TECHNOLOGY

RILA announces first-ever tech awards
The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) is looking for a few good tech innovators. The group has put out a call for applications for its first annual (R)Tech Retail CEO Innovation Awards. The awards will highlight innovations that enable retail's future. Winners will be invited to showcase, pitch and network with the retail chief executives at RILA's annual Retail CEO Forum Jan. 21-23 in Tucson, Arizona.
Target's Q2 Earnings Call: Six Interesting Facts
Target's remodeling efforts, new smaller store format, same-day delivery pilot and private-label brands were among the topics discussed by company executives during the chain's quarterly earnings call on Wednesday with investors and analysts. Here are six interesting points from the call worth noting:

Study: Millennials don't act — or shop — alike

Retailers need to update their approach to targeting millennials. That's according to a new report by management consulting firm L.E.K., which provides insight into Millennials and their predecessors Gen X and the Baby-Boom generation.
Saks Fifth Avenue to roll out new salon concept — with augmented reality

Saks Fifth Avenue is debuting a new salon concept with a futuristic edge.
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.
The top drivers of consumer loyalty are...

When it comes to being loyal to a retailer or brand, the majority of U.S. consumers are swayed by their pocketbooks. Nine out of 10 (92%) loyal customers rank price and value as the top factor in driving loyalty to specific retailers, followed by product/quality (79%) and variety/selection (71%), according to the International Council of Shopping Centers’ survey on brand loyalty.
eTail East: Warehouse club operator debuts new desktop site

BJ’s Wholesale Club introduced the newest service within its digital transformation. The warehouse club operator launched a new desktop website on Monday. Besides featuring a modern look and feel, the site also supports easier navigation, browsing and shopping.
The five most loved brands are....

A social media giant and an online retail giant are the most loved brands in the world. Facebook took the top spot, followed by Amazon, in NetBase's third annual "Top 100 Global Brand Love List." Rounding out the top five were eBay, Apple, and Snap.
Walmart CEO: Trump missed ‘critical opportunity’ to unite country

The CEO of the nation's largest private employer has criticized the administration’s response to the violent protests in Charlottesville, Virginia. In a note to Walmart employees posted on the company's website, CEO Doug McMillon said that President Trump "missed a critical opportunity" in his initial reaction to the "tragic events" that occurred in Charlottesville, Va. But he called Trump's follow-up remarks on Monday "a step in the right direction."
Report looks at what drives holiday sales

Shoppers will do anything to qualify for free shipping — even spend more money if need be. That's according to a new report by Radial and CFI Group, which surveyed online shoppers to find out what they expect from retailers during the holiday shopping season. Sixty-five percent of the respondents said they are willing to purchase additional items to qualify for free shipping. In other key findings: