TECHNOLOGY

Study: Amazon influences how shoppers research merchandise online
Amazon is expanding into one of the go-to destinations for product discovery. This was according to “Amazon: The Big E-Commerce Marketing Opportunity for Brands,” a report from Kenshoo. The study is based on 3,100 consumers in the United States, Germany, United Kingdom and France.
Study: Cash-free society could be here sooner than you think
A cash-free economy could be here sooner than expected — and American consumers are leading the charge. Slightly more than half (54%) of consumers in the United States expect to stop using cash for shopping by 2020, according to “Lost in Transaction,” a report from payments provider Paysafe. The study, conducted among 3,038 consumers in the United States, United Kingdom and Canada, examines how cash is merging with digital formats.

Home furnishings giant launches augmented reality design app

Ikea is allowing its shoppers to virtually test drive merchandise before making a purchase. The home furnishings giant is preparing to launch a new augmented reality (AR) app. Called Ikea Place, the app allows customers to virtually place furniture in any space in their home, office, school or studio — and share the images. The app, which will be supported by Apple’s iOS 11 platform, will launch in late September.
Target ups holiday hiring by 40%

Target Corp. announced a major investment for the holiday shopping season. The discounter said it plans to hire approximately 100,000 employees for the upcoming holiday season, which is up about 40%. Additionally, Target will hire 4,500 workers at the company’s distribution and fulfillment centers to replenish products to stores and fulfill digital sales throughout the season.
Online giant to expand its distribution network in Mexico

Amazon is looking to take advantage of Mexico’s growing e-commerce industry. The online giant is planning to open a 1 million sq. ft. warehouse near Mexico City, according to Reuters. Scheduled to open next year, it would be the company’s third distribution center in the country.
Target in new exclusive partnership—with TV duo

Target Corp. is launching a new brand with HGTV's 'Fixer Upper' stars Chip and Joanna Gaines, and it's doing it just in time for the holidays. The retailer announced an exclusive multi-year partnership with Magnolia, the home and lifestyle brand founded by the Gaines, to launch a home and lifestyle goods line called Hearth & Hand. It is Magnolia’s first collaboration with a retailer.
Study: Majority of grocery sales are digitally driven

Digital's influence on grocery overall has nearly doubled year over year, and is now impacting the in-store experience.
Amazon rings up $500,000 in grocery sales in one week following Whole Foods Market deal

It only took seven days for Amazon to begin reaping the benefits of its acquisition of Whole Foods Market.
Report: Social media giant turns catalogs into buyable mobile ads

Facebook is helping retailers bring their catalogs to life. The social media giant introduced a new ad format that enables brands to distribute catalogs through mobile devices. Called "lifestyle templates,” the new format replicates the look of a print catalog, and also allows customers to make a purchase items directly through the Facebook ad, according to Business Insider.
Study: Marketers fear data quality is hurting digital ads

Relevant, personalized messages are key to driving engagement, yet the quality of sourced data is negatively impacting results. This was according to “More Data, More Problems: Trust, Transparency & Targeting in 2017.” The report from Bazaarvoice and Ad Age, is based on interviews of more than 300 agency and brand marketers.