Discount/GM

• Target has plans to roll out mobile payment features to one or more of its apps in 2017 exclusively to shoppers with a Target credit card.

• Walmart is testing a blockchain system co-developed by IBM that allows cloud-based logging of supply chain transactions in a ledger to help improve the food safety and security of its packaged produce.

• Yankee Candle is rolling out a new point-of-sale system called TCxWave from Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions and its Together Commerce Alliance business partner Certified Retail Solutions.

Foodservice

• Cava Grill is using a platform of electronic-sensor technology to assist the chain with proper staffing based on traffic, while also providing information regarding supply chain.

• Panera Bread Co. announced during a fourth quarter conference call that digital sales make up approximately 24 percent of sales at company-owned units.

Grocery/Convenience

• 7-Eleven Inc. has entered into an agreement with NEC Corporation to be the exclusive supplier of both POS hardware and software across the chain’s US and Canada stores.

• Schnucks Markets Inc. is partnering with Instacart to offer delivery services to the St. Louis area; in addition to Schnucks, Shop ‘n Save, Whole Foods Market and Costco are also partnering with Instacart in the city.

• Fareway Stores instituted a digital coupon system at its 117 stores that allows shoppers to create an online profile by product type for coupons.

• PCC Natural Markets is partnering with Instacart at its Bothell, WA, location; the curbside pickup service is currently available for certain zip codes in Bothell, Duvall, Everett, Kenmore, Maltby, Mukilteo and Woodinville, WA.