Chasing Amazon: Retailers Who Refuse to Quit

Amazon’s aggressive tactics were highlighted in yesterday's Boston Herald. The articles states that Amazon wants to create its own version of Somerville startup The Grommet, which links independent product makers with retailers. Then it’ll take down the small retailers themselves. It's not the first time Amazon has been accused of a ruthlessness, so we decided to take a look at some retailers who are pushing back.

Macy’s is upping its omni-channel game. It announced last week that it’s expanding same-day delivery to Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Honolulu, Las Vegas, Miami/Fort Lauderdale, New York City/Western Long Island, Orange County and Philadelphia, for a total of 17 markets.

Innovative online retailers like SmarterHQ and Jet.com are making moves to keep up. SmarterHQ uses contextualized data and predictive modeling to make real-time suggestions for customers as they navigate the site. Amazon has been employing on-site messaging for years, but not like this. Meanwhile, Jet.com is using a subscription service to offer discounts on popular apparel. (Inc.com reports some brands have pulled out of Jet.com after discovering they were listed without permission.)

A brand-new startup called Shoe Drop could reintroduce a personal touch to the world of apps, Crain’s Chicago Business reports. Founders Duncan Davis and Brandon Labrum have hired specialized cobblers, with hopes of rejuvenating the cobbler industry and bridging the gap between modern convenience and old-world quality. The app connects customers with roughly 50 partnered Chicago locations, then allows them to describe their shoes and select a service.

This is all good news for consumers, as retailers look to make the shopping experience more convenient and engaging. Here are a few tech trends to look out for in the near future:

• More selling of products on social media, not just advertising and engaging.
  
  
• POS (point-of-sale) technology; think Starbucks’ new mobile pay app.
  
  
• Augmented Reality, like virtual fitting rooms and interactive displays. Walgreens is working on using Google’s Project Tango 3D for mobile apps, Vendhq reports.
  
  
• Showrooming—where stores will serve as more of a museum to display products for customers to learn about products in a fun way.