Today in Retail: Google’s Retail Future Is Omnichannel; Curaleaf Updates Tech Sack With Repsly Partnership

Today in retail, Google’s approach to retail is becoming increasingly diverse, while Curaleaf is updating its tech stack with a Repsly partnership. Plus, Wish becomes an invite-only portal for merchants in an effort to improve its customer service.

For Google, Retail’s Omnichannel Future Is Happening Now

Google announced record fourth-quarter results, led by strength in its cloud computing business and legacy search and advertising empire, but the company’s eCommerce and retail sectors are also worthy of some attention as well. “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: the future of retail is omnichannel,” Google Chief Business Office Philipp Schindler told analysts and investors on the company’s earnings call, adding that the company will invest in new features and next-generation experiences to help both merchants and shoppers.

Repsly Partnership to Enhance Curaleaf’s Retail Tech Stack

Retail technology platform Repsly and cannabis company Curaleaf have formed a tech partnership that will see Repsly support Curaleaf’s wholesale operations through customer relationship management (CRM) solutions, retail execution support and business analytics and insights. Curaleaf operates 125 dispensaries in 23 states. Repsly’s technology will help it enhance its go-to-market needs when it debuts later this month.

Wish Becomes ‘Invite Only’ for New Merchants

In what it’s calling an attempt to improve product quality, mobile eCommerce platform Wish has introduced an “invite-only” process for selecting merchants, an attempt to improve product quality. New merchants who want to sell on Wish will need to take part in a “multi-step qualification process.” Wish said this move is part of a larger effort to boost user trust by giving priority to merchants that provide better service. The invite-only plan replaces Wish’s previous open sign-up process, but it will not affect merchants already using the platform.

FinTech Upgrade Launches Product to Help Shoppers Reduce Inflation’s Sting

FinTech Upgrade — which offers consumer credit, mobile banking and payment products — is launching a new solution to help customers reduce the effects of inflation on their businesses. Upgrade Shopping gives people cash back rewards of up to 10% at 20,000-plus local and national merchants. The cash back rewards are combined with the fee-free Upgrade Card, which offers rewards and competitive rates.