At the end of May, Google began adding new tabs to Gmail accounts in order to filter certain messages away from a user’s primary inbox; some Minnesota companies are confident that their content will still reach consumers.
Technology
A Target executive said that “showrooming” presents a major opportunity, not just a threat, as retailers work to more seamlessly integrate physical stores and digital channels.
Slalom Consulting, which operates 11 offices nationwide, recently expanded to bring its tech-consulting services to Minneapolis.
After the two IT providers went head-to-head in court, Atomic Data said it has acquired assets from the bankruptcy estate of Atomic Playpen.
Minnetonka-based Communications Systems, Inc., restructured itself into a holding company and made multiple executive-level changes.
Rochester Medical, which develops urological devices, is the third Twin Cities med-tech company that C. R. Bard, Inc., has purchased in recent years.
SurModics cut seven employees from its 115-member staff and expects to use the annualized savings to reinvest about $1 million into “growth initiatives.”
Richfield-based Best Buy said it plans to hire Google sales specialists to serve customers interested in Google technology.
Medtronic is attempting to expand from a medical device company to a diversified provider of medical services.
The new service, called Target Ticket, is expected to offer access to 15,000 titles and is reportedly slated to roll out this fall, after being tested by Target employees.
Analysts International Corporation agreed to be acquired by a Georgia IT firm.
Target is among retailers that have been touting growth in online sales. But when contacted by regulators, the company reportedly said that digital sales have represented an “immaterial amount” of total revenue.
Scicom Data Services’ buyer, Venture Solutions, said it plans to hire back a substantial amount of the workers, but some employees may still be cut.
Despite a rumor that was circulated last week, Best Buy said it has no partnership with Google to announce, and a Google official said Google Glass will not appear in Best Buy stores next year.
The Nasdaq exchange—on which shares of Minnesota companies such as C.H. Robinson, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Fastenal are traded—temporarily ceased trading on Thursday.
Best Buy said it is improving same-store sales and cutting costs, and its stock price climbed about 10 percent early Tuesday.
Eleven different groups that support new businesses will receive between $84,000 and $450,000 in two-year grants.
Red Stamp will retain its brand name, website, and offerings following the acquisition.