BLOG POSTS BY THIS AUTHOR
Dec 2021
Dec 03
Cyber Week will never be the same
The five-day period between Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday remains critical for online holiday sales, but is rapidly evolving.
Nov 2021
Nov 19
Three predictions for Black Friday 2021
The actual day after Thanksgiving mega-sale event is finally coming.
Nov 12
Customers are returning to stores – and they want connected shopping
The store is not dead, but it is definitely evolving.
Nov 05
Taking charge of the supply chain’s last (and middle) mile
Retailers are taking a more hands-on approach to routing products to stores and customer homes or businesses.
ARTICLES BY THIS AUTHOR
Dec 2021
Dec 03
Online grocery adoption grows
Consumer enthusiasm for purchasing groceries online continues climbing.
Dec 03
Amazon CTO makes five technology predictions
The chief technology officer of Amazon is offering predictions for how technology will evolve in five key areas during 2022 and beyond.
Dec 03
Hot Topic revamps online order approval
Hot Topic Inc. is responding to rapid e-commerce growth by bolstering its authentication process for online orders.
Dec 03
Square changes name to Block
A growing financial payments company is adopting a new corporate identity.
Dec 02
Blue Apron voice-enables shopping, recipe help
A leading meal kit delivery service is expanding into an emerging shopping channel.
Dec 02
Exclusive Q&A: Preparing for post-Black Friday holiday success
Black Friday may have come and gone, but retailers still need to take steps to ensure their supply chains support holiday demand.
Dec 02
Ultrafast delivery platform expands to Boston
Jokr is bringing its 15-minute delivery service beyond the boundaries of New York City.
Dec 01
Airport convenience store launches AI-based automated checkout
Camden Food Express in New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport is enabling contactless shopping.
Dec 01
IDC: Top supply chain predictions for 2022-2026
Digital transformation efforts in the supply chain will accelerate in 2022 and beyond, despite disruption issues.
Dec 01
Exclusive Q&A with Madewell’s Chief Marketing Officer
Madewell is leveraging its Insider targeted loyalty program to help ensure a strong holiday performance.
Dec 01
7-Eleven pilots autonomous delivery service in California
7-Eleven is launching the first autonomous commercial delivery in the state of California with a new service available via its delivery app.
Dec 01
Amazon closes in on renewable energy goal
Amazon has launched 18 new utility-scale wind and solar energy projects across the globe as it accelerates its timeframe for using 100% renewable energy.
Nov 2021
Nov 30
Under Armour opens inventory visibility with RFID
Under Armour Inc. is making a major technological effort to achieve accurate stock visibility in its stores.
Nov 30
Survey: Customer convenience creates repeat visits
A new survey indicates customers will support local businesses that provide omnichannel means of shopping and engagement.
Nov 30
Cyber Monday still biggest e-commerce day – but how big?
Cyber Monday was the largest online shopping day in 2021, but growth was noticeably cooler than in 2020.
Nov 30
eBay acquires sneaker authentication provider Sneaker Con
eBay continues to establish itself as a secure provider of collectible sneakers.
Nov 30
Survey: Consumers want flexibility for holiday returns
A new survey reveals that holiday shoppers have high expectations for returns, despite ongoing supply chain issues.
Nov 30
CVS rolls out audio prescription labels nationwide
CVS is offering a proprietary solution that will read prescription information aloud at all of its pharmacy locations.
Nov 29
Report: Phishing attack hits Ikea email
Ikea is reportedly undergoing a hacking attempt on its email system that involves duping employees with fraudulent messages.
Nov 29
U.K.’s Sainsbury’s first non-U.S. retailer to adopt Amazon’s ‘Just Walk Out’ tech
Britain’s second-largest supermarket retailer is the first third-party international retailer to use Amazon’s autonomous checkout technology.
Nov 29
Newegg opens two new distribution centers
Newegg Commerce Inc. is expanding its U.S. warehouse and distribution facilities to more than 2.1 million-sq.-ft. of space.
