Tue.Jan 21, 2025

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Why Emotion is the Most Important Customer Experience Metric

Retail TouchPoints

Experiences are, at their core, emotional for customers. Whether its the frustration of being stuck in a middle seat on a long flight, the excitement of waiting hours to taste a special meal, the thrill of getting access to a limited-edition sneaker or the satisfaction of discovering the perfect vacation while browsing late at night, emotions drive all interactions that customers have with brands.

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How brands like Skims, Nike, Ben & Jerry’s create winning retail collaborations

Inside Retail

Baked By Melissa x Tabasco, Kate Spade x Heinz , ELF Cosmetics x Tinder. What do these unexpected retail collaborations have in common with one another? They have all successfully tapped into the power of pop culture to keep hold of the increasingly fleeting attention of the millennial and Gen Z consumer. However, just because a collaboration is unique, or even a little weird, depending on the consumers perspective, doesnt ensure that it will be popular or profitable.

Marketing 130
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Adaptive fashion hits the high street as Primark launches first men and women’s range with Victoria Jenkins

A1 Retail

The collection features more than 40 affordable and stylish wardrobe staples across womenswear and menswear, adapted to meet a range of needs Developed alongside award-winning adaptive fashion designer and disability campaigner Victoria Jenkins, the range will be available in 31 stores nationwide and through the 113 UK stores offering Click & Collect from Tuesday 28th January New research highlights the challenges and frustrations disabled people face when it comes to fashion and buying

Fashion 105
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Exclusive: Travel Retailer WHSmith Launches North America Retail Media Network, Plans Significant Store Growth in Region

Retail TouchPoints

WHSmith North America (WHSNA) has partnered with commerce media solution SMG to launch a travel-focused in-store retail media network (RMN) that will connect brands with shoppers at the retailers more than 347 airport, rail station and resort-based locations across the U.S. and Canada. WHSNA is part of WHSmith , which operates 1,700+ stores across 30 countries.

Planning 299
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Smart Tools & Strong Teams: A People-First Approach to AI in Sales

Speaker: Matt Sunshine, CEO at The Center for Sales Strategy

AI isn’t replacing salespeople—it’s empowering them. The most forward-thinking sales organizations are using AI to enhance human performance rather than eliminate it. From coaching and messaging to prospecting and pipeline accountability, artificial intelligence is giving managers and SDRs the new tools they need to work smarter, sell better, and close more.

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WHSmith to close 17 stores this year as it streamlines operations

Retail Gazette

WHSmith is set to shut 17 stores across the UK in the coming months, as part of its ongoing restructuring strategy. The retailer , which operates over 1,100 locations nationwide, has already seen several closures since 2023, with more planned for 2025. The latest round will take place between now and May, following a shift in WHSmith’s focus, as it looks to streamline operations and shift its footprint to more profitable locations.

Location 124
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Justice Department Accuses Walgreens of Dispensing ‘Millions’ of Illegal Opioid Prescriptions

Retail TouchPoints

The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a civil suit against Walgreens alleging that the pharmacy retailer dispensed millions of unlawful prescriptions for opioids despite clear red flags that indicated the prescriptions were highly likely to be unlawful, according to a statement by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Departments Civil Division.

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Weev and The Boulevard both record ‘best year ever’ as they announce joint venture

A1 Retail

Photo: Thomas O’Hagan, Weev CCO with Andrew Hamilton, Operations Manager at The Boulevard. Northern Irelands electric vehicle infrastructure company has announced a new strategic partnership with premier designer shopping outlet, The Boulevard, to allow customers to charge their car while they shop. Weev finished 2024 as a record year with +300 perent charging capacity and increased its new users by +91 percent compared to 2023.

Location 104
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 Nala’s founder on “always looking for more ways to represent all bodies”

Inside Retail

Since launching in 2022, Nala has been righting the wrongs of the stale lingerie sector offering consumers a new way to see themselves by being a brand that represents all women. The Australian intimates brand has earned a reputation not only for its undergarments but for its innovative and inclusive campaigns resulting in earned media coverage and a loyal customer base.

