Technology

With all of the different technologies that retailers are using throughout their businesses, from in-store to distribution centers to their websites and apps, and more, it's critical that they have a system in place to evaluate the business benefits such solutions are providing them. That information is necessary to inform both current and future spend…

Furniture and kitchenware giant Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (WSI) is acquiring augmented reality (AR) startup Outward in an all-cash deal for $112 million. The furniture brand, which operates stores including Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, West Elm and others, will be using the startup’s 3-D imaging tech to “enhance and extend its high-touch customer service platform,” the company says. Outward, founded…

Tulip recently surveyed over 200 store associates to understand their experiences in brick-and-mortar stores. This report illustrates the detailed survey results and helps readers understand how sales associates are using mobile devices in-store. In addition, the report addresses store associates’ experiences using technology to interact with customers in today’s digital climate.

The holiday shopping season typically generates around 20 percent of the average retailer’s annual revenue, but 2017 is difficult to forecast. Consumer confidence has increased, but continued economic and political instability could dampen shopper enthusiasm. In spite of potential instability, there are holiday shopping trends to expect as we move from Black Friday to year…

Despite the tremendous amount of technology service providers available to retailers, many are only considering two to three when making a moderate to major technology purchase. This was one of the more surprising findings from Total Retail's latest survey and report (featured in the chart below), The 2017 Retail Technology Report: An Analysis of Trends, Buying Behaviors…

The retail industry is experiencing the effects from the use of the Internet of Things (IoT) and its connected devices. According to the information services firm IHS Markit, there will be more than 20 billion internet-connected devices by the end of 2017, and this number is expected to grow to more than 30 billion in…

Lowe's is expanding its "Smart Home powered by b8ta" connected-home shopping experience to 70 stores nationwide. The store-within-a-store concept, which was developed in partnership with software-powered retailer b8ta, features a curated selection of smart home products — e.g., security systems, thermostats, cameras, lighting equipment, speakers — that shoppers learn about and try before making a…

Office Depot announced the launch of BizBox, its new business services platform that will provide startups and small businesses access to the core services needed to start and grow their businesses through a convenient subscription. Monthly services start at $99. BizBox will simplify business decisions and operations for SMBs, and builds upon Office Depot’s previously announced acquisition…

Despite the growing omnichannel nature of today’s consumers, many retailers aren't including omnichannel executives in the technology buying process. This was a key finding from Total Retail's latest survey and report, The 2017 Retail Technology Report: An Analysis of Trends, Buying Behaviors and Future Opportunities. The report, which was produced in conjunction with Radial, features the results of…

Artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled sales technologies have made predictive selling a reality by combining data and analytics to drive sales success. AI can help salespeople prioritize leads and make relevant product or service recommendations using data science to provide guidance. This frees sales teams to focus on the art of sales and build relationships that lead…