TECHNOLOGY

‘Dash Button’ hits Amazon’s homepages
The device that allows Amazon shoppers to re-order their favorite items with a single click of their finger has a virtual alter-ego. The Dash Button is now an icon available on Amazon’s homepage and the retailer’s app homescreen, according to ReCode.
Division of high-end chain rewards shoppers with Nordstrom Notes
Nordstrom is giving shoppers a new way to earn loyalty points. As of Friday, Jan. 20, Nordstrom Rewards members will earn points toward Nordstrom Notes when they use their Nordstrom credit and debit cards at the chain’s Trunk Club division, a personalized styling service for men and women, offering both virtual and in-person shopping options. Additionally, Trunk Club will waive its $25 home try-on fee when shoppers order curated trunks of clothing using their Nordstrom card.

Sears taps AI to sell tires

Sears has a new strategy to help rebuild its brand and drive profitability: artificial intelligence. Eyeing relationships with its Sears Automotive customers, the embattled retailer is piloting its “Digital Tire Journey,” a web app that relies on IBM Watson to help shoppers buy tires. Unlike typical ecommerce websites that often rely on a drop-down menu of pre-selected tire terms, Sears’ artificial intelligence-based web app delves into the driving and lifestyle preferences of shoppers.
Texas to gain another Amazon fulfillment center

Everything is bigger in Texas — including Amazon’s breadth of fulfillment centers. The retail giant is planning its ninth Texas fulfillment center in Coppell, a move that will create 1,000 more full-time positions. The facility, which will be outfitted with state-of-the-art robotics, will be Amazon’s third located in Coppell. Amazon’s first Coppell warehouse began fulfilling customer orders in 2013; the second launched during the 2016 holiday shopping season.
Top 10 global consumer trends for 2017

Faster shopping and the transformation of old age are two of the trends identified by Euromonitor International on its annual report of the trends that will shape the consumer landscape this year. The “Top 10 Global Consumer Trends for 2017” report noted that 2016 was defined by uncertainty with growth in global consumer expenditure slowing to 2.4% in real terms – the lowest rate of growth since the financial crisis.
Target CIO Mike McNamara Talks Tech Transformation

Mike McNamara, chief information officer and digital office for Target Corp, was among the speakers this week at the National Retail Federation’s annual Big Show in New York City. McNamara described how Target’s technology team is leading the way on transformation. In the blog post below, which is on Target’s website, McNamara discusses the change he is leading, and some of the exciting technologies he saw at the Big Show:
Accenture in tech collaboration with Council of Fashion Designers

The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and Accenture are collaborating to help shape how the fashion industry integrates technology and consumer insights into its business practices. Combining the creativity within CFDA’s membership with Accenture’s expertise in customer experience, strategy, insights and technology, the two organizations will create talent-development programs for today’s designers and tomorrow’s retailers.
Buckle personalizes in-store experiences

Personalization is at the core of Buckle’s success. However, engaging customers differently requires a deep understanding of each shopper, and leveraging specific details to foster long-term relationships. Buckle is improving its personalization efforts through a new cloud-based solution designed to create the high-touch, individualized shopping experiences the chain has built its brand on.
The Future of Shopping: FIVE Predictions for 2017

As we move into the new year, it’s time to look ahead and predict what’s in store for the retail industry as it races to stay relevant in the Age of Amazon. Here are five predictions to keep an eye on in 2017:
Food delivery by robot

A futuristic delivery service is now up and running in two U.S. cities. Six-wheeled robots that are a little under 2 ft. tall and travel at walking speed are delivering food in conjunction with Postmates in Washington, D.C., and DoorDash in Redwood City, Calif., according to a report by Recode.