TECHNOLOGY

Accenture launches new customer innovation center
Accenture is taking on its next innovation initiative. The company announced on Wednesday, May 31, that it opened an innovation hub dedicated to the retail, fashion and consumer goods industries. The Accenture Customer Innovation Network (ACIN), which resides in Milan, Italy, bolsters the company’s existing fleet of innovation facilities in Bangalore, Chicago, Manila and Singapore.
Robots, coming to a store near you
Yes, it’s official. The robotics revolution is coming to retail, as it is in many industries. I know robots roaming store aisles probably still sounds like something from “Back to the Future,” however, within a decade, I’m confident they will be such a normal part of the store experience we will find it hard to imagine life without them.

It’s official: Pet supplies giant acquires fast-growing online rival

PetSmart has been setting the stage to accelerate its digital offerings. Now it can.
Study: E-commerce fraud is declining — but the battle continues

E-commerce fraud as a percent of sales dollars may be on the decline, however losses still account for billions of dollars. This was according to the “Q1 2017 Global Fraud Index,” a report from Pymnts.com and Signifyd. The study measures and benchmarks innovations and trends that are reshaping the payments and commerce ecosystem.
Study: Innovative tools turn online customers into repeat shoppers

Attracting — and sustaining — loyal online customers is no easy task. However, retailers that offer innovative customer service tools, a variety of fulfillment options, and engagement solutions will successfully turn frequent browsers into loyal shoppers. These details were revealed in a new retail report from Radial and CFI Group.
Kitchenware retailer cooks up delivery service

A new partnership is helping Sur La Table take the term “farm to table” to a new level. Sur La Table is the go-to source for all things culinary — from cooking tools and kitchen gadgets to tableware. All it was missing was a way to be at their shoppers’ beck and call — and at a moment’s notice — as they prepared a stellar meal.
Shopping must-haves for Generations Y and Z are…

New attitudes, behaviors and shopping preferences among Generation Z and Millennials are keeping retailers on their toes. Emerging in-store technologies and positive social media feedback are top priorities among both Generation Z and Millennial consumers. This is according to retail advisory firm HRC Retail Advisory (HRC), which surveyed 1,350 participants in North America about their shopping experiences.
Fitch: ‘Location, Location, Location’ still applies, possibly now more than ever

The growth of e-commerce and the increasing emphasis on delivery speed as well as pick-up services for retail goods will likely precipitate a convergence of industrial distribution and retail real estate.
Online home furnishings retailer teams up with hit cable series

Wayfair is making it easy for customers to emulate decor trends from one of cable television's most popular series. Wayfair is collaborating with HGTV home improvement and house flipping series “Brother vs. Brother.” The popular show features siblings Jonathan and Drew Scott competing to see who can make the biggest profit when flipping renovated properties. The Wayfair-HGTV partnership will enable viewers to shop the looks featured on the show directly on Wayfair.
South African merchant improves in-store omnichannel fulfillment

Woolworths is taking steps to bolster its online shopping experience. Woolworths South Africa, a division of Woolworths Proprietary Limited, is known for its vast assortment ranging from groceries, fresh produce and prepared food to clothing, beauty products, home goods and general merchandise. As the company entered into the world of omnichannel, it knew it had to deliver easy access to its merchandise, and provide a painless experience for online customers.