Forbes | October 26, 2021 The retail experience today is both physical and digital, in almost every way. The new Connected Experience Report 2021, released by SharpEnd, shows that connected packaging is the next big trend in retail technology to shift the connections between consumers and brands. Connected packaging refers regular packaging transforming into a digital experience, by scanning, tapping with consumer devices to provide an opportunity for brands to connect with c

Walmart Newsroom | October 14, 2021 Let’s face it, we’ll never stop trying to do a million things at once. Soon, busier-than-ever parents will simply say, “Hey, Siri” or “OK, Google” to add Band-Aids to their Walmart cart. Whether you're using an Apple or Google device, commands like these open the Walmart app and add to cart without lifting a finger. Walmart Text to Shop is in Beta with select customers testing from Store No8 and Walmart’s Global Tech team. "We’re learning a

Vurge | September 8, 2021 Amazon is bringing its cashierless “Just Walk Out” technology to two new Whole Foods locations next year. Washington, DC and Sherman Oaks, CA will soon allow customers to pay at a traditional self-checkout or to have the new technology bill them when they leave the store. Amazon's latest technology is a series of cameras and sensors which automatically detect what people pick up off shelves. Just Walk Out originally debuted in small Amazon Go conveni

National Retail Federation | July 20, 2021 Exposed to online shopping and brands earlier than other generations, Gen Z is becoming the center of attention for retailers. At NRF, MaryLeigh Bliss, YPulse and Ken Wincko, Barnes & Noble College discussed research comparing shopping, brand and social media preferences and behaviors of Gen Z and millennials. Here are some of their insights - Gen Z is constantly looking for brands that provide entertainment and personal connection,

Retail Wire | July 13, 2021 Sam’s Club is conducting a test of new Scan & Go technology that allows members to place direct-to-home orders for items that require shipping as they shop the aisles of its stores. The pilot enables customers at 3 test locations to deliver children’s playsets, patio furniture, mattresses, big screen televisions and more, typically within three to five days. “We know that once our members use Scan & Go they love the convenience it provides and are

Walmart News | June 17, 2021 Walmart knows what it takes to give customer's what they want. Some solutions are still emerging, but early results are encouraging. Walmart has partnered with DroneUp, a nationwide drone services provider, to launch trial deliveries of at-home COVID-19 self-collection kits. The trial demonstrated offering customers delivery in minutes versus hours. Now, after safely completing trials, Walmart is investing in DroneUp to continue developing a sca

Business Insider | May 22, 2021 Some of the country's biggest retailers, including Walmart, Macy's, Target, and Home Depot, said sales are strong and shoppers are returning to stores as pandemic restrictions ease and the country reopens. Some experts predict that after more than a year of staying at home because of the lockdowns, people will again embrace shopping in person. Walmart reported over $138 billion in first quarter sales as people return to normal, pre-pandemic sho

Forbes | May 17, 2021 The key question facing retailers right now: what’s the future of retail stores and do we need them at all? Ben Kaufman, the founder of a retailer called “Camp,” the five-store retailer opened in 2019 addresses this question head on. Retailers have to “event-ize” their stores, “it’s got to be something to do, it’s not a chore ... [it’s an] activity, a way to ... have fun with friends and family ... a place to watch a show or let some energy out.” It’s no

National Retail Federation | May 5, 2021 Over several years, livestream shopping has exploded in China, predicted to be up to a $170 billion business in 2020. U.S. retailers have finally been tapping into opportunities. Walmart brought shoppable livestream experiences to TikTok. Nordstrom offered a series of livestream events with founders and experts from top brands. The Home Depot is also livestreaming homeowner basics and diy workshops. Mark Yuan, co-founder and CEO of And

Walmart Corporate | April 15, 2021 Retailer's have been learning more about the role autonomous vehicles can play in retail, and we’ve seen enough to know it’s only a question of when they’ll be scaled. Walmart is taking the next step with autonomous vehicles, investing in San-Francisco-based company, Cruise and their all-electric fleet of self-driving cars. The investment will assist developing a last mile delivery ecosystem that’s fast, low-cost and scalable. Walmart began

CNBC | March 17, 2021 Nordstrom will debut its own Livestream Shopping channel. Nordstrom will host styling livestreams on “how to wear Burberry runway looks,” a spring beauty trend happy hour, and a conversation with the British makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury, and more! During each event, customers will shop the fashion products mentioned available on Nordstrom’s website and participate in a live chatroom. “There’s so much opportunity for us to get closer to the customer,”

A Bullseye View | February 16, 2021 Target continues to reduce it's footprint on the planet and works to create a better future for all. As a founding partner of the Consortium to Reinvent the Retail Bag, Target and other major retailers like CVS Health and Walmart selected nine cutting-edge potential designs for the retail bag of the future. Here's an inside look at several of the selected designs - Sway Sway’s design uses seaweed-derived material that is bio-based and desig

National Retail Federation | February 4, 2021 Trove provides resale for leading global brands, including Levi’s, Patagonia and REI. Providing the technology for brands, Trove receives items back from customers, prepares, and re-sells them to the next owner. Andy Ruben, founder and CEO of Trove, gives insight to this model of "re-commerce." Re-commerce not only attracts consumers back to retailers, but saves consumers serious money and helps protect the environment. It’s a $32

National Retail Federation | December 2, 2020 Looking ahead to 2021, the U.S. can expect the long tail impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to be felt in the retail industry. National Retail Federation has 10 predictions for 2021, here are some highlights you can't miss: Direct-to-consumer brands with partnerships to differentiate will see disruptive growth and profitability. It appears the future is multichannel as brands such as Everlane and Birdies link up with Nordstrom, Heads