Nov 29
Black Friday online spending falls amid early promotions and deals
E-commerce sales got off to a tepid start over Thanksgiving weekend following an unusually early start to the holiday shopping — and deals and discounts — season.
Nov 24
Peet’s Coffee launches digital gifting in time for the holidays
Peet’s Coffee is making its coffees available as personalized digital gift experiences.
Nov 23
AutoZone launches targeted media platform
Advertisers now have direct, personalized access to AutoZone’s customer base.
Nov 23
Survey: Supply chain delays don’t prompt holiday shoppers
Despite some consumers expressing concern over supply chain issues, many have not made any special effort to begin holiday shopping.
Nov 23
Forrester: How to keep your enterprise secure during Cyber Monday
Forrester analysts recommend steps to maintain e-commerce and supply chain security during surging Cyber Monday digital activity.
Nov 23
CSA Exclusive: Specialty baseball retailer streamlines online checkout
You Go Pro Baseball is boosting checkout conversions with a consistent, one-click online checkout process.
Nov 23
The most popular retailer for Black Friday deals is…
Analysis of Google search data reveals which retailers are the most popular Black Friday discount destinations overall, and by individual state.
Nov 22
Walmart opens its first drone delivery ‘hub’ across multiple stores
Walmart is following up on a June investment it made into a drone technology and services company.
Nov 22
Study: Thanksgiving weekend looks promising for online retailers
A new study indicates the five-day period between Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday will see solid e-commerce growth.
Nov 22
Adidas modernizing ERP system with new cloud platform
A global athletic brand is migrating its enterprise infrastructure to an upgraded cloud environment.
Nov 22
Nike offers immersive virtual experience on gaming platform
Nike is creating a sophisticated, interactive space within a popular digital gaming environment.
Nov 22
The top seven e-commerce retailers are…
Apparel retailers dominate a new ranking of online speed and customer experience.
Nov 22
Walmart to host historic Twitter livestream shopping event
Walmart is continuing its aggressive growth in shoppable livestreams with a first-ever step by a U.S. retailer on Twitter.
Nov 19
Sephora expands same-day delivery options
Sephora is rolling out a third choice for customers who desire same-day delivery of their online orders.
Nov 19
How to attract online health and beauty shoppers
A new survey reveals high levels of online shopping among health and personal care and beauty shoppers, and reveals what drives their purchases.
Nov 19
Survey: Retailers expect high number of holiday returns
Retailers are lagging in their return services even as they expect a good number of customers to return holiday gifts.
Nov 19
Carvana unveils latest ‘car vending machine’
Carvana is opening its 30th automated location for picking up online vehicle purchases.
Nov 19
CSA Exclusive: Regional grocer consolidates e-commerce activities
NetCost Market utilizes a fully integrated e-commerce platform to keep up with growing customer demand.
Nov 18
Starbucks teams up with Amazon for new store concept
Starbucks Corp. is teaming up with Amazon to provide in-store customers with frictionless checkout.
Nov 18
Exclusive Q&A: Dark stores are one element of rapid delivery strategy
Retailers need to take a multi-pronged approach to ensuring they can quickly fulfill customer demand.
Nov 18
Walmart expands drone use with instant delivery from Arkansas store
Walmart is slowly but surely increasing the number of drone delivery pilots and programs it launches.
Nov 18
Kroger integrates in-store pickup with Google Maps
Several banners of a leading grocery chain are early adopters of a new Google Maps omnichannel order tracking/notification tool.
Nov 18
Salesforce: Early holiday shopping is driving digital sales
New data from Salesforce shows digital commerce revenue is already rising, with few signs that economic and logistical headwinds are slowing them down.
Nov 18
California Pizza Kitchen employee data exposed in breach
A September hacking incident at California Pizza Kitchen may have compromised some highly sensitive data of current and former employees.
Nov 18
Macy’s takes on Amazon, Walmart, eBay with digital marketplace
The third-party online marketplace space is getting a little more crowded.
Nov 17
Exclusive Q&A: Express turns shoppers into influencers
Express Inc. is expanding its well-established celebrity influencer program to include fashion-savvy customers.
