Apps

How to Capitalize on the Pokémon Go Craze
August 17, 2016 at 11:17 am

In the short time since its release in early July, the Pokémon Go app has gotten millions of players outside and moving. Worldwide, users are flocking to locations, or Pokéstops, where the pocket demons dwell — which could be inside your store. Brick-and-mortar stores, restaurants and other businesses that opt to pay the Pokémon franchise…

5 Ways Pokémon Go is Validating Augmented Reality in Retail
August 9, 2016 at 10:07 am

Pokémon Go. It’s so big right now it has its own meme catalog (it’s about 50 percent NSFW, so I’ll eschew the direct link, but please feel free to do some searches on your own), it’s sparked tens of thousands of social interactions and even if you don’t love it and spend time joking about…

Macy's Testing In-Store AI Customer Service
July 21, 2016 at 12:25 pm

Macy’s is testing artificial intelligence (AI) in 10 stores across the country. The department store chain is partnering with Satisfi for the “Macy’s On Call” app. Shoppers will be able to type in questions like, “Where are shoes located?” or “What floor is the bathroom?” and the bot will be able to respond. Macy's claims…

Pokémon Go Becoming a Boon for Malls, Stores
July 12, 2016 at 1:18 pm

Pokémon Go, the free iOS and Android app that employs augmented reality and GPS technology to allow smartphone users to seek and collect Pokémon characters around real-world locations, is taking over malls and retail stores. The app, which exploded in popularity over the weekend, is driving users to stores where many Pokémon Gyms and PokéStops —…

eBay's New Social Promotion Puts Consumers in Charge
June 22, 2016 at 1:07 pm

eBay is running a new promotion this summer in partnership with Twitter to generate more mobile app users. The promotion, titled "The Summer of Choice," kicks off June 24, when eBay shoppers will begin tweeting dueling deals. Ecommerce Bytes explains that Twitter users will have three days to vote on the dueling deals, at which time…

In the News: Bed Bath & Beyond Buys One Kings Lane
June 15, 2016 at 12:08 pm

Find out what major retailers took the pledge to close the gender wage gap; which e-tailer Bed Bath & Beyond just acquired; how Office Depot and Staples are stepping up their back-to-school fight; and how Facebook is entering the brick-and-mortar space.

Nebraska Furniture Mart ‘Finds’ Value in Beacons
June 9, 2016 at 12:19 pm

Sessions at the Internet Retailer Conference & Exhibition in Chicago this week made it clear that retailers need to be more mobile friendly. From having an easy-to-use mobile app to using keywords for SEO so consumers can easily find what they're looking for, retailers need to be able to adapt to thrive in today's mobile-centric…

Under Armour Launches Mobile Shopping App, UA Shop
June 8, 2016 at 11:49 am

Under Armour launched the brand's first mobile shopping app, tying UA Shop into the sports apparel maker's digital fitness applications. The shopping app will integrate data from the Under Armour Connected Fitness platform, a collection of Under Armour-owned apps and websites that track exercise, sleep, diet and other activities.

Is the On-Demand Economy Stealing the Show?
June 7, 2016 at 9:58 am

The on-demand economy movement is big — and getting bigger. It’s poised to disrupt trillions — yes, trillions — in GDP, according to Scot Wingo, executive chairman of ChannelAdvisor. Nearly half of all U.S. consumers have tried at least one on-demand service. The appeal? Zero friction. Consumers tap a button and their ride arrives, dinner…