TECHNOLOGY

11 Trends Expected to Drive Holiday Shopping
From increased budgets to a desire for free shipping to gifts for pets, PwC’s “2016 Holiday Outlook” report predicts the following trends will drive the upcoming holiday season: 1. Bigger holiday budgets: Shoppers will likely spend 10% more this holiday season; an average of $1,121 each. And consumers with annual household incomes less than $50,000 will likely increase their percentage spending levels even more than consumers overall.
Report: Customer expectations run high for holiday 2016
Retailers that can improve ordering, fulfillment, delivery, and customer service are on their way to a holly, jolly holiday. This is the message being conveyed by 500 shoppers surveyed in the “Consumers’ 2016 Holiday Shopping Expectations,” a report from Radi-al. Their responses revealed that they are not willing to negotiate when it comes to inventory visibility, free shipping or customer service this holi-day season.

Nominations open for most influential women in retail tech

Who are the leading women working in retail technology? Chain Store Age is accepting nominations for its annual feature recognizing female executives who are helping to transform the retail industry through technology. The “Top 10 Women in Tech” will celebrate the achievements of female executives from all areas of retail technology. The winners will be profiled in a special section of the January 2017 issue of Chain Store Age, as well as in an online report on chainstoreage.com.
Aldo creates single view of omnichannel shoppers

As consumers connect with their favorite brands, they expect a consistent shopping experience. With the help of Salesforce.com, The Aldo Group consolidated shopper data across its enterprise so it can create a singular shopping experience. By adding a cloud-based platform, Aldo gained 360-degree views of each shopper, a move that provides better insight into their preferences and allows the chain to engage with consumers more effectively.
No shopping on Turkey Day

For the second year in a row, Staples will close its stores on Thanksgiving. Shoppers, however, will be able shop the office supplies giant’s e-commerce site.
Report: Chicago startup teams with Target to take on Amazon Alexa voice search

A Chicago startup has landed partnerships with four major online retailers, including Target, to launch a product meant to rival Amazon’s Alexa, according to the Chicago Tribune.
NRF Study: Facebook leads digital marketing spend

Interactive media continues to shake up retailers’ digital marketing strategies.
Skechers app bridges physical and digital retailing

Skechers now allows shoppers to manage their shopping experience from the palm of their hand.
Sears steers Uber’s rewards program

Sears is hitching a ride with Uber — and inviting its loyal shoppers along. A new program, called Rider Rewards, is designed to award Sears shoppers for using Uber’s ride service. Customers that link their Sears Shop Your Way loyalty plan to their Uber account will earn $2 in loyalty points for every Uber trip they take. Besides points, the loyalty program also tailors deals to members. Drivers can also take advantage of the program, and earn up to $1,000 in certain markets.
Zappos.com takes loyalty to a new level

Zappos.com has found a new way to “wow” its passionate shoppers. In a strategic move to drive engagement, the online shoe retailer launched its first-ever loyalty program. Called Zappos Rewards, the progression-based program will allow customers to earn points toward future purchases, get free expedited shipping on all orders, and receive early access to exclusive products and sales.