest retailer claim the top two positions in a study that ranks retail companies by their brand value.   Amazon ranked as the world’s most valuable retail brand in the annual study by valuation and strategy consultancy Brand Finance. The company’s brand value, $106.4 billion, is nearly double that of Walmart ($62.2 billion), which ranked as the second most valuable retail brand. (An explanation of the ranking is provided at the end of article.)    

Shoppers will soon be able to personalize and accessorize the shoes they buy at DSW Inc.   The retailer has entered into a partnership with Trend:Bar, a new, Los Angeles-based  company that produces luxe fabric stickers, appliques, charms, shoelaces, patches, and creative add-ons that customers can use to personalize footwear and accessories.       Under the partnership, DSW will offer Trend:Bar items in select stores and on DSW.com.  

Less than a month after closing its New York City pop-up store, Snap is back in the brick-and-mortar game.   Snap, the social media company formerly known as Snapchat, opened a temporary store on the boardwalk in Venice, California, near its Los Angeles headquarters, according to TechCrunch.