Technology

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…

On April 7, 1818, Brooks Brothers opened its first store in New York City. Fast-forward to more than 200 years later, Brooks Brothers, one of the oldest U.S. retailers, still operates today. As the lines between physical and digital worlds became blurred, new customer demands emerged — with Brooks Brothers alongside those trends. As stated by…

Retailers need technology that helps them meet customer expectations while providing a seamless shopping experience across all channels. To achieve these goals, many retailers are leveraging robust omnichannel-enabled, high-yield fulfillment operating models that can help them make a high-yield decision at every point in time, considering promises to customers and stores, inventory positions, time and labor constraints, and other external environmental factors.

Verizon Media today announced the launch of Groceries from Walmart, a Yahoo Mail feature that enables users to browse, add to cart, and purchase essential groceries from Walmart within Yahoo Mail. According to Verizon Media, this is the first time that email users can fill a shopping cart from their inbox, streamlining their shopping experience from…