TECHNOLOGY

Up Close: Shoppers review GNC’s makeover
GNC hit the reset button on December 28, 2016, closing its 4,464 U.S. owned and franchised stores for the day as it rolled out a simplified pricing strategy with items priced the same across all channels, a new app, a new rewards program and installed new POS terminals. Field Agent, a consulting firm that conducts on-location auditing and research, recently sent “agents” to 52 stores to check out the changes. In some good news for struggling GNC, the reviews were mostly positive.
Exhibitor to share ‘experiences’ at NRF’s upcoming Big Show
One technology provider is forgoing a traditional show floor exhibit to illustrate how innovation will drive the next-generation retail experience.

The 25 people shaping retail’s future are…

A 12-year-old CEO is among the 25 individuals named to the National Retail Foundation’s 2017 List of People Shaping Retail’s Future. Mikaila Ulmer, founder and CEO of Me & The Bees Lemonade http://gala.nrf.com/the-list-2017#MIKAILA-ULMER, is the youngest of the list’s honorees, all of whom will be recognized at the NRF Foundation Gala on January 15 during the NRF Big Show in New York City.
Amazon making plans to enter a hot apparel segment

Job postings by Amazon may have revealed the company’s newest apparel entry: athleisure. Several online job listings published by Amazon in December suggest that the online giant is developing a line of workout apparel, reported ReCode.
Lowes Foods remains ‘targeted’

Lowes Foods knows the key to success is retaining your best, most profitable shoppers. By extending its partnership with ProLogic, the engine behind the grocer’s Fresh Rewards loyalty program, the chain will continue to award customers with instant rewards for merchandise throughout its 100 stores, and gas at participating Speedway and Lowes Foods gas stations.
Chief Marketing Officers: Four Steps to Succeed with Lifecycle Marketing in 2017

As we head into 2017, retail chief marketing officers are under the gun more than ever before to produce measurable results. Jobs are on the line, as CEOs demand evidence that increased marketing technology investments are paying off. And that spending won’t slow down soon: Gartner recently doubled down on its prediction that CMOs will outspend their CIO counterparts on technology in this coming year.
Starbucks among brands on cutting edge of AI in retail

Coming soon to Starbucks: virtual baristas. The coffee giant plans to add a Siri-like virtual assistant to its mobile app that will allow users to place an order by talking to a virtual barista that will then send the order to a store nearby user where it will be made by an employee.
Amazon increased holiday TV ad spend in a big way

While most retailers reduced traditional advertising spend in favor of digital sources this holiday season, Amazon made an unprecedented move to television. This was according to the “MediaRadar Trend Report” that examined holiday advertising spend among Amazon, Walmart, Target, Macy’s, Sears, Kohl’s, Nordstrom, and J.C. Penney, between October and November 2016. When comparing holiday ad spend by retailer, here is how the companies fared:
Generation Z leads the omnichannel parade

When it comes to combining in-store visits and online product research or purchase, Generation Z (ages 18 to 26) leads all other shopper age groups in the U.S., lending some spark an otherwise flat “omnishopping” environment.
Three Ways AI Can Enhance Customer Experience

At its recent I/O 2016 developer festival, Google signaled its intent to embrace artificial intelligence. With Google’s fall release of the Pixel phone and, more important, its Assistant, the transition to an AI-powered future is underway.