TECHNOLOGY

Study: Mobile drove back-to-school e-commerce sales
Mobile commerce made the grade this back-to-school season, contributing to a 3% increase in overall e-commerce sales. This was according to research from retail search marketing company NetElixir. The firm said mobile orders were up by 44%, and revenue was up by 64%. Mobile average order value (AOV) increased by 13%, indicating that consumers are now more comfortable using mobile devices for more expensive purchases.
Discounter swaps out Apple devices for Android on its sales floor
Target associates are using new devices to complete their daily tasks. After using iPod Touches for the last three years to manage stock, pull items, and handle other essential sales floor duties, Target is now putting Android devices into its associates’ hands, according to Gizmodo.

Office Depot names chief marketing officer

Office supply retailer Office Depot has tapped a 30-year marketing veteran to lead its marketing efforts. Office Depot announced that Jerri DeVard has been appointed executive VP and chief marketing officer. She will report directly to Office Depot CEO Gerry Smith.
Study: Hispanic customers going online for holiday shopping

With access to more disposable income, Hispanic consumers will up their holiday spending this year — especially through e-commerce.
Online giant expands its fulfillment network in Michigan

Amazon is further bolstering its presence in The Wolverine State. The online giant will open a new, 1 million sq. ft. fulfillment center in Shelby, Michigan. The building is set to open in 2018. The warehouse will focus on picking, packing and shipping large items, like household decor, sporting equipment and gardening tools. These operations will be managed by approximately 1,000 associates, according to Amazon.
Home furnishings giant launches augmented reality design app

Ikea is allowing its shoppers to virtually test drive merchandise before making a purchase. The home furnishings giant is preparing to launch a new augmented reality (AR) app. Called Ikea Place, the app allows customers to virtually place furniture in any space in their home, office, school or studio — and share the images. The app, which will be supported by Apple’s iOS 11 platform, will launch in late September.
Target ups holiday hiring by 40%

Target Corp. announced a major investment for the holiday shopping season. The discounter said it plans to hire approximately 100,000 employees for the upcoming holiday season, which is up about 40%. Additionally, Target will hire 4,500 workers at the company’s distribution and fulfillment centers to replenish products to stores and fulfill digital sales throughout the season.
Online giant to expand its distribution network in Mexico

Amazon is looking to take advantage of Mexico’s growing e-commerce industry. The online giant is planning to open a 1 million sq. ft. warehouse near Mexico City, according to Reuters. Scheduled to open next year, it would be the company’s third distribution center in the country.
Target in new exclusive partnership—with TV duo

Target Corp. is launching a new brand with HGTV's 'Fixer Upper' stars Chip and Joanna Gaines, and it's doing it just in time for the holidays. The retailer announced an exclusive multi-year partnership with Magnolia, the home and lifestyle brand founded by the Gaines, to launch a home and lifestyle goods line called Hearth & Hand. It is Magnolia’s first collaboration with a retailer.
Study: Amazon influences how shoppers research merchandise online

Amazon is expanding into one of the go-to destinations for product discovery. This was according to “Amazon: The Big E-Commerce Marketing Opportunity for Brands,” a report from Kenshoo. The study is based on 3,100 consumers in the United States, Germany, United Kingdom and France.