Gibu Thomas

Wal-Mart has acquired Stylr, the 13th tech move in three years as the retailer works to build infrastructure to support the next generation of retail. The deal was announced on Monday. "As we continue to integrate digital and physical retail to create new and unique experiences for customers, we're thrilled to add Stylr to our mobile team. Over half of Wal-Mart smartphone users have used their device in-store to assist with their shopping, and with 80 percent of our customers under the age of 35 owning a smartphone, we expect this to grow dramatically."

Bentonville, Ark. -- Walmart has launched new applications for the iPhone and iPad designed to give its customers tools to plan their weekly shopping trips, as well as a new way to access Walmart both in-store and online. The two free applications are the first of several mobile products to be rolled out from the recently formed @WalmartLabs group under Walmart's Global eCommerce unit. The iPhone application features new updates that include smart shopping lists with integrated access to manufacturers' coupons and support for QR code scanning. Walmart's first-ever iPad application allows customers to browse, search and purchase items