TECHNOLOGY

Quick-service giant’s app adds more options for customers
Dunkin’ Brands is giving mobile customers another way to fulfill their caffeine fix. In a bid to add more convenience to their “Order on the Go” service, the quick service giant is adding curbside delivery to its menu of order fulfillment options. Once customers place their order via their mobile app, they can pick up their order in-store, at drive-thru, or pull into a dedicated parking spot where an associate will deliver it to their car.
Study: In-store shopping makes the grade this back-to-school season
Parents may be using mobile to look for deals this back-to-school season, but most purchases are happening in-store. Sixty-eight percent (68%) of shoppers will make their back-to-school purchases in-store vs. 32% who would prefer to shop only online, according to the “2017 Back-to-School Sales Report,” from ChargeItSpot.

Consumer confidence high — at least for the time being

U.S. consumer sentiment rose to its highest level since January in early August, reflecting optimism in the overall economy and in personal financial prospects. The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment index rose to 97.6 in the first half of August from 93.4 in July, which was an eight-month low. Economists estimated the index would hit 94 in August.
Arts and crafts brand’s mobile app supports new brand message

Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores is changing the way it connects with shoppers. Coinciding with efforts to “modernize” its brand, the arts and crafts retailer is adopting mobile technology as a means of fostering collaboration and enhancing the shopping experience. Jo-Ann’s new mobile app will enable users to shop for supplies, find project ideas, redeem mobile coupons, and find and share project “How-To’s.”
Discount giant’s inventory replenishment efforts are ‘top shelf’

Walmart is ensuring all in-store merchandise is ready for shoppers when they want to make a purchase.
Two high-profile Walmart acquisitions will find a home on jet.com

A discount giant is using its newest acquisitions to connect with its millennial shoppers. During an earnings call, Walmart revealed that it’s trendy, upscale Bonobos or ModCloth brands will soon be sold via jet.com. This move highlights how Walmart plans to leverage its Jet division to target the millennial shopper, according to Business Insider.
eBay helps social media powerhouse boost marketplace sales

Facebook is getting in on the “daily deals” game. The social media giant is teaming up with eBay to bolster third-party sales. Through the collaboration, Facebook’s Marketplace service — a section on its mobile app — now features a selection of inventory from eBay’s Daily Deals program, according to TechCrunch.
Fast-casual chain steps up its mobile experience

Chipotle Mexican Grill is making a move to retain existing customers and attract new ones. The fast-casual chain is partnering with Deloitte Digital to transform its mobile customer experience. The creative digital consultancy within Deloitte Consulting LLP, will redesign Chipotle's iOS and Android ordering apps, a move that will improve digital ordering and enhance the customer experience. The new apps will launch in the fall, with additional channels following by the end of the year.
Alibaba’s surging e-commerce sales boost June quarterly earnings

Alibaba Group’s e-commerce business’ profit increase contributed to a blockbuster quarter for China’s top online player. For the period ended June 30, China’s largest online retailer reported total revenue of 50.1 billion RMB ($7.1 billion U.S.), an increase of 56% year-over-year. This beat analysts' estimates of 47.7 billion RMB, according to Thomson Reuters. Net income was 14 billion RMB $2 billion U.S.).
BJ's seeks greater consumer insight with predictive analytics

BJ's Wholesale Club will leverage predictive analytics and machine learning to assist with buying decisions. The warehouse club operator will begin using First Insight’s consumer-driven predictive analytics. The tools are designed to help BJ’s make design and buying decisions on the broad spectrum of products offered in its warehouse clubs.