Technology

Walmart invests in DroneUp

The retailer tested hundreds of deliveries of COVID-19 test kits last year. Now it's seeking drone delivery at scale.

By Ben Unglesbee • June 18, 2021

Shopify to offer Shop Pay to all Facebook, Google merchants

The move makes the tool available to sellers across platforms — even those who don't use Shopify's online store. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • June 18, 2021

FedEx, Nuro sign multi-year deal to test autonomous last-mile delivery

The partnership gives FedEx a last-mile solution to complement its other investments like drones and delivery robots.

By Edwin Lopez • June 17, 2021

What can DTCs gain from online marketplaces?

While online marketplaces offer digital natives benefits like reaching new customers, brands may forfeit control over key aspects of the customer experience.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • June 17, 2021

Neiman Marcus Group launches $500M tech investment spree

Plans are to snap up home and fashion SaaS platform Stylyze, the first of many moves as the department store focuses squarely on e-commerce.

By Daphne Howland • UPDATED: June 17, 2021 at 8:24 a.m.

An influential critic of Amazon and big tech now chairs the FTC

Lina Khan was counsel for a House committee that scrutinized tech platforms and entered the spotlight with a paper that took aim at Amazon's market power.

By Ben Unglesbee • June 16, 2021

Amazon to open its first Fresh supermarket with checkout-free technology

The 25,000-square-foot store, set to open Thursday in Bellevue, Washington, is the largest Amazon retail location equipped with the Just Walk Out system. 

By Sam Silverstein • June 15, 2021

Robotics efforts from Amazon, Alibaba highlight e-commerce's automated future

Amazon's new robots increase automation within fulfillment centers while Alibaba is focused on last-mile delivery as they look to optimize operations.

By Edwin Lopez • June 15, 2021

Verishop introduces livestream shopping

Retailers and social media platforms are vying for a share of the livestream shopping market, which is forecast to reach $25 billion by 2023. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • June 15, 2021

Klarna raises $639M, eyes international expansion

Klarna, now with a $45 billion market valuation, aims to expand its global market share and in-store buy now, pay later options.

By Vaidik Trivedi • June 14, 2021

Grabango raises $39M in Series B funding

The checkout-free tech company plans to use the funds to bolster its computer vision capabilities as it competes with rivals like Standard Cognition and Amazon.

By Sam Silverstein • June 14, 2021

What's next for Lululemon's tech ambitions?

A year ago, the retailer acquired Mirror. But patents reveal that the at-home fitness technology is perhaps just the beginning of a new chapter of innovation. 

By Kaarin Vembar • June 14, 2021

Sponsored by Nuance

AI and agents: The new retail CX power couple

This power couple can generate some staggering results—if you work to minimize technology silos, maximize opportunities for collaboration.

Sponsored by Workday

How Jo-Ann Stores uses modern solutions to make sourcing truly strategic

Despite the growing strategic significance of sourcing, many enterprises still rely on manual workflows and legacy tools for sourcing, contracts, and supplier engagement.

Livestream shopping app ShopShops raises $15M for US expansion

Retailers, social networks and other livestream shopping platforms are vying for a share of the emerging livestream commerce market.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • June 11, 2021

GameStop fills CEO, CFO spots with former Amazon execs

The retailer has filled out its leadership ranks with e-commerce veterans as it undertakes an overhaul of its model. 

By Ben Unglesbee • June 10, 2021

Instagram debuts tool to help creators earn commission on purchases

The platform seeks to support creators aiming to monetize their audience through brand partnerships, tipping or merchandise sales.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • June 10, 2021

DTC mattress brand Purple hires new chief marketing, digital officer

The company has hired Patrice Varni to improve its marketing strategy as the COVID-19 pandemic buoys home retailers and brands.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • June 08, 2021

Pinterest introduces Shopping List feature

Users can access products they have saved in one place and receive notifications on price changes as part of an overall expansion of shopping features. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • June 07, 2021

Kate Spade tests TikTok with cheery summer campaign

New dance-driven creative ties to a hashtag challenge and aligns with the designer brand's broader push toward linking with joy.

By Natalie Koltun • June 07, 2021

Sponsored by Lumen

Edge computing: powering frictionless retail

Learn more about how retailers are transforming business operations with edge computing solutions.

Sponsored by Nuance Communications

How to stay competitive in e-commerce with AI-powered CX

Find out ways you can enhance your customer experience and improve your return on investment, by increasing customer acquisition and creating results-driven digital engagement solutions.

BJ's Wholesale Club, Citizens Pay partner to offer installment plans

The flexible payment option is available to members who make online purchases of more than $99.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • June 04, 2021

Walmart to give smartphones to more than 740K workers

The move coincides with the rollout of a new workplace app that lets associates schedule shifts, clock in and use an automated personal assistant.

By Jeff Wells • June 04, 2021

Cole Haan hires chief digital officer as it plots global expansion

Stephen Henderson, who joins from Caleres, will be a key player in the brand's growth strategy in both digital and DTC channels.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • June 03, 2021