TECHNOLOGY

Tesco is launching a one-hour delivery service — a move that will enable the chain to go head-to-head with Amazon.   The U.K.-based supermarket giant introduced its new Tesco Now app, which enables shoppers in central London to choose from a range of 1,000 products, and have them delivered within an hour. Merchandise crosses categories such as fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, bakery goods and dairy, as well as pet, baby, health and beauty products.   

Walgreens’ mobile apps biggest fans aren’t exactly the demographic people typically associate with technology adoption.  

Consumers may want a more personalized shopping experience, but some efforts in this regard creep them out.      

Eager to improve customer service and security at the front end, Forever 21 is converting its point-of-sale (POS) fleet to a single solution.   Through a partnership with Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions, the fast-fashion retailer is adding the vendor’s hardware, equipment and services across all its corporate stores around the globe. The agreement makes Toshiba the chain’s single point of contact for all POS systems, peripherals and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) front and back office retail store technology. 

Increased security in airports is helping to boost sales in airport stores.    Travel retail, particularly in airports, is currently a bright spot in the retail world.    Spending in airports hit $38 billion globally in 2016, according to GlobalData. It is set to grow by 27% to $49 billion by 2021.  

Levi Straus is the second most patriotic brand in America. And Ralph Lauren isn't far behind.    That's according to the 15th annual Brand Keys survey of iconic American brands, which asked 4,860 consumers, balanced for age and political party affiliation, to evaluate which of 280 brands were most resonant as to ‘patriotism.’ Jeep took the top spot in the survey for the second consecutive year. (For complete listing of the 50 most patriotic brands, which includes several retailers, see end of article.)

Amazon is giving new meaning to the phrase "Christmas in July."  

With plans to expand its commitment to the health, beauty and personal care categories, Fred’s Pharmacy is stepping up its analytics strategy.   By leveraging its 15-year partnership with Nielsen, Fred’s will extend the company’s data insights and analytics services across its 601 stores in 15 states across the southeastern U.S., as well as in future stores. Specifically, the chain will be poised to step up market measurements and consumer targeting services.