Nov 17
University of Arizona deploys delivery robots on-campus
Campus dining just got more interesting at the University of Arizona.
Nov 17
eBay to offer curated pop-up holiday shops
eBay is temporarily entering the brick-and-mortar space for the holiday season.
Nov 17
Report: Amazon to stop accepting U.K.-issued Visa credit cards in 2022
This holiday season could be the last time Amazon shoppers can make purchases with Visa credit cards issued by U.K. banks.
Nov 17
Amazon debuts sustainable grocery packaging for Whole Foods Market, Amazon Fresh
Amazon is unveiling new insulated packaging for delivery of select grocery products in time for Thanksgiving.
Nov 17
7-Eleven expands on-demand adult beverage delivery offering
The country’s largest convenience retailer is entering a new partnership that makes alcohol available for online delivery from over 1,200 stores.
Nov 16
YouTube launches livestream holiday shopping promotion
YouTube is enabling some of its leading influencers to set up live shopping streams in advance of the holiday season.
Nov 16
Dick’s Sporting Goods drives mass personalization effort
Dick’s Sporting Goods is putting a data backbone in place to track real-time customer data for personalized marketing at scale.
Nov 16
ThredUp: Consumers more open to secondhand holiday gifts
Consumers’ concerns about inflation and supply chain pressures may spur increased online resale marketplace spending this holiday season.
Nov 16
Survey: Retailer confidence in systems security may be misplaced
Retailers’ belief in their ability to detect and prevent data breaches is not supported by underlying data.
Nov 16
Florida-based furniture chain equips associates with mobile CRM tools
City Furniture is utilizing an iPad-based mobile communications solution to improve in-store customer service.
Nov 15
Albertsons delivers branded ad content to shoppers
Albertsons Companies Inc. is the latest retailer to digitally connect brands with its shoppers.
Nov 15
Amazon, Target preview official Black Friday deals
Although Amazon and Target have been offering early Black Friday discounts in earnest, the two retail giants are not ignoring the actual event.
Nov 15
Survey identifies leading retailer holiday concern
One in four retailers is worried about the same supply chain issue as the holidays approach.
Nov 15
Charlotte Tilbury introduces social shopping to virtual store
Charlotte Tilbury is expanding the functionality of its immersive virtual shopping experience.
Nov 15
Independent Pet Partners rolls out on-demand delivery
The parent brand of four independent pet retailers is entering a new nationwide partnership with a leading third-party delivery platform.
Nov 15
Ultrafast grocery delivery startup goes live in Chicago
Chicago consumers have another new option for receiving grocery deliveries within minutes.
Nov 12
Turkish ultrafast delivery platform enters U.S. with Chicago rollout
The U.S. market to deliver groceries in 10 minutes or less keeps gaining entrants.
Nov 12
One e-commerce site leads in traffic and outages
The same e-commerce site had the highest rate of monthly visits, growth in monthly visits and outages during 2021.
Nov 12
Bealls enhances fulfillment capabilities with robots
Bealls Inc. is deploying artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled robotic picking, sorting and packing technology.
Nov 12
Costco discloses payment card breach at store
Costco Wholesale Corp. has been victimized by criminals using what might be considered “legacy” hacking technology.
Nov 11
Amazon opens second grocery store with ‘Just Walk Out’ in Illinois
Illinois is getting its sixth Amazon Fresh brick-and-mortar grocery store, and its second with fully autonomous checkout.
Nov 11
The online retailer with the lowest prices is …
One retailer has the lowest online prices in every category except pet items, but another is gaining on it.
Nov 11
Alibaba sets new Singles Day record with $84.5 billion in sales
The 13th annual Alibaba Global Shopping Festival (known colloquially as “11.11” or “Singles Day” proved lucky with an all-time high gross merchandise volume total.
Nov 11
Dollar General offers on-demand delivery of household essentials
Dollar General is making same-day, online delivery available from more than 9,000 stores.
