TECHNOLOGY

Online giant to open robotics-based facility in Michigan
Amazon is expanding its distribution fleet in the Wolverine state in a big way. The online giant plans to open an 855,000-sq.-ft. fulfillment center in Romulus, Michigan — it’s second in the state. The facility will create more than 1,500 new full-time associate roles. Associates will pick, pack, and ship smaller customer items, such as books, electronics and toys. However, these tasks will be streamlined by technology from Amazon Robotics, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Amazon.com.
Teen retailer pulls the plug on U.K. business
Less than three years after opening stores across the pond, American Eagle Outfitters is closing up shop in the United Kingdom. The specialty retailer operates three stores in the U.K. It has already closed one location, and is winding down operations at its remaining two stores, as well as its British e-commerce site, according to the Telegraph.

Walmart speeds up the task of reordering frequent purchases

Walmart has found a way to make the digital shopping experience even faster. The discounter launched a new service on Tuesday that streamlines how shoppers reorder merchandise via their desktop or Walmart app. Called Easy Reorder, the service integrates shoppers’ purchase histories —a list that is comprised of merchandise purchased both in-store and online. The service curates the customer’s most purchased items — including brands and sizes.
Online merchant’s mobile search and shopping gets visual

eBay is making it easier for mobile shoppers to browse its massive product catalog. The online merchant is adding two new solutions that rely on pictures instead of words to help customers search its online offering of 1.1 billion items. The tools, which are supported by artificial intelligence and machine learning, will help mobile shoppers pinpoint — and purchase — merchandise faster.
Luxury department store puts a restructuring plan in motion

Neiman Marcus is making moves to offset its debt and improve its capital structure. The luxury department store’s first step was to eliminate 225 positions. Affected employees — which span all brands and operating divisions — will receive severance packages, and also be considered for other job openings within the company, according to the Dallas News.
Study: Majority of retailers adding AI tools within two years

Eager to improve customer communication, a majority of retailers plan to increase in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) moving forward. This was according to “How AI Technology Will Transform Customer Engagement,” a report from Linc and BrandGarage. The study polled 104 senior-level marketing and e-commerce executives from leading retail brands.
Online giant in big supply chain hiring push

Amazon is making good on its promise to hire 130,000 workers by 2018. The online giant announced Wednesday that it plans to fill more than 50,000 roles across its fulfillment network in the United States. Amazon is hiring “tens of thousands” full-time associates who will pick, pack and ship customer orders from its fulfillment centers. It will also fill supporting and managerial roles within its facilities, including human resources managers, IT specialists, and operations leaders, among other positions, the retailer said.
Warehouse club operator launches mobile site

BJ’s Wholesale Club just made a big move within its digital transformation plan. The warehouse club operator introduced a mobile site that is integrate within its omnichannel strategy. In addition to using the site to browse, research and purchase items, members can also manage their memberships through their smart device.
Study: Saving money tops parents’ back-to-school shopping lists

Parents are pulling back on their back-to-school spending, and making “essential” school supplies their top priorities. This was according to a new survey from Ebates and global internet services company Rakuten. The study, which was conducted online by Propeller Insights in June 2017, tapped 1,001 adults and 500 teens.
Walmart marketplace expands breadth of merchandise

Walmart is streamlining how its third-party suppliers connect with its marketplace. Acenda announced Wednesday that it has integrated with Walmart.com's global marketplace, connecting Acenda store owners and third-party sellers with Walmart's significant customer base. Acenda now helps retailers and brands optimize their product listings across major marketplaces including Walmart, Amazon, Google and eBay as well as leading retailers.