Articles by Brianna Ahearn
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Nordstrom Tests Curbside Pickup in 20 Stores
5/14/2015
Retailer Nordstrom has just begun testing new pick-up options for its customers, with 20 stores offering a new curbside pickup option for purchases made online. With the new service, customers are able to drive to their nearby store, and receive their purchases without even leaving their car. Nordstrom currently has the “Buy Online, Pick Up in Store” option for their customers, but like many retailers, is exploring the possibility of curbside pickup. The option is currently being tested at the recently-remodeled downtown Seattle store. A full list of the pilot stores isn't available at this time, but it's safe to assume the option is likely near the retailer's flagship stores.
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Meijer Tests Curbside Grocery Pickup
5/7/2015
The grocery retail category has experienced significant growth in terms of technology over the last few years, with the availability of click-to-collect, loyalty programs, and digital coupons, however, Meijer is testing a new frontier that could provide them a competitive edge in many of the retailer's areas. Meijer announced via press release on April 16, 2015 that it's testing a new service, Meijer Curbside, at the Knapp's Corner retail in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
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Chili's To Launch Fully-Digital Loyalty Program
5/6/2015
Brinker International, the parent company of the restaurant chain Chili's, has announced their plans to develop a loyalty program later this year. The program comes as a way to celebrate Chili's 40th anniversary, and will arrive in the fourth quarter. Known as Chili's My Rewards, the loyalty program uses three ports of technology to create a complete digital experience.
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Kroger Acquires Most Of Customer Science Firm
5/5/2015
The Cincinnati-based grocery retailer, Kroger, has a new relationship with UK-based analytics company dunnhumby Ltd and the two have entered into a new joint venture known as 84.51°.
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Best Buy Adopts Apple Pay
5/4/2015
Apple has won another retailer over toward their payment system Apple Pay, even as CurrentC is still in the works. Tim Cook announced via a conference call that Best Buy would be accepting the payment option in both stores and on their mobile app, before the end of 2015. As best Buy is a member of the consortium MCX, the Merchant Custom Exchange, this is a big win, as MCX offers an Apple Pay alternative known as CurrentC.
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Foot Locker, Caribou Coffee And Supercuts Launch Apps
4/24/2015
The invention of the mobile app opened a whole new world of possibility for retailers, who are now able to bring elements of the customer experience right to the palm of a consumer's hand. Some retailers adapted the technology immediately, and integrated digital apps into their loyalty programs, or added the ability to access store information and request services on the apps.
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Amazon May Soon Accept PayPal
4/24/2015
An eBay company since 2002, PayPal has never been accepted as a valid form of payment on Amazon. The online marketplace site has long viewed itself as a competitor to Amazon, particularly as enters into agreements for retailers such as Target to sell their merchandise on eBay.
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Sprint Tests Home Delivery Service
4/23/2015
Wireless carrier companies are often trying new promotions to get subscribers to switch to their service, but Sprint is bringing the store to the customers. The wireless retailer is going to begin testing a home delivery service, called Direct 2 You, for smartphones.
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Survey Says Mobile Payment Interest Increasing
4/23/2015
Since its launch six months ago, Apple Pay has been gaining ground on PayPal, according to a new survey by 451 Research, the results of which were announced this week. The survey was conducted in March, and featured 4,168 primarily North American respondents. 451 Research examined several factors in the survey, including perspective on security, customer satisfaction, and usage of Apple Pay.
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Survey Shows Loyalty Counts
4/22/2015
Retailers from all facets of industry offer loyalty programs because they're a way to market to their customer base and offer a bonus to consumers. Whether they're offered by restaurants or department stores, loyalty programs provide an incentive for consumers to visit the retailer to maximize their benefits. A new survey by Bond Brand Loyalty, a company that helps some of the world's most influential brands offer loyalty programs, reveals the programs' consumer perspective, engagement, and more.