Fri.Jan 17, 2025

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Holiday Sales Grew 4% to Top $994 Billion, Exceeding Expectations

Retail TouchPoints

Bearing out earlier reports of solid sales increases during the 2024 holiday season, U.S. Census Bureau data revealed that core retail sales increased by an unexpectedly robust 4% over 2023 to a record $994.1 billion , topping the National Retail Federation (NRF) s forecast of 2.5% to 3.5% growth. Full-year 2024 retail sales also showed healthy growth of 3.6% over the previous year, reaching a record $5.28 trillion.

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Quest for adventure, opulence, sustainability and nostalgia to drive independent retail’s must-have products in 2025

A1 Retail

Online wholesale marketplace Faires 2025 forecasthas revealed four major consumer and product trends transforming how independent retailers can connect with shoppers this year Independent retailers will stock more adventure-inspired accessories, opulent vintage pieces, natural goods and playful nostalgic items this year, according to the 2025 forecast from online wholesale marketplace Faire.

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Kurt Geiger is ‘Going Big in North America’ with Plans for 50 U.S. Stores

Retail TouchPoints

British footwear and accessories label Kurt Geiger has unveiled plans to bring its London verve across the pond in a big way. Following the opening of its first U.S. store, at the Mall at Millenia in Orlando in early 2024, the brand has opened its next three U.S. stores at Roosevelt Field Mall in Garden City, N.Y., Del Amo in Los Angeles and Fashion Valley in San Diego.

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Next batch of Homebase stores to reopen as The Range by end of January

Retail Gazette

CDS Superstores, the parent company of The Range, Wilko , and Homebase, is set to relaunch three former Homebase stores as The Range Superstores by the end of January. The new openings in Stroud, Leicester, and Blandford Forum will mark the latest step in the company’s transformation of up to 70 ex-Homebase locations since its acquisition. The new stores, which will open on 31 January, will offer customers a “fresh shopping experience” by combining The Ranges renowned product v

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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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Exclusive Q&A: B2B Cruise Retail Player Comes Ashore to Support Resort-Based Luxury

Retail TouchPoints

Stacy Shaw wants to make it very clear that Starboard Group is specifically in the business of vacation retail, as opposed to the broader travel retail category. Thats where our expertise lies not with the business traveler, not duty-free airport shops, said Shaw. She is SVP at the 65- year-old company, which supports and operates shipboard retail stores on nearly 100 ships operated by 15 cruise lines.

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“I Matter Too” campaign launches urging retailers to prioritise accessibility ahead of the European Accessibility Act

A1 Retail

As the June 2025 deadline for the European Accessibility Act approaches, Nexer Digital has launched a new campaign, I Matter Too , to raise awareness about the importance of inclusive online experiences. The campaign aims to encourage online retailers to act now and embrace digital accessibility as a core part of their strategy, not just to meet legal requirements but to go beyond compliance and deliver true inclusivity.

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In pictures: The Range opens first rebranded Homebase store

Retail Gazette

The Range has opened its first set of rebranded Homebase stores following its acquisition of the DIY retailer last November. The discount giant unveiled its converted branch in Christchurch in Bournemouth, which stocks the retailer ‘s full range and is one of the first to display its new ‘Garden Centres by Homebase’ concept. Today (17 Januarry) also marked the opening of The Range superstores in Pollokshaws in Glasgow and Kings Heath in Birmingham.

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Forget the ‘Wirkin’ — Rebag Joins Walmart Marketplace, Offering Walmart Customers Real Birkins and More

Retail TouchPoints

Even as Walmart s Birkin dupe dubbed the Wirkin continues to sell like hotcakes , the retailer has announced a new deal that will give its customers access to the real thing. Luxury resale marketplace Rebag has joined the Walmart marketplace, making its selection of secondhand luxury handbags, jewelry and watches available on Walmart.com and the Walmart app.

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Next CEO Lord Wolfson: National Insurance hike will hit entry-level jobs

Retail Gazette

Next CEO Lord Wolfson has warned upcoming tax changes in April, including an increase in National Insurance, will make it harder for individuals to enter the workforce. Speaking to the BBC , Wolfson warned that the higher NI contributions required from employers will have a significant impact on the retail sector. He added that the axe [had] fallen particularly hard on entry-level positions.

