TECHNOLOGY

Best Buy upholds tradition of free holiday shipping
Looking to attract shoppers in what is expected to be a highly competitive season, Best Buy is waiving online shipping fees. For the second year in a row, the electronics retailer is offering free shipping on all online purchases — with no minimum threshold — made during the holiday shopping season. The perk will run between Oct. 25, and Jan. 2. Best Buy typically charges a fee for all orders below $35.
Target focusing on deals, value this holiday season — and John Legend
Value and promotions will take center stage in Target Corp.’s holiday plans, along with a televised “musical” starring a 10-time Grammy-winning recording artist. In addition to new and exclusive merchandise in every product category, Target is offering an array of holiday deals, including the return — and extension by one week — of free shipping for all online orders from Oct. 25 through Jan. 1, 2017.

QVC launches multi-platform beauty shopping experience

The fast-growing beauty category represented 17% of QVC’s global sales in 2015, but the retailer wants more. To grab a bigger share of the category, the digital retailer will launch the Beauty iQ network, a multi-platform beauty shopping experience designed to engage beauty lovers. The program, which is set to launch on Oct. 31, will be viewable in over 40 million homes in the U.S. via distributors, including DirecTV, U-verse, Dish and Roku.
Google launches home delivery service in 13 more states

Google is expanding the reach of its online delivery service. Beginning Tuesday, Oct. 25, Google Express is now available in another 13 states, according to USA Today. Shoppers access the online marketplace via Google’s web site or through an app. Deliveries, which are made by third party delivery companies, arrive within two days.
Tech Bytes: A tale of three ‘experiential’ retailers

It doesn’t matter whether shoppers are buying a carton of milk or couture — a memorable in-store shopping experience is what drives loyalty. With a keen eye on personalization and in-store digital solutions, mere store visits can be transformed into sought-after “experiences.”
Off-price, online, health/beauty stores to pace strong holiday rebound

American consumers will generate an accelerating 4.1% year-over-year increase in 2016 holiday sales, well exceeding 2015’s tepid 3.6% growth.
Staples moves beyond office supplies with new licensing efforts

Staples is getting into the licensing game as a means of expanding its brand. It’s first target — document storage.
Report: Retailers get a C- regarding mobile efforts

Brands and retailers are not doing a good job in keeping up with consumer expectations regarding mobile.
Albertsons changes the holiday gift card game

Gift cards certainly have not lost their luster among holiday gift givers and recipients — or Albertsons. Well aware that three in four consumers (73%) planned to give at least one gift card last holiday season, according to the Retail Gift Card Association (RGCA) reported, the grocery chain is ready to attract these shoppers again this year. In effort to grab these customers’ wallet share, Albertsons will add the Five Back Visa gift card to its gift card portfolio.
Shoppers are most loyal to these brands

Two online brands and an iconic American designer top a list of retail brands that command the most loyalty among consumers. Amazon, Zappos and Ralph Lauren were the top loyalty leaders in the retail segment in the 20th annual Brand Keys Loyalty Leaders List. The ranking, which is 100% consumer-driven, examined 72 categories and 635 brands. Rounding out the top five in retail: Sephora and Trader Joe’s.