Nov 11
Williams- Sonoma launches new recipe app, shipping program
A major home furnishings retailer is introducing new digital meal-planning and delivery services.
Nov 11
Consumers may not be starting holiday shopping early after all
New survey data challenges the conventional wisdom that consumers are shopping earlier this holiday season.
Nov 11
Instacart introduces new dollar store hub, savings options
Instacart is rolling out a number of new mobile app features that are designed to increase access to discount prices.
Nov 10
Under Armour enhances enterprise performance with cloud shift
Under Armour Inc. is migrating its enterprise infrastructure to the cloud.
Nov 10
Amazon expands supply chain presence in Alabama
Amazon is expanding its fulfillment center footprint in Alabama with four new facilities. and plans to open three more new operations facilities there.
Nov 10
David’s Bridal unveils bridesmaid line that is always available
The nation's largest bridal retailer is making a big promise around its newest apparel offering.
Nov 10
Survey: Customers ordering in bulk — but with intent to return some items
Online shoppers are buying more items at once, but not with motives that benefit retailers.
Nov 10
Survey: Frontline workers don’t feel noticed, have fears
A new survey reveals significant disconnects between frontline workers and corporate management.
Nov 10
Westfield offers AR ‘holiday hunt’ with flex payments provider
Westfield shopping centers are leveraging augmented reality technology for a new interactive holiday promotion.
Nov 10
Survey reveals how customers make online product decisions
Despite extremely low levels of brand loyalty, there are steps brands can take to help influence the path to online purchase.
Nov 10
NRF files lawsuit to postpone vaccine mandate; deadlines ‘virtually impossible’
The National Retail Federation is involved in a lawsuit against the Occupational Safety and Health Administration for its COVID-19 employer vaccine mandate.
Nov 09
Early Black Friday promos, supply chain fears impact holiday shoppers
New data from Adobe reveals consumers aren’t waiting to begin their online holiday shopping.
Nov 09
Walmart plans new high-tech supply chain facilities for Texas
Walmart will add two high-tech hubs in the Dallas-Fort Worth area to its growing supply chain network.
Nov 09
Amazon opens new Midwest sortation center
Amazon’s newest supply chain facility is located in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.
Nov 09
Amazon, PayPal team up for digital payment
Amazon customers in the U.S. will be able to pay with Venmo for purchases on Amazon.com and the Amazon mobile shopping app in the near future.
Nov 09
CSA Exclusive: EY insight on supply chain issues, near and long-term
There are a variety of causes for ongoing global supply chain disruptions, and consulting firm EY recommends several remedial strategies.
Nov 09
eBay steps up refurbished product competition with Amazon
eBay is building upon its existing Certified Refurbished program.
Nov 09
Multi-brand restaurant retailer brings bitcoin to loyalty space
The operator of restaurant banners including Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. and Rainforest Café is launching a bitcoin loyalty rewards program.
Nov 08
Lowe’s to launch beta version of mobile room-scanning tool
A home improvement giant will soon offer what it calls a “spatial commerce” experience on its iOS app.
Nov 08
Meijer introduces on-demand alcohol delivery
A Midwest discount retailer is joining the rapidly growing trend of on-demand alcohol delivery.
Nov 08
Walmart moves driverless truck pilot into historic full deployment
Walmart is the first company to use autonomous delivery trucks with no safety driver in the “middle mile” of its supply chain.
Nov 08
Staples still wants to acquire Office Depot
The parent company of Staples remains determined to acquire its chief rival.
Nov 08
Salesforce: Digital sales channels show impressive growth
Between 2019 and 2021, three specific digital sales channels saw their transaction share sharply increase.
Nov 08
Uber to pilot on-demand robotic delivery
Uber is joining the increasingly crowded field of delivery platforms using autonomous robots to deliver fresh products.
Nov 08
Southeast furniture retailer completes digital transformation
Florida-based City Furniture is now running all operations on a single, standardized data platform.
Nov 05
Giant to offer COVID-19 shots for younger children
Giant Food is the latest retailer to receive approval for administering the COVID-19 vaccine to children ages 5-to-11-years-old.
