TECHNOLOGY

Study: Father’s Day spending headed for record high
Americans are expected to spend more than ever on gifts for Father’s Day this year — proof that consumer confidence is growing. This was according to a study from the National Retail Federation. The report, conducted by Prosper Insight & Analytics, is based on responses from 7,335 consumers surveyed between May 2 and May 9.
eBay personalizes every shopper’s visit
Shoppers are demanding that retailers treat them as individuals, and eBay is listening. eBay is launching an enhanced, more personalized eBay shopping experience through a new homepage that is responsive to its individual customers’ interests. Leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technology, eBay is tailoring recommendations across all categories during each shopper’s new site visit, and serving up an inventory mix that's unique only to them.

Joss & Main and cable series team up, just in time for summer

A home furnishings retailer is making it easier for their shoppers to make their homes “summer-ready.” Through its partnership with the HGTV series, “Beachfront Bargain Hunt: Renovation,” Joss & Main is enabling viewers to purchase the budget-friendly, stylish looks presented on the show directly through their e-commerce site. The retailer will feature merchandise throughout the show’s six-week season, starting on June 10.
Walmart leverages ‘employees’ for last-mile delivery initiative
Amazon expands distribution fleet in California

Amazon is bolstering fulfillment efforts in the Golden State. The online giant will open an 855,000-sq.-ft. fulfillment center in Fresno, California. The new facility will specialize in handling smaller-sized items such as books, electronic devices and children’s toys. The Fresno facility will be the fifth warehouse in the state’s Central Valley. Amazon currently operates three fulfillment centers in Tracy and Patterson, and a fourth facility under construction in Sacramento.
Hot fitness equipment start-up to expand retail footprint

Peloton, a four-year-old startup that sells exercise bikes tied to a live-streamed workout experience, is revving up for expansion armed with fresh capital. The company announced it has recently closed a $325 million series E financing round, which brings its total valuation to $1.25 billion. The round was led by Wellington Management, Fidelity Investments, Kleiner Perkins, and True Ventures. Other significant investors in this round included Comcast NBCUniversal, GGV Capital, Balyasny, and QuestMark.
Study: E-commerce fraud is declining — but the battle continues

E-commerce fraud as a percent of sales dollars may be on the decline, however losses still account for billions of dollars. This was according to the “Q1 2017 Global Fraud Index,” a report from Pymnts.com and Signifyd. The study measures and benchmarks innovations and trends that are reshaping the payments and commerce ecosystem.
Study: Innovative tools turn online customers into repeat shoppers

Attracting — and sustaining — loyal online customers is no easy task. However, retailers that offer innovative customer service tools, a variety of fulfillment options, and engagement solutions will successfully turn frequent browsers into loyal shoppers. These details were revealed in a new retail report from Radial and CFI Group.
Accenture launches new customer innovation center

Accenture is taking on its next innovation initiative. The company announced on Wednesday, May 31, that it opened an innovation hub dedicated to the retail, fashion and consumer goods industries. The Accenture Customer Innovation Network (ACIN), which resides in Milan, Italy, bolsters the company’s existing fleet of innovation facilities in Bangalore, Chicago, Manila and Singapore.
Robots, coming to a store near you

Yes, it’s official. The robotics revolution is coming to retail, as it is in many industries. I know robots roaming store aisles probably still sounds like something from “Back to the Future,” however, within a decade, I’m confident they will be such a normal part of the store experience we will find it hard to imagine life without them.