TECHNOLOGY

Singles Day: Alibaba reports record sales, but growth slows
The 24-hour Chinese shopping mega-event known as Singles Day brought in record numbers for the country’s e-commerce giant, Alibaba. But it appears that the growth rate is decelerating. Alibaba Group Holding Limited reported that the total amount of goods and services sold by vendors (known as gross merchandise volume) over its e-commerce sites rose 24% to a record $17.8 billion this year. Last year, by contrast, sales on Alibaba platforms increased 60%.
Starbucks goes for safety in numbers with its annual holiday cup
Starbucks Corp. stirred up a controversy last year when people complained that its all-red holiday cups were too plain. It’s unlikely there will be any complaints this go around. This year, for the first time ever, Starbucks has 13 different holiday cups, all of them red but each with its own distinct design. And in another twist, the designs were created by customers.

More big retailers announce Thanksgiving/Black Friday plans

Four of the nation’s largest retail chains remain committed to opening their doors on Thanksgiving. Target Corp. announced it will open its stores at 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, and Best Buy said it plans to open at 5 p.m. Walmart will start its Black Friday event at 6 p.m. on Turkey Day (most Walmart locations are open 24 hours).
Pinterest works to drive ad effectiveness

Pinterest is launching a new program designed to help brand partners present more relevant advertising messages to Pinners. Through a partnership with Neustar, Pinterest’s marketing partners now have a solution that leverages the social media platform’s customer-specific information as well as Neustar’s proprietary audiences. The combination of data gives advertisers a standardized view of customer across every marketing channel, and an unprecedented reach among customers.
Report: Nearly half of retailers falling behind in omnichannel efforts

Omnichannel adoption is a prerequisite to remain relevant in today’s retail world. Yet, many retailers are still missing the mark. That is the message delivered in “Five Insights into the Omnichannel Landscape,” a benchmark report from eTail East and WBR Digital. The study reveals progress among multiple retail sectors, including specialty retail, apparel, and high-end fashion apparel, among others.
Retail marketing execs bullish on holiday sales

Steadily climbing consumer confidence and retail sales growth have U.S. retail chief marketing officers feeling optimistic ahead of this holiday season.
Here's how Dollar General plans to win holiday shoppers

Dollar General is rolling out extended store hours, exclusive digital coupons and online-only discounts to woo holiday shoppers this year. The retailer has announced that its holiday season plans will begin this week with a special discount for military-affiliated shoppers on Friday, Veterans Day.
Restoration Hardware expanding

Restoration Hardware is delving further into interior design services. The luxe home furnishings company is adding interactive design studios, called RH Design Ateliers, across its entire retail fleet this fall, including more than 50 markets throughout the United States and Canada. In addition, the retailer has launched a fully integrated design platform, called RH Interior Design, designed to help customers create their dream living spaces.
J.C. Penney joins the holiday marathon, and adds low price guarantee

J.C. Penney will celebrate Thanksgiving with an all-night shopping spree — complete with new shopping carts. The retailer will open at 3 p.m. on Thanksgiving, similar to last year, and remain open until Friday, Nov. 25 at 10 p.m. Online shoppers will get a jump on holiday deals, with Penney’s Black Friday sale prices available online the day before, starting at midnight Nov. 23.
Toys ‘R’ Us going on 30-hour shopping marathon

The nation’s largest specialty toy retailer isn’t worried about any so-called Thanksgiving backlash. Toys “R” Us announced plans to open its doors at 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving — and keep them open (in nearly all locations) for 30 hours straight, closing them at 11 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 25. It’s the fourth consecutive year the chain has opened at 5 p.m. on the holiday.