Nov 05
Build-A-Bear goes 3-D with new e-commerce offering
Build-A-Bear Workshop is introducing a new shopping experience on its website that includes 3-D animation.
Nov 05
Chipotle works to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Chipotle Mexican Grill is setting science-based greenhouse gas targets with the Science Based Targets initiative.
Nov 05
Hudson’s Bay holiday promo includes store displays, TikTok contest
A leading Canadian department store retailer is unveiling a comprehensive omnichannel holiday promotional campaign.
Nov 05
Exclusive Q&A: DTC mattress company integrates smart home technology
A memory foam bed-in-a-box mattress brand is bundling products with a leading-edge sleep sensing solution.
Nov 05
Regional grocer unifies data management
Festival Foods is implementing an ERP platform to support centralized data analytics.
Nov 05
Express recruits brand ambassadors
A fashion apparel retailer is training style-conscious consumers to promote and sell select merchandise.
Nov 05
CVS adds new benefits to beauty loyalty program
CVS is updating the CVS Pharmacy ExtraCare BeautyClub loyalty program, in response to customer feedback for a more experiential beauty rewards program.
Nov 05
Survey: Online grocery shoppers are more loyal
Omnichannel grocers may want to target digital customers with their branding and promotional efforts.
Nov 04
Advance Auto Parts rolls out new store concept for independent owners
A leading automotive aftermarket parts retailer is targeting the do-it-yourself (DIY) market with the new Carquest by Advance retail concept.
Nov 04
Rebag opens new store in Beverly Hills
Rebag’s newest brick-and-mortar location is designed to offer all the elements of its typical store in a more compact format.
Nov 04
Wayfair swings to loss, misses Street on revenue in tough Q3
Wayfair Inc. lost momentum from the first two quarters of fiscal 2021 as it reported a net loss and failed to meet Wall Street expectations for revenue.
Nov 04
Albertsons partners with CDC to support kids’ COVID-19 vaccinations
Albertsons Cos. is joining the effort to vaccinate children ages 5-11 against COVID-19.
Nov 04
Crocs, ThredUp partner on resale program
Crocs is supporting a commitment to become net zero by 2030 by helping customers clean out their closets.
Nov 04
Publix opens virtual convenience storefront
A regional Southeastern grocer is partnering with a well-known online delivery platform to make essential items available for fast delivery.
Nov 04
Amazon opens high-tech grocery store with ‘Just Walk Out’ in Illinois
The Illinois market is getting its fifth Amazon brick-and-mortar grocery store, and its first with fully autonomous checkout.
Nov 04
Eyemart Express names interim exec to marketing head
A Dallas-based value optical retailer is filling its top marketing position with an internal promotion.
Nov 04
Kroger pilots paid, two-tier loyalty program
The Kroger Co. is offering a new paid subscription program called Boost by Kroger Plus in select markets.
Nov 04
Bed Bath & Beyond kicks off omnichannel holiday promotion
The holidays have arrived at Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. – across channels.
Nov 04
Francesca’s to open pop-ups, website for new tween brand
Francesca’s Holdings Corp. has big plans for its tween-oriented Franki brand.
Nov 03
Brookshire enters Oklahoma with new acquisition
Brookshire Grocery Co. is adding a fourth state to its operating area.
Nov 03
CVS beats Street with Q3 earnings
CVS Health Corp. reported its third straight quarter of strong financial results.
Nov 03
Dick’s Sporting Goods teams up with Nike in mobile collaboration
Dick’s Sporting Goods and Nike Inc. are providing a seamlessly linked mobile shopping and loyalty platform.
Nov 03
Kroger opens transaction-level data to CPG brands
The Kroger Co. continues building upon the targeted marketing services it offers CPG brands.
Nov 03
Study: Customers return to stores, remain wary of COVID-19
Although consumers increasingly show willingness to shop in-store, they are not abandoning habits formed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nov 03
Big Lots offers incentives to store employees to work on Thanksgiving
Big Lots Inc. is bucking a popular industry trend by keeping its stores open all day on Thanksgiving.
