TECHNOLOGY

Aldo creates single view of omnichannel shoppers
As consumers connect with their favorite brands, they expect a consistent shopping experience. With the help of Salesforce.com, The Aldo Group consolidated shopper data across its enterprise so it can create a singular shopping experience. By adding a cloud-based platform, Aldo gained 360-degree views of each shopper, a move that provides better insight into their preferences and allows the chain to engage with consumers more effectively.
No shopping on Turkey Day
For the second year in a row, Staples will close its stores on Thanksgiving. Shoppers, however, will be able shop the office supplies giant’s e-commerce site.

Sears steers Uber’s rewards program

Sears is hitching a ride with Uber — and inviting its loyal shoppers along. A new program, called Rider Rewards, is designed to award Sears shoppers for using Uber’s ride service. Customers that link their Sears Shop Your Way loyalty plan to their Uber account will earn $2 in loyalty points for every Uber trip they take. Besides points, the loyalty program also tailors deals to members. Drivers can also take advantage of the program, and earn up to $1,000 in certain markets.
Zappos.com takes loyalty to a new level

Zappos.com has found a new way to “wow” its passionate shoppers. In a strategic move to drive engagement, the online shoe retailer launched its first-ever loyalty program. Called Zappos Rewards, the progression-based program will allow customers to earn points toward future purchases, get free expedited shipping on all orders, and receive early access to exclusive products and sales.
Report: Chicago startup teams with Target to take on Amazon Alexa voice search

A Chicago startup has landed partnerships with four major online retailers, including Target, to launch a product meant to rival Amazon’s Alexa, according to the Chicago Tribune.
NRF Study: Facebook leads digital marketing spend

Interactive media continues to shake up retailers’ digital marketing strategies.
Skechers app bridges physical and digital retailing

Skechers now allows shoppers to manage their shopping experience from the palm of their hand.
Survey: Election outcome unlikely to affect holiday spending

Americans will open their purses for holiday shopping regardless of whether Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump wins the election. A survey of American voters by RetailNext found the vast majority will not let the outcome of election 2016 affect their planned spending this coming holiday season.
Online sales to hit major milestone this holiday season

According to eMarketer’s holiday sales preview forecast, ecommerce will surpass 10% of total U.S. holiday retail sales for the first time this year. Total retail sales will increase 3.3% over the same period last year, to $884.50 billion, according to the report. Holiday retail ecommerce sales will jump to $94.71 billion, representing 10.7% of total holiday retail sales.
Visa teams up with Oracle to offer retailers feedback on online ads

Visa and Oracle are partnering to provide merchants with new insights regarding their digital ads. Visa has introducted Visa Advertising Solutions, a new suite of products available to retailers through the Oracle Data Cloud. It is designed to help merchants understand whether their digital advertising efforts are influencing consumer purchase decisions online and in stores.