Ecommerce Product Releases: April 1, 2018

Here is a list of product releases for March from companies that offer services to online merchants. There are updates on artificial intelligence, subscription services, new marketplaces, shopping actions and experiences, delivery tracking, and augmented reality.

Got an ecommerce product release? Email releases@practicalecommerce.com.

Ecommerce Product Releases

IBM launches new artificial intelligence platform. IBM has launched Cloud Private for Data, an integrated data science, data engineering, and app-building platform, along with Data Science Elite Team, a no-charge consultancy that advises clients on artificial-intelligence matters. The platform is designed to help companies uncover previously unobtainable insights from their data and exploit event-driven applications capable of analyzing data from things like IoT sensors, online commerce, mobile devices, and more.

IBM Cloud Private for Data

Gwynnie Bee opens rental platform to other retailers. Subscription clothing rental site Gwynnie Bee has launched CaaStle, a service that allows retailers to offer “clothing as a service” — CaaS — to its consumers. By offering a CaaS model, businesses can provide consumers with the opportunity to experiment with a brand by accessing a rotating collection as well as earning revenue every day a garment is with a customer.

Visa’s “Everywhere Initiative” now accepting submissions. Accepting submissions from March 19 until April 23, Visa’s Everywhere Initiative is a global innovation program that tasks start-ups to (a) solve payments and commerce challenges, (b) further enhance their own product propositions, and (c) provide visionary solutions for Visa’s vast network of partners. The program first launched in the U.S. in 2015 and expanded globally with more than 2,100 participating start-ups, which have collectively raised over $2 billion in funding.

Google introduces “Shopping Actions” for retailers. Google has introduced Shopping Actions, a program to let retailers list products across Google Search, Google Express (the shopping service), and the Google Assistant app. Shopping Actions includes a universal cart for shoppers, whether they’re on mobile, desktop, or voice-powered devices. Shopping Actions will use a pay-per-sale model, taking a cut only on purchases.

Google Shopping Actions

Wayfair launches augmented reality feature for Android. Online furniture-retailer Wayfair has launched an augmented reality feature for Android devices. Part of Wayfair’s mobile shopping program, the three-dimensional “View in Room” lets shoppers place virtual furniture in areas of their homes to visualize before they buy. Similar AR apps for Android launched recently from Ikea and Amazon.

Showpad launches Shared Spaces to help sales teams provide a more personalized buyer experience. Showpad, a sales and marketing platform, has announced the launch of Shared Spaces, which enables sales teams to build custom sites for prospects and facilitate personalized interactions between buyers and sellers. The new feature helps salespeople better communicate and share content with potential customers in a branded, personalized, and secure web page. By centralizing content in one space, Showpad brings the sales conversation out of email. Buyers can ask questions directly on each piece of content, eliminating multiple requests for information and allowing for real-time edits.

Springbot Exchange to assist ecommerce SMBs to compete against large retailers. Springbot, a data-driven marketing platform for ecommerce merchants, has launched Springbot Exchange, a data cooperative for ecommerce SMBs. Springbot Exchange provides retailers access to data and resources typically only available to large retailers. With Springbot Exchange, retailers can use data from participating Springbot retailers, as well as a data pool provided through Springbot’s partner connections, across a broad set of retail verticals.

Springbot

Shippo introduces Tracking Pages for ecommerce. “Tracking Pages” are now available to all new and existing Shippo customers. Retailers can customize tracking notifications, curating a style and look that connects with their buyers. Tracking Pages give buyers the information they need to be at the right place at the right time so they can receive their packages.

Target tests a new loyalty program with cash-back and shipping discounts. Target is launching a pilot loyalty program, Target Red, in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Perks include 1 percent back on every purchase that can be redeemed at a later trip, and the chance to vote for one of three local organizations to help direct Target’s community giving. Guests also can save 50 percent on the first-year membership on same-day delivery with Shipt (the Target-owned grocery delivery service), and receive free next-day delivery on essentials with Restock (Target’s delivery service for consumer goods).

Weyland Tech launches a mobile commerce and logistics platform across Asia in partnership with DPEX. Weyland Tech, a provider of mobile business applications, has announced the launch of the ENable mobile commerce and logistics platform in collaboration with DPEX Worldwide, the delivery firm. With a presence in 17 countries, DPEX can offer ENable to its customers, to build mobile-first platforms for increasing B2B and B2C sales. ENable will help any business to market, promote, and sell products to its consumers and also utilize DPEX’s delivery and fulfillment services.

Albertsons readies digital marketplace for vendors. Supermarket grocery Albertsons is preparing to expand its online grocery offerings with a new marketplace that will allow vendors to sell directly to the retailer’s customers. The system will benefit vendors by giving visibility to their niche or hard-to-find food, health, and wellness products. It will also provide front-end ecommerce functions, including search, product description, and ordering. The marketplace will generate proprietary data on product trends in different segments to help vendors evaluate products.

Albertsons