TECHNOLOGY

AmazonFresh expands to new cities
Amazon is amping up the breadth of AmazonFresh, giving competitors a run for their money — and customer wallet-share. Starting Oct. 26, AmazonFresh has expanded into Chicago and Dallas. These new cities bolster the growing list of regions where AmazonFresh is available, including recently launched Northern Virginia, Boston, Baltimore, and London. AmazonFresh is also available in Seattle, New York, Philadelphia, Stamford, Trenton, and seven regions across California.
Journeys’ new gifting option targets teen shoppers
Journeys’ new gifting program is primed to personalize the shopping experience among its young customer base. While this segment is too young to carry credit cards, teens are digitally savvy and increasingly mobile-driven. Leveraging these factors, Journeys is launching an online and digital gift card program across three of its brands.

Sears sweetens reward for MasterCard 'Shop Your Way' shoppers
Starting Nov. 1, more than 5 million Sears MasterCard holders whose cards are linked to the Shop Your Way program will earn more Shop Your Way points at Kmart and many of their favorite retailers. These Sears MasterCard holders will automatically earn more Shop Your Way points on a complimentary basis through December 31, 2017, including:
- 5% back in points on eligible purchases made at gas stations;
- 3% back in points on eligible purchases at grocery stores and restaurants
Target focusing on deals, value this holiday season — and John Legend

Value and promotions will take center stage in Target Corp.’s holiday plans, along with a televised “musical” starring a 10-time Grammy-winning recording artist. In addition to new and exclusive merchandise in every product category, Target is offering an array of holiday deals, including the return — and extension by one week — of free shipping for all online orders from Oct. 25 through Jan. 1, 2017.
QVC launches multi-platform beauty shopping experience

The fast-growing beauty category represented 17% of QVC’s global sales in 2015, but the retailer wants more. To grab a bigger share of the category, the digital retailer will launch the Beauty iQ network, a multi-platform beauty shopping experience designed to engage beauty lovers. The program, which is set to launch on Oct. 31, will be viewable in over 40 million homes in the U.S. via distributors, including DirecTV, U-verse, Dish and Roku.
Google launches home delivery service in 13 more states

Google is expanding the reach of its online delivery service. Beginning Tuesday, Oct. 25, Google Express is now available in another 13 states, according to USA Today. Shoppers access the online marketplace via Google’s web site or through an app. Deliveries, which are made by third party delivery companies, arrive within two days.
Best Buy upholds tradition of free holiday shipping

Looking to attract shoppers in what is expected to be a highly competitive season, Best Buy is waiving online shipping fees. For the second year in a row, the electronics retailer is offering free shipping on all online purchases — with no minimum threshold — made during the holiday shopping season. The perk will run between Oct. 25, and Jan. 2. Best Buy typically charges a fee for all orders below $35.
Off-price, online, health/beauty stores to pace strong holiday rebound

American consumers will generate an accelerating 4.1% year-over-year increase in 2016 holiday sales, well exceeding 2015’s tepid 3.6% growth.
Tech Bytes: A tale of three ‘experiential’ retailers

It doesn’t matter whether shoppers are buying a carton of milk or couture — a memorable in-store shopping experience is what drives loyalty. With a keen eye on personalization and in-store digital solutions, mere store visits can be transformed into sought-after “experiences.”
Staples moves beyond office supplies with new licensing efforts

Staples is getting into the licensing game as a means of expanding its brand. It’s first target — document storage.