Technology
March 2, 2020 at 3:20 pm
It’s always risky to try to predict the future of any industry because no one wants to look foolish when their predictions turn out to be wrong. However, it’s also important to look ahead to see where our industries are headed so we don’t fall behind. The world of e-commerce is rapidly changing as consumer…
March 2, 2020 at 2:31 pm
Over the past few years, the retail space has seen a rapid expansion of technological advancement as consumers and employers alike have begun to embrace the latest tools and trends. In fact, nearly three-quarters of retailers are planning to increase technology spending in the next 12 months, according to Total Retail’s 2019 Retail Technology Report.…
February 28, 2020 at 3:06 pm
A recent article in The New York Times looked at life in retail during the recent holiday selling season. It centered on a busy Manhattan store of a big, well-regarded apparel chain and one of its merchandising managers. I wasn’t surprised to read the retailer equipped employees with several apps to expedite sales and keep…
February 27, 2020 at 1:24 pm
Changes fire rapidly in today’s retail environment, and legacy retailers like J.C. Penney, Walmart and others are seeking innovative new ways to capture shopper attention. While e-commerce gains raise concerns that in-store experiences are obsolete, traditional retailers continually strike back and, ultimately, online sales make up only 10 percent of all retail sales. However, traditional retailers…
February 26, 2020 at 3:13 pm
In a presentation earlier today at eTail West in Palm Springs, Calif., J.P. Knab, chief marketing officer, and Cathy Bergstrom, group product manager, marketing content, both of Overstock.com, detailed how the home furnishings brand has built a technology stack that enables it to personalize its customers' experiences, particularly through the use of content. Helping to…
February 25, 2020 at 1:46 pm
Walmart announced today that it's rolling out a new service called Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS) that offers selected marketplace sellers access to its supply chain capabilities, including storing, picking, packing and shipping items, as well as the handling of returns and customer service. The retail giant said in a statement emailed to Total Retail that WFS…
February 20, 2020 at 3:45 pm
As we move further into 2020, it's natural for retailers and brands to start thinking about which aspects of their business they should invest in to remain competitive in their marketplace — be it product, labor or technology. In recent years, technology has become the prime concern, and it's imperative that retailers invest in the…
February 20, 2020 at 3:35 pm
Artificial intelligence (AI) is high on the list of priorities for retailers. One of the challenges of AI, however, is the inherent human need for, and capacity to demonstrate, empathy. While AI is evolving to become more human-like, left to its own devices, siloed intelligence can feel robotic. That’s why retail leaders are actively working…
February 18, 2020 at 11:37 am
Across hotel lobbies and restaurants to retail shops and corporate offices, interactive devices are increasingly available for people to use. Trips to the local supermarket include self-checkout options, while technology in a retail showroom can showcase products that aren't physically in-store. And in the quick-serve restaurant industry, we see heavy hitters like McDonald’s and Taco…
February 18, 2020 at 11:11 am
In this era of digital transformation, the customer experience is paramount to the success of retail businesses. This includes personalized offerings, engaging experiences, improved customer support, a more secure environment, and convenience (e.g., ways to shop, pay, make returns, provide feedback). Enabling this type of experience leads to increased brand loyalty that drives differentiation, additional…
