Augmented Reality Takes Center Stage in Mobile Retail

| Casey Gannon

Why are retailers embracing AR? Put quite simply, the modern state of retail is all about customer convenience, and AR is revolutionizing that. See how some of today’s major brands are using AR and how it has enhanced the customer experience.

Holiday Customer Service Will Measure Up – If You’re Prepared

| Kim Houlne

Consumers expect articulate customer reps—online and in person—well-versed in your products and services. This only escalates during the holidays. Thus call centers are pressed to perform at year-end. Here’s a laundry list of suggestions and some telling Q&As to help you determine what success looks like during peak season.

Why Human Intelligence is Important in the Age of AI

| Mihir Kittur

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is showing up just about everywhere we look. Chatbots are having in-depth, multi-level conversations with customers, and can even respond appropriately to emotions they sense. Here is how AI is changing the retail landscape.

Assumptions That May Be Hurting Your Loyalty Program

| Sandra Gudat

Making assumptions related to your loyalty program could hurt everything from customer engagement to ROI. To keep your program performance on track, be sure you’re not making these common (and misleading) assumptions. Here are several tips that will help your loyalty program.

Target Aggressively Expanding Delivery Services Ahead of Holidays

| Mike O'Brien

Target continues to fire on all cylinders in terms of fulfillment, delivery and omnichannel, expanding its delivery from store and curbside pickup programs ahead of the holidays and seeing strong growth in its Shipt same-day delivery service.

Macy’s Reports 1.1% Drop in Net Sales, Booming Mobile Growth in Q2

| Daniela Forte

Macy’s Inc. reported a 1.1% decline in net sales for the second quarter, from $5.6 billion to $5.5 billion, with comp sales inching up just 0.5% and double-digit online sales in the same period. Mobile sales via the Macy’s app were up 50%+ in the first half of 2018. See how Macy’s did in other areas of its business.

Tuft & Needle to be Acquired by Serta Simmons

| Mike O'Brien

Startup online mattress seller Tuft & Needle will be acquired by old-line mattress company Serta Simmons Bedding for an undisclosed sum, according to various media reports, as Serta looks to bolster its digital presence and gain back share grabbed by new online players.