The National Retail Federation's annual conference is in full swing in New York, with retailers, brands and vendors convening at the Javits Center to take a closer look at how digital technology is bringing brands closer to consumers at the point of sale.

In 2011 at the NRF "Big Show," Intel unveiled its vision of the “Connected Store,” featuring interactive demonstrations from leading retailers including adidas, Best Buy and Kraft Foods that aim to integrate the best of online, mobile and in-store shopping with traditional retail environments. Adidas demonstrated its adiVerse virtual footwear wall powered by Intel, featuring a touchscreen interface and 3-D rendered graphics.

At last year's NRF Expo, Intel continued to highlight technology innovation through work with retailers including HSN and Macy’s, delivering more relevant and entertaining experiences to shoppers. Intel's booth showcased Macy’s BeautySpot digital experience as a means to offer customers a helpful and fun way to evaluate cosmetics across multiple brands.

And in 2013 at the National Retail Federation Expo, Intel (as you can watch below) is showing its work for McCormick, adidas and Costa Coffee, harnessing intelligent systems to help digital shoppers "quickly and easily research products, find reviews, compare prices, share experiences with friends." The goal, says Intel, is creating "fun and memorable brand experiences as well as new ways to ensure the goods customers want are immediately available," as demonstrated in 2013 NRF Expo video, below.Continue reading...

KitchenAid apologizes for anti-Obama tweet during presidential debate, the most-tweeted event in US political history, which saw Mitt Romney gain the upper hand on Barack Obama. Romney's anti-PBS comment on Big Bird also took over social media, while "Walmart mom" is the new soccer mom. The campaigns, judged the most negative in recent times, inspire JetBlue to offer chance to pull an Alec Baldwin and leave the country after election result.

HP warns about grim outlook, sending shares to lowest level in almost a decade.

Facebook passes one billion users with plans to charge to promote user posts, while Twitter measures brand impact with Nielsen.

Amazon now offers loans to small businesses.

American Airlines pulls 47 jets after loose-seat debacle as image suffers.

Apple rumors of smaller iPad persist as the #2 Best Global Brand earns kudos for admitting maps screw-up.Continue reading...

Apple shares reach $700 as iPhone 5 shatters sales record.

Belvedere owes Bruce Willis for years of representing Sobieski vodka.

Burberry says strategy won't change as brand brings capes to London Fashion Week.

Chrysler and GM will get a chance at deal similar to new labor accord between Ford and Canadian Auto Workers.

Conde Nast plans French Vanity Fair.

Dole Food to sell businesses to Itochu.

Dos Equis finds some fans unimpressed with Obama endorsement by its "most interesting man" actor.Continue reading...

Amazon's brand value soars 32% in Interbrand's 2012 Best Retail Brands report.

Apple's iPad challenger Proview is open to a settlement as Apple extends checks on Chinese suppliers. Apple also signed China Telecom as second iPhone seller.

Cabela's expands and rolls out smaller-store format.

Coca-Cola sponsors teen parties in Tanzania.

FedEx may be eyeing TNT Express.

Ford signals moderate growth and expansion in China.

Gap teams with fashion bloggers for Be Bright global launch.Continue reading...

Apple plans iPhone fix as new iPhone rumors abound.

AT&T targets African-Americans in “Rethink” campaign.

Facebook deepens ties with Microsoft via Skype video chat integration.

Five Guys and other better-burger chains influence Americans to eat more burgers.

Google turns to TV advertising in India.

HP enlists young celebrities to help sell TouchPad.

Huffington Post launches in the UK.

Infiniti creates year-long art show in Europe.Continue reading...

Skittles creates a new campaign with a social-networking twist. [Brandweek]

Wal-Mart wants to sell generic spices to compete with McCormick. [WSJ]

Miller Lite thinks that beer is a man's best friend. [BrandFreak]

Super Bowl brings sales increase to the New Orleans area. [CNN Money]