TECHNOLOGY

Specialty retailer preps for Olivia Palermo-inspired pop-ups during New York Fashion Week
Banana Republic will be giving shoppers a chance to buy its Olivia Palermo designs right after they appear on the runway. Upholding its “see now, buy now” presentation model, the apparel retailer will enable customers to purchase pieces from its Spring 2017 collection at pop-up shops at select Banana Republic stores on Feb. 9. The collection is based on the street-style of fashionista Olivia Palermo.
NRF’s Big Show: A hopeful shift in focus from Amazon to the customer
Every year, 30,000 retail industry professionals descend on Manhattan for the National Retail Federation’s “Big Show. It’s a once-a-year opportunity to take the pulse of one of our most familiar industries. Amazon conspicuously abstains from the event, but it is nonetheless the focus of many conversations, distracting some retailers from the real opportunity: innovations in customer experience. Thankfully, this year a healthy shift seems to have begun.

Starbucks customers can place orders ‘on command’

Starbucks is further evolving its digital customer experience. Staring Monday, Jan. 30, Starbucks is launching a beta test for a voice messaging service that enables guests to place and pre-pay for their food and beverage orders “on command” via the Starbucks mobile iOS app and the Amazon Alexa platform. The new “My Starbucks barista” feature is an extension of Starbucks Mobile Order & Pay service, which allows customers to order and pay for their items before arriving at their store.
Lululemon’s journey toward ‘mindful’ customer interactions

Like the principle of yoga, Lululemon Athletica knows the value of learning from a journey — in this case, its shoppers’ journeys. In fact, this information will help the athletic apparel retailer hit its newest milestone: “touching one billion people and doubling our revenue over the next five years,” Miguel Almieda, Lululemon’s executive VP digital, said at last week’s NRF Convention and Expo in New York City.
Hollister Co. bringing back a familiar name

Hollister Co. is reviving its intimates brand. The retailer, a division of Abercrombie & Fitch Co., is reintroducing its Gilly Hicks line of intimates, loungewear and swimwear. Gilly product can now be purchased in all of Hollister’s U.S. stores and globally online. Hollister plans to open Gilly in-store shops in selection locations “that will provide the customer a unique Gilly Hicks brand experience.”
Target teams up with popular online jewelry retailer for a ‘sugarfix’

In its newest partnership, Target has joined up with BaubleBar, the online fast-fashion jewelry brand. The two companies have come together for a new collection, called Sugarfix by BaubleBar, that will feature original designs and pieces inspired by the brand's most popular styles. The line will be available exclusively on Target.com and in some 900 Target stores beginning Jan. 31.
These retail brands are tops in brand engagement

Soaring customer expectations are creating an increasingly challenging environment for brands seeking engagement. That’s according to the 22nd annual Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index, which recognizes the brands that receive the highest loyalty and engagement assessments and surpass competitors for "delighting" customers.
Study: Omnichannel moves beyond initiative stages to execution

The omnichannel evolution has begun — and more retailers are adopting the business strategy to better meet shoppers’ needs. That’s according to “Retail Insight: Moving Beyond Omnichannel,” a report from SPS Commerce and conducted by Retail Systems Research. The study, which is based on responses from more than 500 retailers, suppliers and logistics firms worldwide, said that more than 35% of retailers are on track with their omnichannel execution, up nearly 200% year-over-year.
Americans pull back Super Bowl spending

American consumers are ready to celebrate the Super Bowl, but they don’t plan on spending as much as they did last year. Consumers will spend an average of $75 for a total of $14.1 billion as an estimated 188.5 million watch the Atlanta Falcons face the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LI on February 5, according to the National Retail Federation’s annual Super Bowl Spending Survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics.
Department store chain taps exec to head up tech center in India

J.C. Penney is shoring up its commitment to its new technology lab in Bangalore, India. The chain has tapped Snehil Gambhir as VP and managing director of its global in-house center (GIC). Tasked with leading all operations at the company’s GIC, he will support and expand a variety of key business functions, including IT, digital, store operations, analytics, marketing, infrastructure and merchandise operations.