Starbucks rolls out remote voice ordering, new Alexa skill

The coffeehouse chain's customers may now order items by voice through devices powered by Amazon's Alexa digital assistant technology.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 30, 2017

Ikea planning customizable 'open source' sofa design

The Delaktig sofa would allow customers to turn the sofa into a bed, clip a lamp onto it or attach a side table, among other actions.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 29, 2017

Explore the Trendline➔

How artificial intelligence is shaping retail

More retailers are leaning on AI as a tool, tapping into the tech to improve customer service and support supply chain functions.

By Retail Dive staff

Amazon patents package packing robot to speed shipment prep

The e-commerce giant already has at least 45,000 robots working in its supply chain alongside human employees.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 29, 2017

Postmates edges into on-demand alcohol delivery

Customers in San Francisco and Los Angeles may order beer, wine and spirits from a range of participating local liquor stores, and their purchase is delivered in 25 minutes or less. 

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 25, 2017

Amazon up to 250 Dash buttons after latest program additions

Consumers can now order products from Dash partners including Seventh Generation, Colgate, Emergen-C, Kingsford, Lifestyles and Rogaine.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 25, 2017

Target readying in-store mobile payment services

Chief Information and Digital Officer Michael McNamara suggested payment features would be added to Target's popular Cartwheel app.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 25, 2017

Amazon launches STEM toys monthly subscription service

The science, technology, engineering and math toys will be curated from a list of products that have recently launched or are exclusive to Amazon and fit the age range selected.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 24, 2017

Amazon reportedly closing in on Alexa-powered paid voice search

Consumer Intelligence Research Partners indicates that 8.2 million U.S. Amazon customers now have Alexa-enabled Echo devices, and about two-thirds use the devices for information queries, including searches.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 23, 2017

How retailers can steer clear of ADA lawsuits

Core retail technologies can present accessibility problems for shoppers who are blind or visually impaired. But merchants can reduce the risk of legal action.

By Sue J. Stott, Amanda J. Beane and Jill L. Ripke • Jan. 23, 2017

Amazon rolls out Prime Surprise Sweets via Dash program

Each Prime Surprise Sweets box costs $18 and contains a random assortment of small-batch candy made by artisans from across the U.S.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 22, 2017

Sears unveils IBM Watson-driven AI tire shopping app

Digital Tire Journey leverages Watson's Natural Language Classifier service to help auto owners obtain recommendations that take into account their personal needs and driving habits.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 22, 2017

Flirtey lands $16M in new funding to feed drone delivery ambitions

The startup has already demonstrated its delivery capabilities in partnership with 7-Eleven, but it now faces more competition in the space.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 19, 2017

5 technologies reshaping retail in 2017

Robotics and drone delivery are just two of the innovations poised to wield greater influence on retail operations this year.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 19, 2017

Amazon reportedly in search of creative chief for VR commerce plans

The chief will "envision the future of Amazon’s VR solutions and guide our creative and technical teams to produce compelling, world-class experiences," the ad reads.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 19, 2017

Nordstrom CIO next to go as tech team reshuffle continues

The announcement of Dan Little's pending exit comes just two weeks after the departure of CTO Kumar Srinivasan.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 19, 2017

Postmates, DoorDash testing Starship's squat delivery robot

The six-wheel robots can carry up to a 40 lb. load and travel at up to four miles per hour over short distances along sidewalks or streets.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 18, 2017

Equinox embeds support for Android Pay into all terminals

The terminal provider also claimed to be first to bring the latest version of the Google-backed payment solution to all its product lines, including the L5300 multi-lane terminals used by drugstore chain Walgreens.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 18, 2017

Adobe debuts new omnichannel capabilities for retailers

The new Fluid Experiences for Retail capability allows retailers to develop and manage omnichannel experiences across touchpoints such as in-store associate apps, social channels and smart screens. 

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 17, 2017

Kroll: More than 80% of businesses were fraud victims over last year

Current and former employees are the most common perpetrators of fraud, cyber and security incidents, according to risk solutions provider Kroll's Annual Global Fraud and Risk Report.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 17, 2017

How robots in stores could revolutionize the customer experience

Here’s what happens when a salty journalist meets Pepper the humanoid at NRF's Big Show 2017.

By Jason Ankeny • Jan. 17, 2017

Amazon reportedly seeks FCC approval for wireless tests at Seattle HQ

Amazon has asked to conduct wireless technology tests at its Seattle headquarters and one of its customer service facilities elsewhere in Washington.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 16, 2017

Intel launches store management platform, pledges $100M retail investment

The investment is aimed at helping retailers achieve more efficient store environments with an assist from the Internet of Things.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 16, 2017

Cloverleaf uses Emotion AI to measure shopper sentiment via store shelves

The shelfPoint solution uses small LCD strips placed along a store shelf that measure shopper engagement and response, putting the sentiments measured into emotional buckets.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 12, 2017

Verifone, FIS team to let consumers pay for purchases with rewards points

When shoppers present a loyalty-linked card payment on a Verifone device, it will prompt them if enough points are available to pay for items.   

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 12, 2017

Wal-Mart tries Scan and Go again to bypass checkout lines

The relaunched smartphone app only works at the mega-retailer's Rogers, AR location, but could revolutionize the way people shop across all of its stores.

By Keith Loria • Jan. 12, 2017