Articles by Brianna Ahearn

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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°.

  5. 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.

  6. Amazon Showcases Exclusive Products In New Section 3/23/2015

    Amazon is known for having millions of items in multiple merchandise categories, and now the company is offering a niche selection of products. The retailer announced earlier this month the arrival of “Amazon Exclusives,” which features early access to innovative products such as electronics, toys, sporting equipment, apparel and more.

  7. Big Lots Expands Grocery Selection To Compete With Dollar Stores 10/10/2014

    Big Lots, the popular closeout store chain, is undergoing a makeover in its groceries department. The retailer is in the midst of expanding its grocery aisles throughout its 1496 stores nationwide. This change comes as the Ohio-based company notes that another Ohio favorite chain, Kroger, has increased its sales significantly. In an attempt to woo middle-class consumers away from Kroger and other grocery chains, Big Lots has decided to add more perishables and non-perishables. Soon consumers will be able to purchase low-priced quinoa, chips, soda, and even ice cream from the discount retailer.

  8. Nordstrom Opens First Of Six Planned Canada Locations 9/29/2014

    Upscale fashion, beauty and accessories retailer Nordstrom opened its first store in Canada this week. Seattle Times reported more than 2,000 shoppers were at the grand opening. The store is located in Chinook Centre in Calgary, and is the first of six planned stores throughout Canada. Nordstrom chose to locate their Calgary store in the Chinook Centre, a large mall comprised of 250 retailers.

  9. Walmart Rebrands Its Express Stores To Neighborhood Markets 9/22/2014

    Walmart opened its first smaller-size stores, known as “Walmart Express” stores in 2011,  but now the retailer will be rebranding the locations. The existing 21 Walmart Express locations will take on the name of the company's other smaller scale store, Neighborhood Market. Walmart will open all of its future Express stores under the Neighborhood Market banner as well.  The two store chains are alike in their purpose, and it's apparent that the retailer feels like it makes sense to merge the two together.

  10. Walmart, Best Buy Won't Support Apple Pay 9/18/2014

    Upon the announcement Apple would be moving into the mobile payment space with Apple Pay, many retailers stated their intentions to sign on with the new service. Apple Pay lets shoppers pay for purchases using an iOS device, such as the new iPhone 6. According to Apple Pay's webpage, over 220,000 retailers and companies will accept the payment system, either in-store, online, or in an app.  Department stores Macy's and Bloomingdales will be among the first companies to support Apple Pay, but Wal-Mart is not among them. Instead the retailer has announced it will continue to work on developing their own mobile payment system.