TECHNOLOGY

Study: The most sought-after roles to transform operations are…
Businesses are eager to better serve their clients, but most lack the skills, processes and technology needed to leverage data effectively. In fact, 61% of U.S. companies agree that inaccurate data is undermining their ability to provide an excellent customer experience, according to “Investing in Digital Transformation: The Year’s Most Sought-After Data Roles,” a report from Experian Data Quality.
Women's fitness concept closing up shop
Dick's Sporting Goods Inc. is shutting down its women's fashion/fitness store format. Dick's is closing its two existing Chelsea Collective stores on August 6. Dick's launched the brand in 2015, but it never expanded it in any signficiant way.

Survey: Fast response times critical to customer experience and brand loyalty

Retailers who frustrate consumers risk brand abandonment. Almost half of North American and European consumers surveyed by the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Council say they will abandon a brand if they continuously encounter a poor, impersonal or frustrating customer experience across channels of engagement. The study was undertaken in partnership with SAP Hybris.
Online giant to launch messaging app?

Amazon could be the newest player in the consumer messaging game. The online giant is considering a new messaging platform that will rival the likes of Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp. The full-featured standalone messaging app will be accessible via smartphones, tablets, PCs and smart watches, according to TechCrunch.
Amazon sets sights on new retail segment

Amazon has found a way to further expand its foothold in the grocery industry. The online giant has submitted a trademark application that will enable it to enter the meal kits business. The move will directly rival meal kit provider Blue Apron, according to CNBC.
Study: Mobile, social media promotions top back-to-school investments

Besides exceeding their 2016 efforts, retailers’ back-to-school marketing investments are going digital this year. This was according to the “2017 Retailer and Consumer Back-to-School Insights Guide,” a report from RetailMeNot. The study, which was conducted June 6-12, tapped 1,000 U.S. consumers aged 18 and over about their back-to-school spending and deal-seeking goals.
America's favorite home furnishing retailers are...

A wholesale club giant beats out specialty retailers to rank as the nation's favorite home furnishings retailer. Costco Wholesale Corp. is ranks first among consumers when it comes to home furnishings, according to a study by Market Force Information. With a composite loyalty score of 72%, Costco earned the top spot. But Ikea was a close second, with a score of 70%.
Jet.com makes a move to streamline urban deliveries

Walmart’s e-commerce arm is making it easier for New Yorkers — especially those without a doorman — to get their deliveries. Jet.com is teaming up with Latch, a provider of smart building access technologies, to integrate a reader-style electronic access product in 1,000 buildings in New York City. The installation, which is being paid for by the partners, will give more than 100,000 residents the ability to retrieve orders electronically, according to TechCrunch.
Walmart hosts virtual commerce competition

Walmart’s technology incubator — called Store No. 8 — is on the hunt for cutting edge virtual reality (VR) solutions.
J.C. Penney jumps into $20 billion industry with in-store shops

J.C. Penney isn't playing around when it comes to toys.