TECHNOLOGY

Report: Nearly half of retailers falling behind in omnichannel efforts
Omnichannel adoption is a prerequisite to remain relevant in today’s retail world. Yet, many retailers are still missing the mark. That is the message delivered in “Five Insights into the Omnichannel Landscape,” a benchmark report from eTail East and WBR Digital. The study reveals progress among multiple retail sectors, including specialty retail, apparel, and high-end fashion apparel, among others.
Pinterest works to drive ad effectiveness
Pinterest is launching a new program designed to help brand partners present more relevant advertising messages to Pinners. Through a partnership with Neustar, Pinterest’s marketing partners now have a solution that leverages the social media platform’s customer-specific information as well as Neustar’s proprietary audiences. The combination of data gives advertisers a standardized view of customer across every marketing channel, and an unprecedented reach among customers.

Retail marketing execs bullish on holiday sales

Steadily climbing consumer confidence and retail sales growth have U.S. retail chief marketing officers feeling optimistic ahead of this holiday season.
J.C. Penney joins the holiday marathon, and adds low price guarantee

J.C. Penney will celebrate Thanksgiving with an all-night shopping spree — complete with new shopping carts. The retailer will open at 3 p.m. on Thanksgiving, similar to last year, and remain open until Friday, Nov. 25 at 10 p.m. Online shoppers will get a jump on holiday deals, with Penney’s Black Friday sale prices available online the day before, starting at midnight Nov. 23.
Toys ‘R’ Us going on 30-hour shopping marathon

The nation’s largest specialty toy retailer isn’t worried about any so-called Thanksgiving backlash. Toys “R” Us announced plans to open its doors at 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving — and keep them open (in nearly all locations) for 30 hours straight, closing them at 11 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 25. It’s the fourth consecutive year the chain has opened at 5 p.m. on the holiday.
Here's how Dollar General plans to win holiday shoppers

Dollar General is rolling out extended store hours, exclusive digital coupons and online-only discounts to woo holiday shoppers this year. The retailer has announced that its holiday season plans will begin this week with a special discount for military-affiliated shoppers on Friday, Veterans Day.
Restoration Hardware expanding

Restoration Hardware is delving further into interior design services. The luxe home furnishings company is adding interactive design studios, called RH Design Ateliers, across its entire retail fleet this fall, including more than 50 markets throughout the United States and Canada. In addition, the retailer has launched a fully integrated design platform, called RH Interior Design, designed to help customers create their dream living spaces.
J. Crew axing bridal

J. Crew Group is exiting the bridal business, which it entered back in 2004. The company has marked down its entire collection of wedding gowns and bridesmaids dresses by up to 70% online and in stores, reported Business Insider. Once the merchandise sells out, the retailer will no longer offer a wedding line, according to the report.
Whole Foods to launch national rewards program

Whole Foods Market is preparing to roll out a rewards program nationwide amid increasing competition for its shippers. . Coinciding with the company’s “strategy around leading a race to the top in terms of a differentiated customer experience,” the grocer plans to launch the rewards program in 2017, Whole Foods’ CEO John Mackey said in the company’s earnings call on Wednesday, Nov. 2. He did not reveal a specific start-date.
Staples leverages new app to assist business customers

Staples’ business division is using a mobile app to help customers visualize site assessments.