TECHNOLOGY

Report: Restaurant chain is latest data breach victim
Sonic has been targeted in a cyber-attack. The restaurant chain, which is known for drive-up ordering kiosks and roller skating waitresses, has confirmed it has suffered a data security breach. Specifically, the incident has jeopardized the security of credit cards from up to 5 million customers, according to KrebsOnSecurity, which first broke the news.
Supermarket retailer to test curbside pickup
Publix Super Markets is ramping up its grocery delivery services. Beginning Sept. 28, the supermarket chain will begin testing curbside grocery pickup at a store in Wesley Chapel, Florida, and another in Valrico, Florida. In addition, Publix's Metro-Atlanta stores will begin testing the service by the end of this year.

Home furnishings giant enters ‘gig economy’ with acquisition

Ikea Group has entered the booming market for on-demand services. The home furnishings giant is acquiring TaskRabbit, an on-demand services platform company that connects customers with workers, called "taskers," that handle everyday needs such as furniture assembly, moving and packing, general handyman repairs, and home improvements. The price of the transaction was not revealed.
Online giant bulks up its fulfillment network in Ohio

Amazon is building another fulfillment center in the Buckeye State. The online giant will open a new 650,000-sq.-ft. warehouse in Euclid, Ohio — its fifth in the state. The company recently announced upcoming fulfillment centers in the cities of Monroe and North Randall, and it currently operates warehouses in Etna and Obetz.
Report: Department store retailer keeps holiday hiring plans under wraps

Don’t expect to hear specifics about Kohl’s holiday workforce any time soon. Unlike other chains, including Target and Macy’s, that have announced their plans to hire thousands of temporary workers during the holiday season, Kohl’s is not discussing the number of seasonal hires its will make, according to CNBC.
Study: Cash is still king for U.S. consumers

Despite the rise of electronic, mobile and contactless payments, physical currency remains a favored choice for consumers in the United States. This was according to “In Cash Consumers Trust. But How Do Retailers Make it Pay?,” a report from cash technology solutions provider Glory. The study is based on responses from 1,500 consumers in the U.S., U.K. and Australia.
Report: Walmart eyes same-day delivery in New York City

Walmart could be making another bold move in the online delivery game. Speaking at an advertising industry event in New York City on Wednesday, Marc Lore, president and CEO of Walmart eCommerce U.S., said that he expects the chain to offer free, same-day delivery in New York City “very soon,” Bloomberg reported.
Study: Online retailers at risk of losing $2.1 billion this holiday season

More unauthorized product ads are hijacking the consumer experience — an issue that will cost retailers precious revenue this holiday season. As unauthorized product ads are injected into consumer browsers — and appear on retailer sites — consumers are distracted from the retailer’s offerings. This disruption – known as online journey hijacking – cuts directly into retailers’ revenue, an issue that could cost companies $2.1 billion this holiday season.
Party goods retailer bolsters store fleet with Halloween pop-up shops

Party City is getting ready for the Halloween rush. The party goods retailer plans to open up more than 270 Halloween City pop-up stores during its make-or-break season. These locations will bring the company’s store fleet up to more than 1,200 Party City and Halloween City retail outlets.
Discount giant steps up hurricane relief efforts — again

Walmart is allocating more funds to hurricane relief. The discount giant announced that it will donate another $5 million in support of Hurricane Maria relief. This is in addition to its previous commitment of $35 million in response to Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.