Retail stores are in a death spiral

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Weekend Roundup Retail's Death Spiral Worsens The Retail Apocalypse is growing stronger. Approximately 2,000 store closures have been announced just within the last six weeks, which increased the total number of planned closures for 2017 to almost 5,100. Credit Suisse expects that number to climb to more than 8,600 by the end of the year. Major department stores such as Macy's, JCPenney, and Sears are among those shutting down stores, along with retailers like Payless, Rue21, Michael Kors, and Bebe. And these closures are crippling hundreds of shopping malls across the US. Business Insider's Hayley Peterson has the full story. Research In Focus The Battle for the Smartphone Camera In a new report from BI Intelligence, we explore the growing and disruptive use of image-based communication via chat apps by investigating what's changed. We also dive into how businesses can leverage the new technology, and where they will have the biggest impact. Lastly, we compare the current leaders in the chat app industry, discerning which are best suited to certain features over others. Learn More »   The Free Shipping Report In a new report, BI Intelligence weighs the costs and benefits of free shipping for retailers and analyzes the effects of the perk on the industry. It assesses the technologies that could become commonplace as retailers and logistics providers fight rising shipping costs. However, implementing a cost-effective free shipping strategy can be difficult, so the report also discusses various techniques that both small and large retailers can use to make free shipping work for them. Learn More »   The Drone Delivery Report In a new report, BI Intelligence examines the benefits drone delivery can provide as an e-commerce fulfillment method, and explains the different approaches companies are taking as they experiment with the nascent technology. In addition, we detail the key players working in the space and discuss the challenges drone delivery faces in reaching mainstream adoption. Learn More » Briefing Highlights Here's how Apple's smart speaker will impact the market Apple has begun manufacturing its long-anticipated smart home speaker, which it could unveil at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on Monday. Read More »   Android Pay's expansion play Android Pay, which is currently available in 11 markets, including Australia, Japan, and the US, is seeking to grow its reach in 2017. Read More »   Here's why regulators need to get serious about bitcoin As bitcoin's price skyrockets and popular demand increases, some of the world's largest wealth managers have started giving their clients the opportunity to invest in the digital asset. Read More »   App Store Mints More $1 Million Publishers Than Google Play More publishers are generating $1 million or more in revenue on the App Store than on Google Play, according to data from Sensor Tower. Read More »   Walmart is remodeling hundreds of US stores Walmart is making a multi-million dollar investment in remodeling more than 400 stores to improve the in-store pickup experience for online shoppers. Read More »   Amazon's Parachute Shipping Labels Could Speed Drone Delivery Amazon was awarded a US patent earlier this week for a shipping label that includes a built-in parachute. The potential benefit to the e-commerce giant's Prime Air program is clear: air-dropping packages at their destinations saves drones time because they don't have to land. Read More »   Apple is developing an AI dedicated chip Apple is creating a chip specifically aimed at handling artificial intelligence (AI) tasks in its mobile technology, known internally as the Apple Neural Engine Read More »   Microsoft Unveils MR Headsets Microsoft unveiled a smorgasbord of mixed reality (MR) headsets during the Computex technology trade show in Taipei on Wednesday. Read More »   Android founder's startup has a smart home play Essential, Android founder Andy Rubin's mobile-focused startup, unveiled a smart speaker on Tuesday known as Home alongside a handful of other products. Read More »   Amazon launches curbside pickup for groceries Amazon has opened a pair of drive-thru grocery pickup stores to the public in Seattle, allowing customers to pickup their AmazonFresh grocery orders instead of having them delivered at home. Read More » Charts of the Week Legacy retailers are paying big for e-commerce pureplays Wi-Fi's role in mobile connectivity is growing UK payment habits to shift dramatically in next 10 years Become a Member You can gain access to everything BI Intelligence produces - ALL of our extensive research reports, newsletters, and data - when you claim your BI Intelligence ALL-ACCESS pass. With this level of membership, you will gain immediate access to… ALL Existing Reports Our research reports have taken thousands of hours to research, analyze and compile. With over 100 reports in our archive there is something for everyone with immediate profit-driving idea potential. Packed with data, insight and analysis the research helps you understand your chosen subject area in fresh new ways. Actionable New Reports You'll receive around 6 new reports each month on topics that matter to you, delivered electronically the instant they're finalized for as long as you're a subscriber. 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