Technology

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, a retailer’s ability to operate safely depends on the dual effectiveness of its social distancing measures and sanitation protocols. It’s the new reality of 2020, which only intensified with the resurgence of the virus across the U.S. in July. That showcased exactly why retailers must have the right precautionary measures in…

In the debut episode of Total Retail Tech Insights, Melissa Campanelli, brand and content director, Total Retail, and Joe Keenan, editor-in-chief, Total Retail, offer listeners a warm welcome to the brand's new show. The pair discuss all things related to the launch of Total Retail's newest podcast, including Tech Insights' focus, content strategy, targeted audience,…

COVID-19 has brought lockdowns, job losses and bankruptcies. However, it has also led to tech innovations, widespread tech adoption, and changing consumer mind-sets. And the retail industry, already facing an e-commerce revolution, has had to change faster than anything else. As lockdowns ease and nonessential physical stores slowly re-emerge from dormancy, it’s a good time…

The Kroger Co. announced the launch of a contactless payments pilot across the QFC division, located in Seattle, allowing customers to use their mobile device for a more seamless checkout experience. The pilot includes the acceptance of Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, Fitbit Pay, mobile banking apps and contactless chip cards, underpinned by near-field communication (NFC)…

During our July installment of the Women in Retail and Total Retail Virtual Exchange, Rodney Hutton, chief marketing officer, Ethan Allen, participated in a discussion with Brendan Witcher, vice president, principal analyst, Forrester. The two discussed a variety of topics, including how Ethan Allen has evolved its marketing strategy during the COVID-19 pandemic, how a traditional…

In today’s high-tech, high-touch world, shopping in a brick-and-mortar store is as old school as it gets, right? Think again. From the nearly ubiquitous self-serve checkout stations at grocery stores to new cashier-less store technology, in-store automation technology is transforming nearly every aspect of the traditional retail experience. Retail automation isn’t a new concept, but…

While retail industry innovation efforts may be paused during this unprecedented time of social distancing and economic turmoil, a study involving blockchain, radio frequency identification (RFID), and global data standards provided a glimpse into the potentially remarkable capabilities of emerging technology to help solve supply chain challenges. Prior to the coronavirus outbreak, the Auburn University…

The COVID-19 pandemic has quickly changed the retail industry as we know it. Due to this change, retail technology must rapidly adapt to best suit the post-pandemic world that we're entering. “Post-pandemic” doesn't necessarily mean that that the pandemic has entirely ended, however. It refers to a world forever changed by COVID-19, and using innovative…

As innovations in artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly transform how consumers interact with brands, voice technology is becoming a staple of the modern shopping experience. Voice technology allows brands to service consumers with increased efficiency and engagement. However, with so many brands adopting voice-first strategies, retailers that want to distinguish themselves need to take extra personalization…

The retail spaces that shoppers will return to following the COVID-19 pandemic won't be the same ones they shopped in previously. Associates and consumers will have to develop and adjust to new shopping behaviors that minimize physical touch and closeness. This period will be marked by innovation and experimentation, as retailers attempt to drive increased…