Retail sales rose 0.6 percent in December, according to the U.S. Commerce Department, showing a relatively flat holiday spending period after a 0.2 rise in November. However, online retailers in particular reported better sales, indicating a growing need for the integration of e-commerce and use of real-time data within retailers' customer experience, according to IT consulting company Syntel.

Amazon's U.S. patent for one-click payments will expire this year, allowing other retailers to incorporate the same technology on their websites.

Mobile software and app services company Mobinteg has deployed a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacon-based solution within several cities and villages throughout Portugal and Italy, in order to connect app users with information about city buildings, businesses and historical monuments.

Tompkins International, a supply chain and fulfillment consultant, is launching the MonarchFx Alliance, a consortium of technology and service providers designed for faster, more efficient e-commerce fulfillment across sectors, Tompkins says.

Kohl's Corp. has found loyalty to be "the most important differentiator for us in the marketplace," says CEO Kevin Mansell, and this loyalty is being driven by technology.

While for years Google was the number-one online destination for shoppers searching for products across desktop, mobile and tablet, it has recently lost its top ranking as a product search starting place to Amazon.