Walmart and Target were highlighted in Internet Retailer's 2019 Omnichannel Report for executing superior omnichannel experiences, with smooth systems and innovative features during mystery shopper visits. The retailers were also cited for modifying their store locations with features like package towers, which help with pickup and delivery.

Sony may release the PlayStation 5 by the end of 2020, based on company release history, which has the longest gap between new consoles being seven years, writes Sam Byford. Sony may choose to release the new console when the PS4's profitability starts to fall, which Sony estimates will occur by March 2021, Byford adds.

Kroger will add robot-equipped Ocado warehouses in central Florida and the mid-Atlantic region in addition to its planned facility in Ohio, the company announced. Kroger plans to develop 20 of the "sheds," designed with Britain's Ocado, to offer high-speed fulfillment.

UK regulators could call a halt to the planned merger of Walmart-owned Asda Group and rival supermarket chain J Sainsbury on anticompetitive concerns. The merged retailers would own a 27% share of Britain's grocery market with 2,800 stores.

Walgreens will now accept Alipay as a payment option at its more than 7,000 US stores, making it easier for tourists from China to pay for their purchases. Upwards of two-thirds of China's residents used mobile phones to pay for purchases while traveling last year, according to Nielsen.

Toyota continues to expand its use of the Toyota Production System and is likely to incorporate agile principles, says Toyota Connected agile chief Nigel Thurlow. "One of the key values from the agile manifesto is responding to change over following a plan," he says.

Retailers no longer need to develop apps to let consumers experience 3D or augmented reality, writes Vertebrae CEO Vince Cacace. Browser implementations offer a considerable advantage, as companies can spread the content to social media.

Shoe retailer Payless won bankruptcy court approval Tuesday for a plan to liquidate its operations and close all 2,500 stores in North America. The retailer now plans to shutter Canadian stores by April 30 and US locations by May 21, but it will maintain operations in Latin America and some other international markets.

Americans consume most of their condiments at home but do much of their experimenting with new flavors and sauces while dining out, according to Datassential's Condiments, Sauces, and Dressings Keynote Report. Younger consumers are driving demand for ethnic sauces like salsa roja, and consumers of all ages are getting more comfortable with such nontraditional sauce uses as ranch with pizza and tzatziki with french fries.

Leviton's newly launched Load Center is designed to increase smart home connectivity by offering electricity consumption monitoring, real-time alerts and other app-based features. The company initially showed off its device at a convention in Las Vegas, specifically highlighting how simple it is for contractors to install in new builds.