TECHNOLOGY

Airport stores see big boost in sales
Increased security in airports is helping to boost sales in airport stores. Travel retail, particularly in airports, is currently a bright spot in the retail world. Spending in airports hit $38 billion globally in 2016, according to GlobalData. It is set to grow by 27% to $49 billion by 2021.
Survey: The most patriotic retail brands are…
Levi Straus is the second most patriotic brand in America. And Ralph Lauren isn't far behind. That's according to the 15th annual Brand Keys survey of iconic American brands, which asked 4,860 consumers, balanced for age and political party affiliation, to evaluate which of 280 brands were most resonant as to ‘patriotism.’ Jeep took the top spot in the survey for the second consecutive year. (For complete listing of the 50 most patriotic brands, which includes several retailers, see end of article.)

Study: Prime Day 2017 on pace to be biggest yet

Amazon is giving new meaning to the phrase "Christmas in July."
Drug chain expands commitment to analytics

With plans to expand its commitment to the health, beauty and personal care categories, Fred’s Pharmacy is stepping up its analytics strategy. By leveraging its 15-year partnership with Nielsen, Fred’s will extend the company’s data insights and analytics services across its 601 stores in 15 states across the southeastern U.S., as well as in future stores. Specifically, the chain will be poised to step up market measurements and consumer targeting services.
Walmart leads grocery paid-search ads — but for how long?

Walmart leads the pack when it comes to paid search advertising in the grocery category. That’s according to new research from AdGooroo. The search marketing intelligence provider analyzed 124 non-branded grocery store and grocery delivery keywords from June 2016-May 2017.
The third state to allow delivery robots is....

Wisconsin has become the third state to legalize the use of the automated robots. Virginia and Idaho passed passed similar legislation earlier this year. The Wisconsin law places an 80-pound weight limit on the robots, and doesn’t permit the machines to travel faster than 10 miles per hour. The robots are also required to have a person in the loop to take over control in case something goes awry, according to ReCode.
Amazon's drone future looks sci-fi

Drone deliveries by Amazon could one day originate from an unusual-looking starting point.
CSA Q&A: Walgreens talks about frictionless retailing

In an era when shoppers want a seamless shopping experience, Walgreens is pulling out the stops to deliver on their expectation.
Apparel retailer using social media to enhance product development

When Chico’s FAS wanted to put the “customer’s voice” into the merchandise it designs, it took a bold step — and tapped social media.
Study: The missing link in omnichannel success is....

Retailers can gain huge competitive advantages in an increasingly digital marketplace by leveraging consumer insights. That's according to “The JDA Voice of the Category Manager.” The report, from JDA Software Group, tapped nearly 100 professionals responsible for category management and merchandising activity in North America.