Technology: Page 2

Variety: Walmart partners with HGTV series

Home goods from the big-box retailer are key to "Design At Your Door," and shoppable articles featuring the products will appear on HGTV.com.

By Peter Adams • June 16, 2020

Snapchat debuts AI-powered lenses, mini apps, real-time features

Nike and Mattel are among the brands using the company's platforms for a broad range of new services.

By Robert Williams • June 15, 2020

Flipkart unveils voice assistant shopping feature

The Walmart-owned company addressed a critical barrier to voice shopping: language. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • June 11, 2020

Voice assistants deepen ties with brands, study says

In using voice apps, 95% of U.K. families said it's important that the app be from a brand they know.

By Robert Williams • June 11, 2020

1-800-Flowers unveils AR experience for Jason Wu bouquets

The arrangements feature a QR code-enabled tag that unlocks content about the fashion designer's collaboration with the flower retailer.

By Robert Williams • June 10, 2020

Will COVID-19 push contactless payments into the mainstream?

Multiple barriers have curtailed retailers' contactless payment integration. But a pandemic may be the catalyst to widespread adoption. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • June 09, 2020

Instacart partnership boosts e-commerce for independent grocers

A deal with C&S Wholesale Grocers will offer services, including same-day delivery, to more than 3,000 local grocers supplied by the wholesaler.

By Jeff Wells • June 08, 2020

Facebook researchers detail progress in contextual chatbots for shopping

Exploring conversational shopping suggests the company still sees potential for the tech to support commerce, a key focus area as it looks to diversify revenue.

By Robert Williams • June 08, 2020

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