TECHNOLOGY

Quick-service giant delivers on-demand ice cream
Baskin-Robbins is making sure its customers get their ice cream fix exactly when they crave it. On July 6, the quick service company launched a service that enables customers in 22 cities to order ice cream online and have it delivered in under an hour. Through its partnership with DoorDash, Baskin-Robbins shoppers can order a variety of frozen treats — from pre-packed quarts to sundaes — either online or via the DoorDash mobile app. The app is available for Android and iOS devices.
How generational differences influence path to purchase
Despite plenty of generational differences, there is one thing that shoppers of all ages put a priority on.

Department store retailer takes a swing at Amazon’s shopping event

In the wake of Amazon’s Prime Day hype, J.C. Penney is eager to drive momentum among its own online shoppers. The department store retailer is getting ready to host its own online-only shopping event, “Penney Palooza.” The second annual two-day sale, which is set to run July 11-12, will feature “48 hours of non-stop savings,” according to the retailer.
Another retailer is entering the hotel arena

Muji, the Tokyo-based global retailer, will open its largest store to date — underneath its very own hotel. The company will open a hotel in in Tokyo's Ginza district in spring 2019. The hotel will be located in a new, 10-story building that will also house a 35,000-sq.-ft. Muji flagship. The store will occupy one basement floor up to part of the sixth floor above ground, with the rest of the space above devoted to the hotel, according to the Nikkei Asian Review.
Will Amazon fund an IoT network?

A potential partnership could help Amazon enter the wireless business — a move that could further streamline its digital services. Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos and Charlie Ergen, CEO of Dish, reportedly may be considering partnering on a potential wireless project. With Amazon’s financial backing, sources said the team could create an Internet of Things (IoT) network, reported the Wall Street Journal.
The most valuable brands in the world are...

Technology giants, including a retailer, dominated an annual ranking of the world's most valuable brands.
Online giant’s fulfillment network enters new territory

Amazon is once again expanding its distribution fleet — this time in the Beehive State. The online giant will open an 855,000 sq. ft. fulfillment center in Salt Lake City — the company’s first warehouse in Utah. The facility, which will employ 1,500 full-time hourly associates, will pick, pack, and ship smaller customer items, such as books, electronics and toys.
Shoptalk Europe attracts diverse lineup of speakers

The CEO of Hudson's Bay Company, the managing director of Harrods, and the president of Pinterest will be among the featured speakers at Shoptalk Europe. The event will take place on October 9-11, 2017, at The Bella Center in Copenhagen. It will feature more than 125 speakers, according to organizers, with 75% of the speakers being C-level executives, including 65 CEOs. More than 2,000 attendees are expected.
Online giant gives ‘voice shoppers’ first dibs on Prime Day deals

Days before Prime Day commences, Amazon is upping the ante once again. Starting Wednesday, July 5, Alexa shoppers will have access to more than 100 exclusive deals on Amazon Echo, Echo Dot, Echo Show, Amazon Tap, Fire TV or compatible Fire tablets. Voice shoppers will also get first dibs on select Prime Day deals on July 10, between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. PST — two hours before the general public, according to Amazon.
Study: Despite slower adoption, e-commerce is making its mark in grocery

Click-and-collect boxed-meal delivery services are encouraging more customers to make online grocery shopping part of their weekly routine. Currently, 97% of all consumer-packaged goods (CPG) dollars are still being spent in brick-and-mortar retail stores. However, the popularity of click and collect boxed-meal delivery services has 28% of shoppers purchasing groceries online regularly.