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RentMoola launches pre-authorized payments solution (BETAKIT)
RentMoola’s goal through this solution is to reduce the need for forms and void cheques, and allow property tenants to pay with any payment methods from anywhere.
DMS Recommends: Get Ready for a 5G World: Wireless Innovation and Business Value (DIGITALMAINSTREET)
Join IDC and Rogers on June 14th for a stimulating discussion about the future of wireless in Canada and how it will impact your business.
Alibaba doubles down on logistics with $1.4B investment in Chinese courier ZTO (TECHCRUNCH)
The deal is focused on Alibaba’s ‘new retail’ version that merges e-commerce and offline retail. The idea is to marry the speed and ease of e-commerce with the advantages of brick and mortar, such as being able to touch and feel products and customer care.
Retail’s future mixes the high-tech with the personal (THESTAR)
Harley Finkelstein orders diapers for his 2-year-old daughter using a voice command, but he still likes going into Harry Rosen to buy his signature black T-shirts — and that, says the chief operating officer of Shopify, is the future of retail.
ForwardX raises $10 million for self-pushing luggage (SKIFT)
CDH Venture and Eastern Bell Venture Capital led the round. ForwardX’s soon-to-debut Ovis brand luggage uses cameras and object-recognition software to follow a traveler around, by their side, like a dog.
AvenueHQ raises $4.5 million to expand realtor marketing platform across the US (BETAKIT)
AvenueHQ’s platform targets realtors, and provides a team of web designers and digital marketers to manage a realtor’s websites, social media, advertising, and newsletters.
Walmart’s new personal shopping service Jetblack launches in New York (TECHCRUNCH)
Jetblack is focused on “time-strapped urban parents” seeking “more efficient ways to shop for themselves and their families.”
Three common retail innovation mistakes brands make and how to avoid them (RETAILTOUCHPOINTS)
Magic mirrors, virtual rails, digital fitting rooms, even brainwave readers — these are just a few examples of the retail industry’s attempts to improve in-store customer experience with cutting edge technology. Somewhat surprisingly, they haven’t driven the kind of business value we’ve expected.
PayPal acquires AI-driven predictive marketing company Jetlore (RETAILDIVE)
According to the companies, merchants using these tools will be able to use Jetlore’s technology to personalize how they approach customers based on purchasing data.
Seven things small businesses should learn about retailing today, from the pros (FINANCIALPOST)
The product alone doesn’t always drive a purchase these days. Buyers are looking for more depth to their experience.
Apple Pay tests ‘order ahead’ for drinks at music festivals (TECHCRUNCH)
You just open the festival’s app, select the closest concession stand, choose your drinks, Apple Pay with your face or fingerprint, and pick up the beverages at a dedicated window with no queue.
Neighborhood Goods raises $5.75M in seed funding (FINSMES)
Neighbourhood Goods is a new retail concept that will unite sought-after brands with their ideal target customer through activations in both the physical and digital landscapes with features such as its own bar, restaurant, social spaces, event programming, and speaker series.
Amazon begins nationwide expansion of Whole Foods discounts for Prime members (TECHCRUNCH)
Amazon expanded the Prime Whole Foods program to 12 more states, including northern California, Colorado and Texas, with more set to follow soon.
