TECHNOLOGY

Discounter uses machine learning to stay 'on Target' with shopper demand
Target’s omnichannel journey may have started five years ago, but newly-emerging digital touchpoints continue to change the game. By leveraging machine learning to tap into customer demand, the mass merchandiser is defining which touchpoints are not only valuable, but influencing its shoppers’ paths-to-purchase. The initiative was discussed at the “Determining New Omni-KPIs To Hit Goals And Key Drivers” session at eTail West 2017, in Palm Springs, California, Feb. 27-March 2.
Trendy jewelry brand launches digital receipts
Pandora UK is embarking on a new strategy to engage with shoppers post-purchase. The jewelry retailer is partnering with Ecrebo to provide shoppers with digital receipts that are emailed to shoppers following their in-store transaction. When the receipt arrives in their inbox, shoppers have the option to opt-in to receive regular newsletters, and share feedback about their in-store experience.

Domino’s is upping the ante on voice-activated orders

Two new projects — on three continents — are expanding the reach of Domino’s conversational-based orders. The pizza giant, which was among the first companies to launch digital ordering on Google Home in December, is introducing the service to more users in the United States. Now guests can start a new order without having to be a member of the “Pizza Profile” rewards program — a move that opens up the service to more shoppers.
Survey: Gen Z loves digital shopping tools — and physical stores

Move over millennials, Gen Z is snapping at your heels. And retailers should take note. Retailers looking to capture share of wallet and brand loyalty from Gen Z – the most digitally- and socially-engaged generation to date — need to step up their focus on new ways of engagement. But they also should pay attention to their physical stores.
Survey: America’s favorite stores are…

A regional department store, a warehouse giant, a discount supermarket and an online powerhouse rank among the nation’s favorite retailers. That's according to the American Consumer Satisfaction Index, which rates consumers’ satisfaction across six retail industries. The report found that satisfaction with the overall retail trade rise 4.7% in 2016 to a score of 78.3 (on a 100-point scale) an all-time high for the sector.
Nasty Gal to live on

Nasty Gal is getting a new lease on life — but only in the digital space. The brand, which was acquired out of bankruptcy in early February by British online fashion group Boohoo.com, will live on under new leadership as a pure player. Nasty Gal recently closed its two brick-and-mortar stores, both of which were in the Los Angeles area.
J.C. Penney extending appliances initiative

J.C. Penney is extending its appliance showroom footprint and also delving deeper into the category. The retailer will expand its in-store appliance showroom concept from its current 500 stores to an additional 100 locations in early 2017, and also add new appliance brands to the merchandise mix, company chairman and CEO Marvin Ellison said on Penney’s quarterly earnings call.
Study: Virtual reality market to hit $9.2 billion by 2021

The proliferation of cheaper, mass-produced consumer-grade virtual reality (VR) applications are finding their niche in retail. The technology, which was often synonymous with customized and expensive equipment, has been a long-time staple for military training, civil flight training, and industrial 3D modeling.
Study: Marketers still rely heavily on email promotions to drive revenue

Email remains the go-to strategy for retailers to grab their piece of the digital pie — yet efforts don’t always meet their shoppers’ needs. Three-fourths (76%) of marketers said they rely heavily on email promotions to drive revenue, and one-third said more than half of all emails sent include a promotion or discount, according to a new survey from Coherent Path.
Beauty retailer gets ‘virtual makeover’

A new kind of makeup consultant is assisting shoppers at Watsons Shanghai. The health and beauty retailer’s flagship store in Shanghai now features a makeover kiosk. Equipped with the Consultation Mode augmented reality app from YouCam Makeup, the device enables shoppers to try on over 30 different products from their favorite makeup brands, including MaxFactor, Maybelline, and KATE Cosmetics.