TECHNOLOGY

Job-seekers out in full force for online giant's multi-state job fair
Thousands nationwide turned out Wednesday for the chance to join Amazon’s growing workforce. The online giant hosted a multi-state job fair on Aug. 2, focused on hiring full-time and part-time associates for positions across nearly a dozen of its U.S.-based warehouses. The event had such a massive turnout that Amazon said it received "a record-breaking 20,000 applications,” according to CNBC. This is almost half of the 50,000 roles the company says it has available across its fulfillment network.
Saks to honor 80-year-old film icon (and her seven pals) for the holidays
Saks Fifth Avenue is partnering with Disney to celebrate the holidays. Saks' annual holiday window display at its New York City flagship on Fifth Avenue will be devoted to "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs." The collaboration with Disney also includes special Disney-inspired fashion, accessories and giftable items created by premier designers and available across Saks' 41 stores in the U.S. and Canada, and Saks.com.

What do customers want from virtual shopping?

Virtual reality shopping is here and consumers — or at least the ones that are tech-savvy — are ready to use it. Seventy to eighty percent of "early tech adopter" consumers are eager to use virtual commerce technology to design rooms, customize products and shops with friends from across the globe, according to a study from L.E.K. Consulting.
More California Walmart stores add curbside grocery pickup

Walmart’s grocery pickup service is available to even more shoppers in the Golden State. The discounter introduced grocery pickup in 26 stores across Inland Empire, Los Angeles and San Diego, bringing the total number of stores statewide offering the service to 36 locations, according to The Orange County Register. Each store will designate parking stalls for shoppers to retrieve their groceries.
Q&A: Boxed co-founder talks about machine learning

Driven by the need “to solve problems for its shoppers,” Boxed is about to make it easier than ever for customers to reorder merchandise — without even having to think about it.
Now Trending: Eight clicks-to-bricks retailers to keep an eye on

Digitally native retailers are infusing the retail industry with something it can always use: new blood. Here are eight interesting newcomers to the physical space: Away
Regional furniture retailer modernizes front-end

City Furniture sales associates are moving away from the cashwrap, and completing transactions directly on the show floor.
Fast-fashion giant trying on vending machines

Uniqlo will be popping up at airports and malls across the nation — but not through retail storefronts. Putting a new spin on the term “fast fashion,” the Japanese retailer is launching 6-ft.-high vending machines that will enable customers to purchase T-shirts and lightweight down jackets, the Wall Street Journal reported. Merchandise is packaged in boxes and cans.
Amazon Opens Old Wounds for Retailers (Again)

Before we completely move on from last month’s Amazon Prime Day, it’s important to understand why retail brands once again braced themselves to lose customers and online sales when they had a whole year to do things differently.
Gen Z big on brick-and-mortar

The most digitally savvy generation to date has a soft side for physical stores. Despite being digital natives, 57% of Generation Z say they prefer to shop in-store rather than online, according to a report from CrowdTwist, a provider of multichannel loyalty and engagement solutions.