TECHNOLOGY

Lululemon’s journey toward ‘mindful’ customer interactions
Like the principle of yoga, Lululemon Athletica knows the value of learning from a journey — in this case, its shoppers’ journeys. In fact, this information will help the athletic apparel retailer hit its newest milestone: “touching one billion people and doubling our revenue over the next five years,” Miguel Almieda, Lululemon’s executive VP digital, said at last week’s NRF Convention and Expo in New York City.
Target teams up with popular online jewelry retailer for a ‘sugarfix’
In its newest partnership, Target has joined up with BaubleBar, the online fast-fashion jewelry brand. The two companies have come together for a new collection, called Sugarfix by BaubleBar, that will feature original designs and pieces inspired by the brand's most popular styles. The line will be available exclusively on Target.com and in some 900 Target stores beginning Jan. 31.

These retail brands are tops in brand engagement

Soaring customer expectations are creating an increasingly challenging environment for brands seeking engagement. That’s according to the 22nd annual Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index, which recognizes the brands that receive the highest loyalty and engagement assessments and surpass competitors for "delighting" customers.
Department store chain taps exec to head up tech center in India

J.C. Penney is shoring up its commitment to its new technology lab in Bangalore, India. The chain has tapped Snehil Gambhir as VP and managing director of its global in-house center (GIC). Tasked with leading all operations at the company’s GIC, he will support and expand a variety of key business functions, including IT, digital, store operations, analytics, marketing, infrastructure and merchandise operations.
Study: Omnichannel moves beyond initiative stages to execution

The omnichannel evolution has begun — and more retailers are adopting the business strategy to better meet shoppers’ needs. That’s according to “Retail Insight: Moving Beyond Omnichannel,” a report from SPS Commerce and conducted by Retail Systems Research. The study, which is based on responses from more than 500 retailers, suppliers and logistics firms worldwide, said that more than 35% of retailers are on track with their omnichannel execution, up nearly 200% year-over-year.
Americans pull back Super Bowl spending

American consumers are ready to celebrate the Super Bowl, but they don’t plan on spending as much as they did last year. Consumers will spend an average of $75 for a total of $14.1 billion as an estimated 188.5 million watch the Atlanta Falcons face the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LI on February 5, according to the National Retail Federation’s annual Super Bowl Spending Survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics.
Microsoft taps LinkedIn exec to head up tech

Kevin Scott is joining Microsoft in the newly created role of chief technology officer (CTO). Scott most recently served senior VP of infrastructure at LinkedIn, which Microsoft purchased in June for $26 billion.
Analysis: Walmart should focus on its customers to succeed, not try to copy Amazon

Walmart made sweeping changes to its e-commerce organization for the second time since it acquired online retailer Jet.com and appointed company founder Marc Lore as head of its own e-commerce division. The latest move, announced in a memo to Walmart associates on Jan. 13, further consolidates the retail giant’s online properties, and strengthens Lore’s influence on the chain’s digital strategy as it faces-off with Amazon.
Study: Retailers need to pay attention to Gen Z

Watch out millennials, Gen Z is coming on strong. With Generation Z expected to comprise 40% of the North American population by 2020, retailers must address the needs of this generation and understand its purchasing power in households, according to a survey conducted by HRC Retail Advisory.
Walmart throws its hat into the car sales ring

Walmart is adding a new category to its assortment: automobile sales. While the chain has always sold tires and accessories, a new partnership with CarSaver, an online auto retail platform, is allowing the retail giant to dip its toe into the car sales industry. The retail giant is setting up CarSaver kiosks at 25 Walmart superstores in Houston, Dallas, Phoenix and Oklahoma City.