Technology

Amazon aids developers with more Alexa voices, app tools

The e-commerce giant is looking to boost the next generation of Alexa skills and mixed reality apps with eight new Alexa voices and a web-based app development tool.

By Dan O'Shea • May 22, 2018

Starbucks has the most-used mobile payment app

But competition is heating up as the use of Apple, Google and Samsung's proximity mobile payment apps grows, according to an eMarketer forecast.

By Dan Alaimo • May 22, 2018

Macy's revamps in-store beauty to challenge Sephora

The department store retailer is finally dismantling its old-school, brand-siloed beauty sales approach in stores.

By Daphne Howland • May 21, 2018

Product review site Quiddity targets millennials with video

The platform will challenge Consumer Reports and The New York Times' Wirecutter with an approach that aims to bring emotion to product reviews. 

By Dan Alaimo • May 21, 2018

PayPal shells out $2.2B for iZettle

Over the last five years, the company has made at least a half a dozen acquisitions, but its latest and biggest deal could significantly power its in-store payments strategy.

By Dan O'Shea • May 20, 2018

Another Alexa exec ditches Amazon

Amazon is in the crosshairs of tech exec poachers, but claims there is no "executive retention issue."

By Dan Alaimo • May 18, 2018

EBay asks shoppers to share their interests

The online marketplace has launched a feature that uses customers' input on their hobbies and preferences to help build more personalized shopping experiences.

By Dan O'Shea • May 17, 2018

Macy's expands mobile checkout, AR/VR furniture departments

The company is adding VR furniture showrooms to 60 stores after the tech "significantly increased" transaction size and reduced returns.

By Robert Williams • May 17, 2018

80% of retailers set to spend on visibility platforms powered by RFID, IoT

Many retail companies are ready to spend on technology to facilitate better shopping experiences, and they shouldn't hesitate, according to IDC.

By Dan O'Shea • May 17, 2018

Online marketplace revenues to double by 2022

A new study from Coresight Research shows the breadth and opportunities for virtual marketplaces as Walmart and Amazon accelerate growth. 

By Dan Alaimo • May 17, 2018

Most retailers say real-time payments will cut costs, cards

More than 75% of global retailers said "immediate" payment processing will reduce costs and eliminate payment cards, according to a study by ACI and Ovum.

By Dan Alaimo • May 15, 2018

In challenge to Amazon, Google adds YouTube to home assistants

Video has come to home assistants and the turf war between Google and Amazon is escalating with the addition of YouTube to Google devices.

By Dan Alaimo • May 15, 2018

Jeff Bezos: AI will create jobs, not kill them

Amazon's CEO recently sought to calm fears about the future effect robots and artificial intelligence will have on the retail workforce.

By Dan O'Shea • May 13, 2018

Amazon reportedly forms Alexa health team

The e-commerce giant continues to expand on the applications for AI and smart devices within the home. 

By David Lim • May 11, 2018

BJ's upgrades online offerings with new website, pickup option

BJ’s Wholesale Club continues to enhance its e-commerce capabilities as competition among warehouse clubs heats up. 

By Dan Alaimo • May 11, 2018

Amazon grounded as feds let Apple, Fedex drones fly

Ten drone projects around the country are allowed to proceed by the federal government, but many retail ambitions remain on the shelf.

By Dan O'Shea • May 10, 2018

Amazon transforms model houses into Alexa-powered smart homes

New Experience Centers showcase how people can control everything from TVs and lights to doorbells and thermostats with voice commands.

By Robert Williams • May 10, 2018

Mobile ad fraud rates double, with shopping apps hardest hit

The damage from mobile ad fraud is approaching $5 billion, and e-commerce apps represented 40% of the fraud tracked by Adjust.

By Dan Alaimo • May 10, 2018

Consumers walk away from poorly personalized experiences

Half of the consumers surveyed by Accenture Interactive said they have left websites because shopping experiences were poorly curated.

By Dan O'Shea • May 09, 2018

H&M turns to big data, AI to tailor store assortments

To keep up with online competition, reduce markdowns and reverse slumping sales, the fast-fashion retailer is customizing in-store assortments with data and artificial intelligence. 

By Dan Alaimo • May 09, 2018

Shopify to open brick-and-mortar store for retail clients

The company is slated this year to open a store for stores that will help it connect in-person with retail customers.

By Dan O'Shea • May 08, 2018

Study points to growth of mobile-based AI shopping assistants

A retail future dominated by AI, AR and VR technologies is predicted by a global study from Ericsson. Smart assistants will become the norm for coming generations.

By Dan Alaimo • May 08, 2018

Bloomingdale's deploys employee training tech to reduce safety claims

Employee training is becoming more important than ever in a new retail landscape, but retailers need to see proof of its business impact.

By Dan O'Shea • May 07, 2018

Google: Stores are key to meeting immediate shopping needs

Consumers have come to expect free and fast delivery, but that trend is driving shoppers into nearby stores for immediate purchases, according to a report from Google.

By Dan Alaimo • May 07, 2018

Mobile's share of online sales slipped last year

Forrester spots an unexpected downward trend in mobile sales as a percentage of all online sales.

By Dan O'Shea • May 06, 2018