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Record-breaking growth for OnBuy as tech business announces HQ move to London

A1 Retail

Q4 sales of 44m, delivering gross profit of c. 19m for the year Business will retain footprints in based in London and New York with satellite offices in Bournemouth, Manchester and Dublin to fuel international expansion 30 percent headcount increase forecast in the next 12 months as business becomes global e-commerce player OnBuy.com has announced it is moving its HQ from Bournemouth to London and launching a base in New York.

Checkout 101
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Costco Teamsters Authorize Strike when Contract Ends on Jan. 31

Retail TouchPoints

By an 85% margin, Costco workers have authorized a strike by the 18,000 employees who are members of the Teamsters Union , to take effect on Jan. 31, 2025 when their current contract runs out. Our members have spoken loud and clear Costco must deliver a fair contract or theyll be held accountable, said Sean M. OBrien, Teamsters General President in a statement.

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AI In The Aisles: The Executives Guide To Better In-Store Experiences

Speaker: Steve Worthy, MBA

The rapid rise of AI-powered displays, touchless technology, and sensory marketing is reshaping the future of in-store engagement. Yet for many retail executives, the real challenge is not identifying new tools - it is knowing which signals to trust, which inputs to prioritize, and how to architect decisions that elevate in-store leadership rather than dilute it.

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Why Gender Parity In Entrepreneurship Matters

LS Retail

iStock/zamrznutitonovi As Claudia Valladares, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Impact Hub Caracas says, gender parity in entrepreneurship is not just a moral imperative but a crucial driver of economic growth and innovation. She goes on to say, that despite significant progress in promoting gender equality globally , women remain underrepresented in entrepreneurial ecosystems.

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Day 1: Trump Moves to Save TikTok, Threatens Tariffs on Canada, Mexico, EU

Retail TouchPoints

President Donald Trump got straight to work Monday, Jan. 20. Within hours of taking office, Trump made a number of major moves via executive order , including negotiating the return of TikTok (for now still a temporary measure), promising to impose tariffs on Canada and Mexico on Feb. 1, 2025 and rescinding Biden administration orders related to AI regulation and DEI initiatives.

Planning 277
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Can You Change Your Will After You’ve Made It? Understanding the Process

365 Retail

Once youve written your will, its a relief to know that your wishes are officially documented. However, life is full of changes, and what seemed like a perfect will today may not be in the future. Whether youve had a change in family circumstances, gained or lost assets, or simply have a change of heart, its important to know that you can update your will.

ATS 52
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Merchants choose Payment Providers based on business commitment to ESG Ecommpay survey highlights the importance of PSP sustainability

Retail Focus

New research commissioned by inclusive global payments platform Ecommpay found that 61% of e-commerce merchants would definitely choose a payment provider based on their commitment to ESG. A further 38% said they might do so. The sustainability values of a potential partner have at least some influence over all respondents; 41% said they are strongly influenced, and 53% somewhat.

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New Research-Backed Strategies to Empower Managers as Culture & Engagement Leaders

Speaker: Beth Sunshine, SVP, Up Your Culture

When culture isn’t consistently lived out across the organization, engagement suffers—and it often starts with a disconnect at the top. In this session, Beth Sunshine, SVP of Up Your Culture at The Center for Sales Strategy, will reveal how HR and executive leaders can close the gap between vision and execution by equipping frontline and mid-level managers to become culture carriers.

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Primark Unveils Inclusive Adaptive Clothing Collection

365 Retail

Primark has launched a 49-piece adaptive clothing collection, designed to make stylish and functional fashion accessible for disabled individuals and those with temporary disabilities. Created in collaboration with adaptive fashion designer Victoria Jenkins, founder of Unhidden, the range features wardrobe staples with inclusive designs such as magnetic zippers, tube-access openings, and waist loops to simplify dressing.

Fashion 64
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Top 4 Link-Building Providers to Maximize Your Organic Reach in 2025

Retail Focus

Why do some websites always seem to rank higher than others? A key factor is link building. In 2025, building strong, high-quality backlinks is still one of the best ways to improve your website’s search rankings, bring in more visitors, and grow your online presence. But why is link building so important for SEO, and how can it help your website stand out in a crowded online space?

