Content about Online shopping

ST. LOUIS — Aisle411, a mobile retail navigation service, on Tuesday announced that its mobile shopping and searchable store maps smartphone app is available to use within more than 12,000 retail stores throughout the United States. 

Success in the mass market can be an uphill battle for some niche brands as retailers trim selection, bolster private-label offerings and pass on smaller brands they perceive as higher risk. However, retailers also are increasingly looking to distinguish themselves from the competition, whether it is through exclusive offerings, customization or in-store services. This has given rise to the importance of business development organizations, master brokers, regional brokers, and sales and marketing consultants in helping niche brands navigate the path to retail.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid's revamped website will offer a "more personalized and engaging" experience for customers, the company said Monday.

The new site, which it worked with Razorfish Healthware to design, includes easier access to online pharmacy services, health and wellness information.

Technology has certainly changed the landscape of the drug channel's general merchandise department. As categories shift, electronic accessories have become a crucial addition to the mix.

Nearly 40% of all consumer electronic spending in 2012 was on tablets, smartphones, laptops and notebooks, according to the Consumer Electronics Association. "Accessories for these products are the growth drivers for the category," said Chris Ely, a spokesperson for the organization. "They also are margin makers."

Beauty retailer Sephora launched in September the new Sephora Skincare iQ, which has been dubbed as the "most comprehensive in-store technology" to make addressing skin care concerns easier than ever before.

By using the touch-screen technology that is available at select Sephora locations, consumers can — in 60 seconds or less — address a range of skin concerns through a series of deductive questions. It simplifies the product selection process by cross-referencing Sephora's full skin care assortment across more than 1,200 SKUs and 60 brands.

NEW YORK — If any proof was needed of the importance of omnichannel, it can be seen in a new survey of U.S. consumers.

SAN FRANCISCO — More than half of Americans shop and spend money to improve their moods, according to a new survey.

The study, by Ebates.com, found that 63.9% of women engage in "retail therapy," compared with 39.8% of men, and the belief that it improves moods was found among 39.2% of women, compared with 20.6% of men. The survey was conducted online by TNS Global and included 1,000 adults.

Google is offering a service called Google Shopping Express, which would offer same-day delivery from brick-and-mortar stores in the San Francisco Bay Area to the Internet giant's employees. Target and several other retailers have been named as possible partners.

WHITING, Ind. — People who work from home shop online more often, according to a new survey.

Conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of CouponCabin, the survey found 69% of adults working from home shop online while on the clock, compared with 54% who do the same when working in an office. The online survey polled 2,047 adults between March 12-14, including 273 who work from home.

MINNEAPOLIS — Target Corp. has purchased two online retailers of cooking equipment in a move designed to expand its cooking and kitchenware business, said the mass merchandise retailer, which has lately made major investments in multichannel retailing.

Target announced the purchase of Cooking.com and CHEFS Catalog, both of which will continue to operate under their current names as a single, wholly owned subsidiary of Target. Financial terms of the deals were not disclosed.

Smart device usage has become an active part of in-store shopping. According to a recent poll of Accent-Health smart device owners, nearly 3-out-of-5 have used their phone or tablet to aid in product selection while shopping in-store. However, consumers are more likely to research their next TV on their mobile device than their prescription medication. According to AccentHealth VP market research, Natalie Hill, "When it comes to medical treatment, healthcare professionals remain the most trusted source for information.

During last December’s Drug Store News Industry Issues Summit, our panel of retail executives discussed how to optimize consumer white spaces, creating new trips and value. If you were not there, you missed some great discussions by many of the top thinkers in our industry.

I believe everyone attending gained valuable feedback on how to uncover and fill currently unmet consumer white spaces. Two key themes were discussed: