TECHNOLOGY

Specialty menswear retailer is introducing a new stylist — her name is Alexa
A new Alexa skill is helping Perry Ellis’ customers dress for any occasion. The menswear brand is assisting its shoppers with the “Ask Perry Ellis” Amazon Alexa skill. Called the first-of-its-kind, voice-activated skill, the technology supports a modern, frictionless shopping experience that enables customers to use their voice to find the right look, and shop for merchandise.
Amazon’s new acquisition becomes data breach target
Cyber-thieves have found their way into Whole Foods Markets’ payment network. The natural foods grocer, which Amazon purchased for $13.7 billion in August, learned that payment card information processed at certain venues within some of its stores, such as taprooms and full table-service restaurants, has been breached. These venues use a different point-of-sale system than the company’s primary checkout systems.

M.Gemi bolsters in-store experience

M.Gemi, the Boston-based Italian-made footwear brand, is using a digital tool to drive in-store customer satisfaction. The direct-to-consumer retailer, which was founded online but recently jumped to the physical space, has launched an app for store associates that combines online and offline functions, allowing associates to provide an elevated experience for store shoppers.
Traditional grocers gaining ground with click-and-collection programs

The nation's supermarket retailers are positioning themselves to capture a significant majority of online grocery sales over the next decade or so. That's according to Joe McKeska, president of Elkhorn Real Estate Partners. He made his remarks during a panel discussion at Marquette University’s annual commercial real estate conference.
Furniture e-retailer debuts live delivery tracker
Menswear company sets its sights on improving the customer experience

Tailored Brands has taken steps to identify shoppers and drive customer satisfaction. The menswear company operates more than 1,400 locations in the U.S. and Canada, as well as digital channels, across a variety of brands. By partnering with ForeSee, Tailored Brands now has a solution that manages all customer experience (CX) intelligence from one centralized location.
Study: Nearly half of U.S. consumers ready to shop through IoT-driven devices

Consumers are growing increasingly comfortable using connected devices for daily tasks — and shopping is not far behind. As more devices connect to chatbots and virtual assistants, an increasing number of consumers are ready to embrace the automation and convenience delivered by IoT technologies. Nearly half of consumers (48%) said they would feel comfortable with a connected device, such as a refrigerator, ordering items on their behalf.
Report: Walmart eyes same-day delivery in New York City

Walmart could be making another bold move in the online delivery game. Speaking at an advertising industry event in New York City on Wednesday, Marc Lore, president and CEO of Walmart eCommerce U.S., said that he expects the chain to offer free, same-day delivery in New York City “very soon,” Bloomberg reported.
Study: Online retailers at risk of losing $2.1 billion this holiday season

More unauthorized product ads are hijacking the consumer experience — an issue that will cost retailers precious revenue this holiday season. As unauthorized product ads are injected into consumer browsers — and appear on retailer sites — consumers are distracted from the retailer’s offerings. This disruption – known as online journey hijacking – cuts directly into retailers’ revenue, an issue that could cost companies $2.1 billion this holiday season.
Party goods retailer bolsters store fleet with Halloween pop-up shops

Party City is getting ready for the Halloween rush. The party goods retailer plans to open up more than 270 Halloween City pop-up stores during its make-or-break season. These locations will bring the company’s store fleet up to more than 1,200 Party City and Halloween City retail outlets.