The subscription business model is growing sharply around the world, but the industry is also dealing with the twin challenges of fraud and subscriber churn. As a result, companies are increasingly turning to high-tech fraud-busting solutions to entice and keep subscribers. But various technologies powered by artificial intelligence...
Counterfeiting is a thriving business, and marketplaces that specialize in reselling luxury items have heavily invested in authentication procedures. Mercari, in one case, rolled out its Mercari Authenticate service that lets customers remotely verify the legitimacy of their products. And in health, VillageMD will operate primary care clinics in five Walgreens stores that...
Coffee retailers are driving ordering innovation with digital technology. Luckin Coffee, for its part, is entering the automated retail market with the rollout of a smart unmanned coffee machine and a smart vending machine. And in other automation news, big-box retail is innovating with the help of robots. Walmart,...
Hotels, airlines and homesharing platforms need strategies to satisfy the travel needs of four generations of jetsetters, who each have different booking and payment preferences. Some millennials, in one case, would abandon travel booking processes if their preferred payment method was not offered. The travel and...
U.S. shopping malls have reached the pinnacle of struggle, with empty shops hitting a 20-year high, but the American Dream mega-mall may be bucking the trend. The facility’s attractions include an ice-skating rink, a Nickelodeon Universe park and a ski slope. And in unattended retail, Stockwell’s new name sparked a turnaround for the firm. Its future...
Auto sales are driving retail trends, as online marketplace and auction site eBay has released a new eBay Motors app. At the same time, Carvana, a firm that allows consumers to browse and purchase vehicles online, has added a new virtual financing option. And, at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in...
The video streaming landscape is swamped with companies, and providing unique content might not be enough to earn subscribers. The pressure is on for providers to find new ways to gain an edge on their competitors and compel more would-be viewers to hit “subscribe.” And, in beverage...
iPhone app-enabled marketplaces such as Trainiac are letting consumers work one-on-one with a personal trainer. The trainer, in turn, helps the customer make and keep their fitness goals over the long term. And, in beauty retail, online hair and body care brands such as Ouai are growing their presence in the physical...
The share of younger adults taking vitamins has consistently climbed, especially in the last five years. Ritual, a vitamin-on-subscription service, is riding the wave of the increasing popularity of vitamin products for younger, more connected consumers. Aside from making its offering transparent and appealing, the company’s goal is...
