TECHNOLOGY

Fast-casual chain steps up its mobile experience
Chipotle Mexican Grill is making a move to retain existing customers and attract new ones. The fast-casual chain is partnering with Deloitte Digital to transform its mobile customer experience. The creative digital consultancy within Deloitte Consulting LLP, will redesign Chipotle's iOS and Android ordering apps, a move that will improve digital ordering and enhance the customer experience. The new apps will launch in the fall, with additional channels following by the end of the year.
Alibaba’s surging e-commerce sales boost June quarterly earnings
Alibaba Group’s e-commerce business’ profit increase contributed to a blockbuster quarter for China’s top online player. For the period ended June 30, China’s largest online retailer reported total revenue of 50.1 billion RMB ($7.1 billion U.S.), an increase of 56% year-over-year. This beat analysts' estimates of 47.7 billion RMB, according to Thomson Reuters. Net income was 14 billion RMB $2 billion U.S.).

Target's Q2 Earnings Call: Six Interesting Facts

Target's remodeling efforts, new smaller store format, same-day delivery pilot and private-label brands were among the topics discussed by company executives during the chain's quarterly earnings call on Wednesday with investors and analysts. Here are six interesting points from the call worth noting:
Study: Millennials don't act — or shop — alike

Retailers need to update their approach to targeting millennials. That's according to a new report by management consulting firm L.E.K., which provides insight into Millennials and their predecessors Gen X and the Baby-Boom generation.
Saks Fifth Avenue to roll out new salon concept — with augmented reality

Saks Fifth Avenue is debuting a new salon concept with a futuristic edge.
BJ's seeks greater consumer insight with predictive analytics

BJ's Wholesale Club will leverage predictive analytics and machine learning to assist with buying decisions. The warehouse club operator will begin using First Insight’s consumer-driven predictive analytics. The tools are designed to help BJ’s make design and buying decisions on the broad spectrum of products offered in its warehouse clubs.
The top drivers of consumer loyalty are...

When it comes to being loyal to a retailer or brand, the majority of U.S. consumers are swayed by their pocketbooks. Nine out of 10 (92%) loyal customers rank price and value as the top factor in driving loyalty to specific retailers, followed by product/quality (79%) and variety/selection (71%), according to the International Council of Shopping Centers’ survey on brand loyalty.
eTail East: Warehouse club operator debuts new desktop site

BJ’s Wholesale Club introduced the newest service within its digital transformation. The warehouse club operator launched a new desktop website on Monday. Besides featuring a modern look and feel, the site also supports easier navigation, browsing and shopping.
The five most loved brands are....

A social media giant and an online retail giant are the most loved brands in the world. Facebook took the top spot, followed by Amazon, in NetBase's third annual "Top 100 Global Brand Love List." Rounding out the top five were eBay, Apple, and Snap.
Survey: 36% of shoppers made purchases on Prime Day

The third annual Amazon Prime Day attracted more shoppers than ever, with many attracted by personalized marketing efforts. Thirty-six percent of respondents confirmed they made a purchase on Amazon Prime Day in a survey from Periscope by McKinsey, which conducted online research with U.S. shoppers to explore their attitudes and actions regarding the online giant's mega-sale. This was a substantial increase on the 22% who said they had actively shopped for Prime Day deals in 2016.