TECHNOLOGY

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.
Online grocery competition to heat up
One of the country’s oldest online grocers just secured a major cash infusion to help it expand its services. FreshDirect has received a $189 million investment, led by JPMorgan Asset Management, that will be used to launch its grocery delivery service in more cities, to expand new business units and incubate others, reported RECode.

Best Buy to push products from startups

Best Buy hopes to enhance its appeal to customers with innovative products from startups. The consumer electronics giant has launched a program, called Ignite, that will include dedicated store space for products and services from startups, and a new section on the Best Buy web site where customers can browse, learn about, and purchase the newest products from startups.
Target shakeup: New chief digital officer is already out

That was fast. Jason Goldberger, the recently promoted chief digital officer of Target Corp., has left the company, effective immediatedly. No reason was given for his departure. Goldberger's responsibilities will be split, with Target CIO Mike McNamara overseeing the website and digital operations, and chief merchandising officer Mike Tritton taking on pricing and promotions.
Rolling robots are coming to Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C., is gaining a new grocery delivery service — one that is powered by rolling drones. With municipal regulators approving the use of rolling delivery drones for urban deliveries, these bots will deliver groceries to mainly single- or double-occupant households, according to TechCrunch.com.
Macy’s accelerates beauty push with on-demand home services

Macy's is revving up its beauty offerings with at-home beauty and treatment services. The department store retailer is partnering with beGlammed, an on-demand beauty service that delivers hair and makeup to the customer’s front door. The deal will utilize beGlammed’s network of more than 1,200 stylists in 22 U.S. markets. Customers will be able to book a variety of beGlammed services, from a touch-up to bridal makeup, on macys.com/beglammed.com. Prices will range from $25.00 to $185.00.
#UGGseason is here!

It's hard to find a brand more excited about the first day of fall than UGG. Ready to kick off its favorite season in style, UGG is launching a custom, fall-themed Snapchat lens. The lens, which will be available until midnight tonight, is part of the company’s digital campaign, #UGGseason. UGG fans can log onto Twitter and post their favorite looks, memes and comments, including those created through Snapchat.
Deloitte: Holiday sales to increase 3.6% to 4%, smaller niche players increasing share

Retailers should see a modest uptick in holiday sales this year. But the news isn’t all positive for big chains or even major online retailers.
Rebecca Minkoff puts virtual mirror into shoppers hands

Mirror, mirror in her hand, is Rebecca Minkoff one of the most innovative retailers in the land? The specialty retailer is inching closer to this title as it brings its store-level smart mirror experience into its shoppers hands through a new app. Specifically, the app from Zeekit allows consumers to virtually “try on” fashions before buying online or trying them on in-store.
Report: Five insights about the shifting retail calendar

This year, Hanukkah and Christmas Eve both fall on the last Saturday before Christmas, dubbed Super Saturday, which is likely to have a dramatic impact on traffic on that day.