Marketing 130
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Kellie Hush appointed CEO of AFC’s Australian Fashion Week 2025

Inside Retail

The Australian Fashion Council (AFC) has named Kellie Hush as CEO of the Australian Fashion Week this year. “We have consistently emphasised that the AFC cannot achieve this alone we need to mobilise a dedicated team,” said Marianne Perkovic, AFC chair. “With Kellie’s extensive industry experience, long-standing relationships, and deep understanding of the AFC, the board is confident there is no better person to lead Fashion Week 2025 during this pivotal time for both th

Fashion 264
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The Pros and Cons of Hiring a Private Investigator for Relationship Concerns

365 Retail

When doubts about a partners loyalty begin to grow, it can create a whirlwind of emotions. You might wonder if youre just being paranoid or if something is genuinely off. If you’re considering hiring a private investigator (PI) to uncover the truth, you’re not alone. Many individuals in similar situations turn to professionals for help in finding clarity.

ATS 52
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Breaking The Commerce Bottleneck: Your SAP Exit Plan Starts Now

Speaker: Jason Cottrell and Gireesh Sahukar

Retailers know the clock is ticking–legacy SAP Commerce support ends in 2026. Legacy platforms are becoming a liability burdened by complexity, rigidity, and mounting operational costs. But modernization isn’t just about swapping out systems, it’s about preparing for a future shaped by real-time interactions, AI powered buying assistants, and flexible commerce architecture.

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Reds launches second official retail store in Indonesia

Retail Times

Retail Times publishes international & UK retail news covering products, data, tech, packaging, people, research, comment and more besides! Liverpool FC continues to strengthen its international presence in Asia with the official opening of its second retail store in Indonesia. LFC legend Emile Heskey led the official opening of the clubs new official retail store in Surabaya and hosted a meet & greet with fans on Saturday 18th January.

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When Is the Time Right to Fire Your Retail Sales Agency?

Retail Bound

For product startups, partnering with a retail sales agency often feels like a natural step. These agencies bring expertise, established relationships, and credibility to help your brand penetrate retail markets. They can save you time, energy, and resources while giving your product the exposure it deserves. However, not all partnerships are built to last.

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Reds launches second official rettail store in Indonesia

Retail Times

Retail Times publishes international & UK retail news covering products, data, tech, packaging, people, research, comment and more besides! Liverpool FC continues to strengthen its international presence in Asia with the official opening of its second retail store in Indonesia. LFC legend Emile Heskey led the official opening of the clubs new official retail store in Surabaya and hosted a meet & greet with fans on Saturday 18th January.

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Modum Atelier arranges boutique around raised wooden pavilion

Dezeen

Architecture studio Modum Atelier has created the Moment boutique within a historic building that encloses a hidden courtyard in Nanjing , China. Located in the Xinanli district known for its network of alleys and two-storey Qing Dynasty wooden houses the Moment boutique occupies the second floor of an ancient structure that stands on two sides a small courtyard containing a jujube tree.

Boutique 104
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Humans + Agents = Rethinking Enterprise Commerce with AI

AI agents already analyze trends, draft content, and trigger actions across leading commerce platforms. Yet most organizations still rely on workflows built for human‑only teams, losing speed, margin, and customer loyalty. Humans + Agents: Rethinking Enterprise Commerce in the Age of AI Collaboration shows how to close that gap. In one concise read you’ll see where agent gains surface first, how early adopters prove ROI, and which lean controls keep innovation moving without risking data or bran

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The Perfume Shop opens first store of 2025 in Harlow

Retail Times

Retail Times publishes international & UK retail news covering products, data, tech, packaging, people, research, comment and more besides! The Perfume Shop ha opened the doors to another new and improved experiential store at Unit 26d, Harvey Centre, Harlow, CM20 1XW. Opening in just a few days, the iconic retailer, who this year celebrates its 33rd Birthday, will be continuing to offer the hottest perfume launches, celebrity fragrances and classic designer scents, alongside its […] I

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Victoria Centre expands its food and beverage offering with iconic Coffee Brand, Starbucks, coming to the centre this February

A1 Retail

Victoria Centre has announced the opening of a brand-new Starbucks on 6 th February 2025. The popular coffee and food brand will be a welcome addition to the centres growing food on the go offerings. The new franchise will be Starbucks third store in Nottingham city centre. Starbucks invites customers to make use of the new Victoria Centre hub as a third space, enjoying its wide range of signature beverage and food options in a comfortable prime location between work and home.

