TECHNOLOGY

Amazon’s new acquisition becomes data breach target
Cyber-thieves have found their way into Whole Foods Markets’ payment network. The natural foods grocer, which Amazon purchased for $13.7 billion in August, learned that payment card information processed at certain venues within some of its stores, such as taprooms and full table-service restaurants, has been breached. These venues use a different point-of-sale system than the company’s primary checkout systems.
M.Gemi bolsters in-store experience
M.Gemi, the Boston-based Italian-made footwear brand, is using a digital tool to drive in-store customer satisfaction. The direct-to-consumer retailer, which was founded online but recently jumped to the physical space, has launched an app for store associates that combines online and offline functions, allowing associates to provide an elevated experience for store shoppers.

Traditional grocers gaining ground with click-and-collection programs

The nation's supermarket retailers are positioning themselves to capture a significant majority of online grocery sales over the next decade or so. That's according to Joe McKeska, president of Elkhorn Real Estate Partners. He made his remarks during a panel discussion at Marquette University’s annual commercial real estate conference.
Furniture e-retailer debuts live delivery tracker
Menswear company sets its sights on improving the customer experience

Tailored Brands has taken steps to identify shoppers and drive customer satisfaction. The menswear company operates more than 1,400 locations in the U.S. and Canada, as well as digital channels, across a variety of brands. By partnering with ForeSee, Tailored Brands now has a solution that manages all customer experience (CX) intelligence from one centralized location.
Study: Nearly half of U.S. consumers ready to shop through IoT-driven devices

Consumers are growing increasingly comfortable using connected devices for daily tasks — and shopping is not far behind. As more devices connect to chatbots and virtual assistants, an increasing number of consumers are ready to embrace the automation and convenience delivered by IoT technologies. Nearly half of consumers (48%) said they would feel comfortable with a connected device, such as a refrigerator, ordering items on their behalf.
Walmart in ‘brand’ new move against Amazon

Walmart is about to debut a new initiative to bolster its defenses against its biggest rival. The discounter's Jet.com site is launching a higher-end private-label brand of household and grocery essentials. The new brand, called Uniquely J, will launch in the coming months with a curated selection of products that include such essentials as coffee, olive oil, laundry detergent, paper towels, and more. Additional items will be added.
Analysis: How acquisition of TaskRabbit will benefit Ikea

The acquisition of TaskRabbit allows Ikea to efficiently remove one key barrier (the dislike of furniture assembly) for a segment of customers that have until this point avoided Ikea.
Thrift store chain goes ‘wireless’

Staying true to its “thrifty” roots, Savers has added a robust wireless solution without breaking the bank.
AmazonBasics defines online giant’s private-label efforts

Private-label introductions are increasing on a seemingly daily basis, but Amazon-owned products are transforming the marketplace. This was according to “AmazonBasics Spearheads Amazon Private Brands,” research from One Click Retail.