TECHNOLOGY

Can an electronic sensor bring you closer to your customer?
Yes, but only if you listen — to both of them

In the early days of retail, the store proprietor knew customers by sight. As mostly mom-and-pop businesses, they naturally spent time getting to know their customers, who probably were also neighbors and friends. They knew from experience and immediate feedback what merchandise would or wouldn’t sell. It was the ultimate in customer intimacy.
Amazon Business ready to rule B-to-B world
A ruling in the dispute between the Federal Trade Commission and Staples could hinge on whether the judge in the case is an Amazon Prime member who appreciates the online giant’s disruptive business model and potential to impact the business-to-business marketplace.

Report: Kohl’s chief marketer resigns

A shakeup in the executive ranks is reportedly occurring at Kohl’s.

According to AdAge, Will Setliff, executive VP of marketing at the department store chain, is resigning his position the week of April 11. There has been no press release from Kohl’s or Setliff and surprisingly little coverage of his career shift outside of AdAge.
Study: What’s keeping retail execs up at night?

Increased security risks tops the list of a new survey of 300 top global retail executives on the topics keeping them up at night.

According to “Finding Retail Growth: A View from the Corner Office,” sponsored by Demandware and conducted by Economist Intelligence Unit, retail leaders view increased security risks, the rise of globally competitive online marketplaces, shifts in consumer taste and increased globalization as the four most significant challenges impacting the industry.
Target offering more deals on its Cartwheel app

Target announced it is testing an expansion of its Cartwheel app, which launched in 2013. The retailer reported that the app has saved users, in total, $475 million (and counting) to date.

The new feature expands the app to allow for digital coupons from manufacturers that offer a dollar amount discount (rather than a percentage discount).

The service is made possible through a partnership with Quotient (formerly Coupons.com), a third-party provider of digital coupons, according to a report by TechCrunch.
Specialty auto parts chain races for omnichannel position

As a retailer of automotive aftermarket parts, tools, supplies, equipment, and accessories, O’Reilly Automotive Inc. helps its shoppers customize and tailor their vehicles to individual preferences.

So when the Springfield, Missouri-based chain decided to update its omnichannel customer experience, it realized a highly customizable solution would be needed. O’Reilly has selected the e-commerce platform from Broadleaf Commerce to support seamless marketing and merchandising across its mobile and Web channels, as well as its 4,571 stores in 44 states.
Walgreens issues corporate 'Red Nose' challenge as exclusive retail partner of 2nd Red Nose Day

Walgreens on Monday announced its returns as the exclusive retail partner of the second annual Red Nose Day, helping raise funds to fight kids' poverty. The campaign's iconic Red Noses - which people wear in support of the official Red Nose Day on Thursday, May 26 - returned to store shelves at Walgreens and Duane Reade locations nationwide this morning, officially kick starting the nine-week charitable campaign.
Walmart goes omnichannel against hunger

Walmart is partnering with five suppliers to launch an omnichannel fundraising initiative that is sure to appeal to many of its shoppers.

The retailer is launching its“Fight Hunger. Spark Change.” campaign to raise money to fight hunger. Walmart, working with five suppliers representing some of the nation’s leading food companies, will offer three ways for shoppers to take action against hunger and help families in need.
The Increasing Influence of Millennials on Retail Operations

Millennials have become a bigger part of the retail customer demographic with the group expected to have more spending power than any other generation by 2017. Millennials are incredibly connected to technology with their smartphones and tablets. They are accustomed to rapidly changing technology and increasingly expect their retail brands to do the same.
And the 10 most innovative companies in retail are…

A cloud computing/e-commerce giant heads up Fast Company’s annual ranking of the 10 most innovative companies in retail. Amazon not only topped the retail sector category, it also came in number one in the overall World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies listing. (Rounding out the top five: Google, Uber, Apple and Snap.)