Location 105
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Club L London Appoints Dan Lorenson as Chief Marketing Officer

Retail Focus

Global womenswear and lifestyle brand Club L London announces the appointment of Dan Lorenson as its new Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). Dan has been a key figure in the brands evolution since 2018, initially collaborating as the Founder of boutique marketing agency Flying People. His agency secured Club L London as its first client and played a pivotal role in supporting the brands direct-to-consumer launch, where Dans expertise was integral to its early success.

Marketing 147
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Rebecca Vallance appoints Peter Halkett as CEO

Inside Retail

Rebecca Vallance has appointed Peter Halkett as CEO, effective January 28. Prior to the new role, Halkett worked as CEO of Brandbank Group, Moochi, APG & Co, Kathmandu, Zintel, and Pacific Retail Group. Founded by Rebecca Vallance Gasan in London in 2011, the fashion brand is now available in boutiques and premium department stores in Europe, the US, and Australia.

Boutique 130
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5 Tips for a Winning Category Management Strategy in 2025

Category Management is a cornerstone of a successful retail strategy. While it promotes collaboration between manufacturers and retailers to optimize category performance, challenges persist in its effective implementation due to hurdles in communication and collaboration across teams and partners, and more. In this guide, we outline five essential strategies for success in 2025 that will touch on all the essential pieces of a successful strategy and implementation.

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Shaftesbury Capital celebrates Covent Garden’s 2024 leasing activity as Alo Yoga opens in Seven Dials Neighbourhood

Retail Focus

Shaftesbury Capital has announced that luxury activewear brand , Alo Yoga, has opened its new UK location in Covent Gardens Seven Dials. Located in an anchor unit at the junction of Neal Street and Earlham Street at a key gateway to the Seven Dials neighbourhood, Alo Yogas opening follows a milestone year of brand commitments at Covent Garden in 2024.

Location 147
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Dreame announces its first flagship store in Birmingham

Retail Times

Retail Times publishes international & UK retail news covering products, data, tech, packaging, people, research, comment and more besides! Dreame, a global leader in smart home technology, is excited to announce the grand opening of its first flagship store in Birmingham, UK. The two-story store, located in the heart of Birmingham on New Street, will feature Dreames full range of premium products, including robotic vacuums such as X50 Series Premium Robot Vacuum.

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How access control is transforming safety in businesses

365 Retail

Security has always been top priority for businesses. But the game has changed. You dont need only keys and locks anymore. The best access control systems via a partner such as ILOQ are revolutionizing the way companies manage safety. It is giving business owners more control and peace of mind, from small startups to massive enterprises. These systems are becoming a go-to solution for smarter and safer workplaces.

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All Dressed Up secures listing with Ocado and further distribution gains

Retail Times

Retail Times publishes international & UK retail news covering products, data, tech, packaging, people, research, comment and more besides! This January,All Dressed Upannounces a series of significant distribution wins for its range of all natural dressings. The British brand, which is on a mission to make healthy eating more delicious, fun and easy, has secured its first national supermarket listing with the UKs fastest growing retailer,Ocado.com.From Jan, the retailer will take three of th

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Cut Costs & Complexity: Smarter Fulfillment for Home, Furniture & DIY Brands

Late deliveries. Split shipments. Spiraling freight costs. For home, furniture, and DIY brands, fulfillment has never been more complex—or more critical. This report outlines how a smarter, AI-ready order management system (OMS) helps you reduce shipping costs, streamline project-based fulfillment, and ensure accurate inventory across every channel.