MOBILITY

  • Alibaba’s surging e-commerce sales boost June quarterly earnings

    Alibaba Group’s e-commerce business’ profit increase contributed to a blockbuster quarter for China’s top online player.   For the period ended June 30, China’s largest online retailer reported total revenue of 50.1 billion RMB ($7.1 billion U.S.), an increase of 56% year-over-year. This beat analysts' estimates of 47.7 billion RMB, according to Thomson Reuters. Net income was 14 billion RMB $2 billion U.S.).  

  • eBay helps social media powerhouse boost marketplace sales

    Facebook is getting in on the “daily deals” game.   The social media giant is teaming up with eBay to bolster third-party sales. Through the collaboration, Facebook’s Marketplace service — a section on its mobile app — now features a selection of inventory from eBay’s Daily Deals program, according to TechCrunch.   

  • eTail East: Warehouse club operator debuts new desktop site
    BJ’s Wholesale Club introduced the newest service within its digital transformation.   The warehouse club operator launched a new desktop website on Monday. Besides featuring a modern look and feel, the site also supports easier navigation, browsing and shopping.   

  • British online fashion giant steps up product searches
    ASOS is streamlining how its mobile shoppers search for merchandise.   The largest online fashion retailer in the U.K. is adding a visual search feature to its iOS-based mobile app, reported TechCrunch. It will be rolled out to their Android app “soon."   

  • Fast-casual chain steps up digital ordering
    As Panera Bread’s electronic orders continue to rise, so does its commitment to digital customer engagement.   The fast-casual chain continues to add more digital touchpoints, making it easier for shoppers to engage with its brand. Whether delivering new services via the Web, mobile or in-store kiosks, “we want to drive convenience, speed, and contribute to an exceptional customer journey,” Mark Berinato, VP, digital, Panera Bread said during a session at eTail East on Monday.   

  • Beauty giant gives loyal shoppers their own ‘chat-room’
    Sephora’s new service strives to connect customers while they shop.   The specialty retailer launched a digital platform that invites customers enrolled in its Beauty Insider loyalty program to connect and chat about all things beauty. The mobile and online platform serves as a destination for members to find inspiration, ask questions and get recommendations in an unsponsored, real-time social setting.  

  • Walmart deploying tech that lets in-store shoppers check out — on their own
    A discount giant is helping more shoppers skip the checkout line.    Walmart is expanding the deployment of its Scan & Go mobile app, which is being tested in approximately 12 stores across Northwest Arkansas, Florida, Texas and Georgia. The chain is now rolling out the app for use in at least 10 additional locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth and Nashville markets. The stores will offer the solution by the end of the month, according to Justin Rushing, spokesman for Walmart.  

  • Nation's largest mall is ‘mapping out’ a better shopping experience
    Technology that works like GPS for indoor locations is helping shoppers find their way through Mall of America.   

  • Simon launches ‘concierge bot’
    Simon is debuting a new type of concierge — one that never calls in sick.   The mall owner launched a chatbot designed to deliver customers at its 208 North American centers useful information as they shop.  Described as the industry’s first enterprise-wide bot, the artificial intelligence-based technology is available through Facebook Messenger, and provides store and restaurant information, hours of operation, special events, daily promotions and a list of available amenities.  

  • Target retail tech accelerator alum makes good
    One of the retail tech start-ups from the inaugural class of the Target + Techstars retail accelerator program is expanding.  
X
This ad will auto-close in 10 seconds