AI in Retail: We had Questions; Human Experts (not ChatGPT) Provided the Answers
Editor’s note: This is the fifth and final article in our series on AI in retail (though we’ll continue to cover the tech and its impact on an ongoing basis). Check out our previous coverage of the consumer attitudes toward AI, store design applications, customer-facing applications and AI’s operational impact. Soon, we journalists are going to need…
Lowe’s to Donate $500K for Tornado Relief
To support relief and recovery efforts following dozens of deadly tornadoes in recent weeks, Lowe’s will donate $500,000 to assist disaster relief partners, including the American Red Cross and Lowe’s nonprofit Pro customers. The money will help these organizations provide emergency shelter, critical relief supplies, food and comfort to those affected. Last week, Lowe’s associates…
Dollar General Hit with $1M More in OSHA Fines, Bringing Total Since 2017 to $15M
Dollar General is facing more than $1 million in potential penalties for workspace safety violations at four stores in Florida and Georgia that were uncovered by investigators from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The company has been fined $15 million since 2017 for safety hazards, according to a strongly worded…
Reports: Alibaba Planning to Launch ChatGPT-Like Chatbot for Business Partners
Alibaba is reportedly looking for partner companies to test its Tongyi Qianwen AI chatbot, according to Reuters. A formal launch is expected on April 11, when Daniel Zhang, CEO of Alibaba Group, is scheduled to speak at an Alibaba Cloud event. Alibaba has not responded to media requests for comment, though a person familiar with…
Shoe City, Filing for Bankruptcy, Plans to Close All Stores
Shoe City has filed for Chapter 11 protection in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Maryland and plans to close all 39 stores in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia. According to the bankruptcy filing, the retailer owes approximately $16 million, mostly trade vendor debt. Among Shoe City’s top creditors are New Balance, which the…
How Data and Tech Power Jewelry Brand Pandora’s Mission to ‘Give a Voice to People’s Loves’
Digital transformation isn’t easy for any brand, but for Pandora, with its 40 years of history and more than 6,400 points of sale across 100 countries, that effort is particularly complex. (Source: Pandora) Best known for its charm jewelry, the “affordable luxury” brand sells more than 100 million pieces every year, making it the…
How To Boost Your Online Store Security (In 3 Easy Steps)
While the growing popularity of e-commerce has benefited many people, it’s also put businesses at an increased risk of falling victim to cybercriminals. Unfortunately, it’s not just the businesses that are under threat but the customers that patronize them, as well. Therefore, it’s your job as a business owner to ensure your online store security…
Ralph Lauren Dives into Web3 With Crypto-Focused Miami Concept Store
Ralph Lauren has opened a concept store in Miami that will accept cryptocurrency payments through a partnership with BitPay, according to a tweet. Marking the first time Ralph Lauren will accept crypto as payment, the store will accept cryptocurrencies including bitcoin, Ethereum, polygon and dogecoin. Products available include the Men’s Purple and Women’s Collection luxury…
Bed Bath & Beyond Files Notice for a Potential Reverse Stock-Split
Bed Bath & Beyond has submitted a securities filing stating that it is seeking shareholder approval for a reverse stock split at a May 9 special meeting. The move would enable it to raise up to $300 million in equity from a stock offering announced last week, which could help the retailer stave off bankruptcy….