Nov 03
Retailers to begin offering COVID-19 vaccinations for children
Four retail chains are preparing to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to 5-to-11-year-olds.
Nov 03
Pacsun targets teens with digitally-focused holiday promotion
A teen apparel retailer is targeting Gen Z shoppers with holiday initiatives across TikTok, Snapchat, augmented reality, digital gaming and NFTs.
Nov 03
Klarna introduces universal shopping app
Klarna is launching a new mobile app designed to eliminate the problem of consumer app fatigue.
Nov 03
Amazon creates new flexibility for workers
Amazon is launching a new employee program called FamilyFlex.
Nov 02
American Eagle acquires robotic logistics firm for $350 million
American Eagle Outfitters is continuing to transform its supply chain.
Nov 02
Harris Teeter president to retire
A grocery banner of The Kroger Co. will replace its outgoing president with a current senior executive.
Nov 02
Wayfair launches mobile video shopping service
A digitally native home furnishings brand is introducing a new immersive video commerce experience on its app.
Nov 02
Survey reveals five key consumer grocery trends
A new survey from Blue Yonder uncovers how consumers feel about aspects of grocery retail such as in-store shopping and brand loyalty.
Nov 02
Build-A-Bear names new digital executives
Build-A-Bear Workshop is hiring its first-ever VP of e-commerce and promoting another executive to a senior digital technology role.
Nov 02
Staples opens two new Staples Connect locations
Staples is bringing its reimagined store format that spotlights coworking, podcasting and community event spaces to a new location on each coast.
Nov 02
Saks to offer virtual experiences, shopping for holidays
The Saks luxury e-commerce platform is running a series of virtual events centered around gift-giving and dressing for holiday celebrations.
Nov 02
Circle K continues cashierless checkout retrofits
Circle K is bringing checkout-free shopping to six stores in the greater Tucson, Ariz., area.
Nov 02
Walmart acquires tech to boost conversational commerce
Walmart is making a financial investment to support automated and streamlined communications with customers.
Nov 02
Ulta offers same-day delivery in six cities
Ulta Beauty is partnering with a white-label fulfillment platform to provide same-day delivery service to online customers.
Nov 02
Foot Locker acquires Japan-based athletic retailer for $360 million
Foot Locker is adding yet another brand to its portfolio, this one a global retailer of athletic footwear, apparel and accessories based in Japan.
Nov 02
Kroger, Bed Bath & Beyond enter into in-store, online pilot
Kroger customers will soon be able to buy Bed, Bath & Beyond home and baby products on the grocery giant’s online site and in select stores.
Nov 02
Neiman Marcus ups commitment to resale, sustainability efforts
Neiman Marcus Group is expanding its activities in the retail resale vertical, as well as in support of its environmental, social and governance strategy.
Nov 01
Walmart partners with Elton John in new exclusive eyewear brand
Walmart is collaborating with a pop music icon to produce several eyewear collections that will only be available via Walmart and Sam’s Club.
Nov 01
Bloomingdale’s unveils holiday promotion
Bloomingdale’s is kicking off the holiday season with an omnichannel campaign called “Give Happy.”
Nov 01
Ikea moves forward with U.S. furniture buyback and resale
Ikea is turning its pilot of a U.S. resale program into a national rollout.
Nov 01
Bed Bath & Beyond expands same-day delivery for baby and kids items
Bed Bath & Beyond is continuing to offer customers more options for receiving same-day delivery of online orders.
Nov 01
Dollar General opens fresh distribution center in Kentucky
Dollar General is supporting its increased assortment of fresh food products with a new supply chain facility in Bowling Green, Ky.
Nov 01
Walmart pilots mobile solutions in effort to reinvent shopping bags
Walmart is going high-tech as it continues exploring ways to phase out plastic shopping bags.
Nov 01
Macy’s reveals details of live Thanksgiving Day parade
The 95th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade will commence at its traditional starting point, and include online previews.