TECHNOLOGY

Amazon continues expanding distribution network
The online giant is bolstering its fleet of warehouses in the Lone Star State. Amazon’s newest fulfillment center will be in Katy, Texas — its 10th in the state. The 1 million sq ft. facility will employ 1,000 associates who will pick, pack and ship larger-sized customer items, such as music equipment, sports gear and electronics.
Dunkin’ Donuts makes it easier for mobile users to ‘order on the go’
The coffee chain is taking mobile ordering to a new level. Through a partnership with mapping and navigation app Waze, Dunkin’ Donuts is launching its new “Order Ahead” program — a move that not only streamlines the mobile ordering process, but helps guests get to their destination faster.

Report: Domino’s readies for robot deliveries in Germany

The pizza chain is getting ready to introduce the newest member of its delivery team. Through its partnership with Starship Technologies, Domino’s will begin using wheeled robots to deliver pizza in Hamburg, Germany. The first deliveries could begin in the next two months, according to ReCode.
Supermarket giant’s new website tells employee ‘stories’

Kroger Co. wants to give its employees a voice — and now they have one. Eager to highlight the accomplishments, milestones, and personal connections made by its associates, Kroger Co. introduced Krogersteries.com, a website dedicated to its employees’ contributions, and the impact they make on the company.
Tech Bytes: ‘Transfiguration’ take-aways from Oracle Industry Connect

Shoppers want their favorite brands to know who they are, feature their preferred merchandise, and overall, offer an “experience” that appeals to them — and only them. This point was driven home at Oracle Industry Connect, held in Orlando, Florida, March 20-22. During the conference, industry observers defined how retail is undergoing a “transfiguration,” or a shift to providing an elevated customer experience. What’s at the core of this change? In a word: personalization.
Report: Amazon could upend retail with new brick-and-mortar formats

Amazon is keeping all its options open when it comes to exploring new concepts. The online giant is exploring an array of brick-and-mortar ideas, from electronics stores to stores that sell furniture and appliance, that would use technology in ways and have a dramatic impact on how other stores operate, reported The New York Times.
Amazon drone delivery in U.S debut
Report: Amazon Go not a go for the public yet

Even Amazon has technical difficulties. The online giant is delaying the public opening of its cashier-less convenience store, Amazon Go, due to technical complications, according to MarketWatch.
Survey reveals retailers with best customer experience

Three very different retailers earned the top score in a survey of customer experience. Ace Hardware, BJ's Wholesale Club, and QVC deliver the best customer experience in the retail industry, according to the 2017 Temkin Experience Ratings, an annual customer experience ranking of companies based on a survey of 10,000 U.S. consumers.
Report: In-store electronic pricing helps bottom line

Electronic shelf labels are poised to gain momentum. That’s according to a new report by ABI Research, which said that several big-box retail deployments of the technology will trigger a domino effect in market growth over the next two years. The company predicted that the electronic shelf label (ESL) market will grow tenfold by 2022, hitting more than $4 billion in global revenues.