Technology

Drones and delivery trucks could work together, but regulatory hurdles remain

Using drones and trucks for a hybrid delivery system could be the future of last-mile logistics, according to an MIT research paper. 

By Morgan Forde • June 04, 2020

Alibaba unveils digital tools for US small businesses

The platform is addressing logistics and in-person merchant-supplier connections, both of which were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • June 03, 2020

Lowe's launches video tool geared toward professionals

Targeting its pro clientele, the home improvement retailer introduced "Lowe's for Pros JobSIGHT," which allows them to virtually serve their customers.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • June 02, 2020

CVS Pharmacy tests self-driving vehicle delivery for prescriptions

The company, which partnered with robotics company Nuro, joins other retailers that have recently updated their delivery options. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • June 01, 2020

Standard Cognition acquires Checkout Technologies

The purchase gives the autonomous checkout company another way to position itself against Amazon Go.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • May 28, 2020

Benefit Cosmetics brings AR try-on to WeChat

Beauty shoppers on mobile can sample eyebrow shapes before booking an appointment at a Benefit BrowBar, where a stylist will help to recreate the look.

By Robert Williams • May 28, 2020

Deep Dive

6 strategies for grocers preparing for the new e-commerce future

Experts share insights into how food retailers can retool their online operations in response to the pandemic.

By Sam Silverstein , Jeff Wells • May 28, 2020

Scandit secures $80M in funding as COVID-19 drives demand for contactless mobile tech

Areas like click and collect are booming, pushing retailers and supply chain companies to invest in tech that can meet demand in a safe manner.

By Peter Adams • May 26, 2020

Shopify unveils new pay installment, money management features

The company also launched a local delivery option to help drive business during COVID-19. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • May 22, 2020

Lime Crime hires Body Shop alum as CEO

Andrea Blieden joins the beauty brand as it focuses on innovation and tech to fuel growth. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • May 21, 2020

Former Stitch Fix COO launches AI-powered shopping app

The Yes has consumers take a quiz then indicate if they like certain products to curate a personalized feed of styles and brands.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • May 20, 2020

Facebook debuts Shops e-commerce initiative for small businesses

New digital storefronts for Facebook and Instagram mark a significant bet to capitalize on e-commerce.

By Robert Williams • May 20, 2020

Walmart combines grocery, shopping apps

The big-box retailer is streamlining its digital offerings, which is aided by services like store pick up.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • May 19, 2020

Nike aims phones at the sky in search for sneaker-shaped AR cloud

Mobile users in Brazil can unlock exclusive content after using their phones to find an augmented reality cloud shaped like an Air Max sneaker.

By Robert Williams • May 15, 2020

Pandemic could lead to higher AR, VR adoption

A Coresight Research report details how the tech could be used for product visualization, virtual try-ons and virtual malls.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • May 13, 2020

Smart & Final rolls out tech-enhanced checkout lines

The company will route shoppers into a socially distanced single line, where a digital screen will eventually point them to the appropriate check stand.

By Jessica Dumont • May 12, 2020

Asos debuts AR tool for online shoppers

The apparel retailer is digitally mapping products onto models to generate images that better showcase size, cut and fit.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • May 12, 2020

Shipt launches digital coupons

The grocery e-commerce provider will allow customers to redeem coupons from national advertisers when placing online orders for pickup and delivery.

By Sam Silverstein • May 11, 2020

45% of apparel buyers working with suppliers to cut costs: McKinsey

Forty-five percent of respondents expect more than half of their suppliers to be in financial distress within six months, according to the report. 

By Emma Cosgrove • May 11, 2020

Pandemic highlights the limits of store-based online fulfillment, experts say

The surge in online shopping has caused retailers to rethink their selling floors and backrooms, and to evaluate dedicated facilities.

By Sam Silverstein • May 07, 2020

Suitsupply debuts in-store partitions, virtual browsing sessions

Since the retailer relies on high-touch customization and tailoring services, the pandemic has caused it to rethink how in-store shopping is done.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • May 07, 2020

Jared unveils virtual wedding platform

With the jewelry company's #LoveCantWait campaign, it joins other retailers in debuting digital tools during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • May 07, 2020

Walgreens launches 'order ahead' service for drive-thru shopping

The digital service was developed and implemented in just a few weeks to give customers another way to practice social distancing. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • May 07, 2020

Grocers are ramping up mobile checkout platforms

Retailers are encouraging customers to adopt the technology as they promote contact-free shopping during the pandemic.

By Jessica Dumont • May 06, 2020

Jewelry brand Kendra Scott introduces AR try-on tool

The retailer joins other brands that have introduced virtual tech to remotely connect with consumers. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • May 05, 2020