TECHNOLOGY

Amazon’s fulfillment arm will pay full price to bolster global inventory
Amazon is making its marketplace sellers an offer that is hard to refuse. The online giant’s Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) division is rolling out a new program that will buy products from third-party merchants at full price, then sell them to consumers across the globe. The program is a move to build Amazon’s global inventory, according to CNBC.
Fast-food giant automates development strategy
Subway is more accurately planning new locations. The fast-causal restaurant chain is partnering with location intelligence provider SiteZues, to augment its development strategy. The company’s data-driven solution will combine advanced geospatial technology and visualization with Subway’s market data. The result will be more thorough and accurate insights — the foundation Subway needs to plan and expand its market growth.

Abercrombie expanding in a big way in China

Abercrombie & Fitch is setting its sights on Chinese teens in a new partnership with China's online giant. The retailer will start selling its namesake brand and Abercrombie kids line on Alibaba Group's Tmall website, starting on July 26. Tmall, which is China's largest consumer website for brands and retailers, has carried Abercrombie's Hollister brand since 2014.
Study: Online glitches jeopardize customer trust

Websites with technical difficulties do more than frustrate shoppers — they damage a brand’s reputation. This was according to a new survey from QualiTest Group. The report, which was conducted with Google Consumer Surveys in June 2017, was based on a sample of more than 1,000 respondents from the United States between the ages of 18 and 54.
Walmart developing facial recognition technology

The nation's largest retailer is working on technology to enable store associates to respond more quickly to potential customer service issues. The chain is developing facial recognition technology to detect frustrated or unhappy shoppers, according to a report by Business Insider. The technology uses video cameras at checkout lines that monitor customers' facial expressions and movements to identify varying levels of dissatisfaction, according to a patent filing, the report said.
Online giant in deal with unlikely retail partner

Amazon is staking a claim in the appliance market in a big way in a partnership with Sears Holdings. The embattled retailer announced it will sell its prized Kenmore-branded appliances on Amazon. The deal opens the way for the broadest distribution to date of Kenmore products outside of Sears stores and its websites. Distribution will be nationwide, and Sears Home Services and Innovel Solutions units will provide delivery, installation, and other services.
Department store giant’s annual anniversary sale goes digital

Nordstrom is putting a modern spin on a 50-year-old tradition. The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale — an event that launched in the 1960s — is stepping up its digital game this year. To drive customer engagement throughout the two-week event which kicks off on July 21, the department store giant teamed up with Snapchat to create a custom lens that features accessories that will be highlighted during the Anniversary Sale.
Discounter pulling plug on loyalty program

Target is discontinuing its mobile Cartwheel Perks rewards program, but new app-based improvements are underway. The discounter alerted shoppers participating across its five test markets via email that its “perks pilot is winding down.” Shoppers have until August 27, to collect points toward perks rewards, and all rewards must be redeemed by October 27, according to Target.
Amazon’s Treasure Truck gears up for a national expansion
Menswear retailer launches its first mobile app

Destination XL Group has a new way to connect with its loyal shoppers. The menswear retailer launched its first mobile app — a move that will help it engage shoppers whether they are on-the-go or in-store. Designed with mobile commerce provider PredictSpring, the app will help Destination XL create a more modern shopping experience.