TECHNOLOGY

Target’s start-ups make their pitch
Eleven retail tech startups took the stage at Minneapolis’ Orchestra Hall on Tuesday in front of nearly 1,000 people. The goal? Deliver the pitch of a lifetime.
Helzberg strives for multichannel VIP customer experiences
Helzberg Diamonds is committed to “making people feel loved.” By adopting a set of multichannel customer experience management solutions, the jeweler is taking the next step to “wowwing” its shoppers with more personalized customer service cross-channel.

Shoppers less irritated by ‘Christmas Creep’

Although most Americans are still irritated to see holiday items appear in the store alongside Halloween goodies and don’t like stores being open on Thanksgiving, attitudes are beginning to change.
Wal-Mart closes Jet.com deal

It’s official: Wal-Mart is ready to service a new online customer base. Wal-Mart’s acquisition of Jet.com was finalized yesterday, a move that extends the chain’s already vast digital presence.
Tech Bytes: Four Tips for Pre-Holiday Prep

The back-to-school shopping season has barely ended. The east coast is still experiencing a smattering of 90-degree weather. The top trending Halloween costumes haven’t even been confirmed yet. But consumers don't care — for them, preparing their holiday shopping strategies are priority one. Note to retailers: it’s never too soon to follow their lead.
Report: Holiday hiring reflects online emphasis

As more retailers announce their seasonal hiring plans, filling omnichannel-supporting roles will be a priority.
HSNi in a technology first

HSN has become one of the first retailers with a fully functioning augmented reality app for tablets and mobile devices. HSN has launched an augmented reality design app across two of its home and lifestyle brands in its Cornerstone portfolio: Frontgate and Ballard Designs. The technology, powered by augmented commerce provider Cimagine, allows users to virtually place desired objects in their own homes, and engage with more than 1000 home décor and furnishings.
Is Amazon looking to give Ulta a run for the money?

Amazon on Thursday announced that its Prime Now ultra-fast delivery service has added its first beauty store. Prime members in Chicago can now order beauty and personal care products from Merz Apothecary, a 100-years plus Chicago retail institution, and have the items delivered to their door in as little as one hour.
Study: Retailers get a failing grade with social customer care

How do industry observers rate retail social customer care? #EpicFail. The term social customer care refers to the quick and personalized customer service brands are expected to provide through social media once a customer engages with them to resolve an issue. To date, 92.5% of brands are failing to meet customers' social customer care expectations, according to the “Social Customer Care Report,” from Rational Interaction.
Department store takes a lesson from Pokemon GO! craze

Inspired by Pokemon Go!, Bloomingdale’s found a way to run with the idea of scavenger hunts. The department store retailer ran an in-store scavenger hunt based on Snapchat and geofilters, according to an article in Luxury Daily.