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The Secret to Solving Retail’s $743 Billion Returns Problem: Intelligent Customer Support

Retail TouchPoints

With returns siphoning off a staggering $743 billion from retailers bottom lines in 2023, its clear that the industrys approach needs an overhaul. But instead of leaning on rigid policies that risk driving customers away, retailers can use this as an opportunity to rethink returns. The key? Customer-first strategies that not only reduce returns but also boost experience and loyalty.

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What Your Financial Statements Are Telling You—And How to Listen!

Speaker: David Worrell, CFO, Author & Speaker

Your financial statements hold powerful insights—but are you truly paying attention? Many finance professionals focus on the income statement while overlooking key signals hidden in the balance sheet and cash flow statement. Understanding these numbers can unlock smarter decision-making, uncover risks, and drive long-term success. Join David Worrell, accomplished CFO, finance expert, and author, for an engaging, nontraditional take on reading financial statements.

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Walgreens Replaced Refrigerator Doors With High-Tech Smart Screens, But There’s a Problem

Retail Wire

High-tech smart screen doors are causing more problems than solutions for Walgreens.

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centre:mk surpasses a decade of footfall benchmarks with strong start to 2025

A1 Retail

centre:mk, one of the top 10 prime retail destinations in the UK, has reported a strong start to 2025, following a successful 2024. Setting the pace for another positive year ahead, the first week of 2025 saw an impressive footfall increase year-on-year of 20 percent at centre:mk. Marking 10.8 percentage points ahead of high street destinations and 11.3 percentage points above other shopping centres, centre:mk outperforms competing assets due to its unique regional pull.

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Barilla Brings Back ‘Love Pasta’ To Celebrate All Forms of Love

Retail Wire

"Love Pasta" by Barilla is the ultimate Valentine's Day meal.

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The North Face Transforms Regent Street Flagship Store

365 Retail

The North Face has unveiled a completely reimagined flagship store on London’s Regent Street, using cutting-edge technology and innovative design to create an experiential retail environment. In collaboration with Mood Media , the outdoor retailer has transformed its 10,000-square-foot space into a destination for engagement and exploration. Experiential Retail at the Heart of the Transformation The centrepiece of the flagship store is a 360-degree projection dome, offering an immersive &#

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State of AI in Sales & Marketing 2025

AI adoption is reshaping sales and marketing. But is it delivering real results? We surveyed 1,000+ GTM professionals to find out. The data is clear: AI users report 47% higher productivity and an average of 12 hours saved per week. But leaders say mainstream AI tools still fall short on accuracy and business impact. Download the full report today to see how AI is being used — and where go-to-market professionals think there are gaps and opportunities.

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NRF 2025: RetailWire CEO’s Top 5 Takeaways

Retail Wire

NRF 2025 is now over, and with the clarity that exhaustion brings a few days later, I felt that what the world needs is the 423rd version of: the top five takeaways from my time at NRF.

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UK Retail Sales Slide in December as Economic Pressures Persist

365 Retail

The Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) today published retail sales data for December 2024, revealing a further decline in spending during what is traditionally the busiest period for UK retailers. Retail sales volumes dropped by 0.3% compared to November 2024 and were down 1.1% year-on-year when compared to December 2023. This marks the second consecutive month of contraction, highlighting the growing impact of the cost-of-living crisis on household spending.

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Progresso Releases Chicken Noodle Soup-Flavored Hard Candy

Retail Wire

Progresso is going viral for its new take on hard candy.

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IKEA Prepares for Brighton Store Launch with Localised Approach to Home Furnishings

365 Retail

As IKEA prepares to expand its presence in Brighton, the company is tailoring its new store to reflect the unique lifestyles and aspirations of the citys diverse residents. Through home visits and focus groups with Brighton and Sussex locals, IKEA has gathered insights into how people live, their challenges, and their aspirations for their homes. These findings will be integral to the design and layout of the new store, aiming to provide a personalised shopping experience.

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SEO vs. PPC: Which Strategy Is Best for Your Business?

When it comes to driving traffic and growing your online presence, businesses often ask: SEO or PPC—what’s the better choice? This guide breaks down the key differences between search engine optimization (SEO) and pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, highlighting their pros, cons, and best use cases. Whether you’re looking for long-term organic growth or immediate visibility through paid ads, we’ll help you determine which strategy—or combination of both—is right for your business.

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Taco Bell Refreshes Its Menu With a New Twist on a Fan-Favorite Drink. Here Are the Details

Retail Wire

Taco Bell continues to update its menu.

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Lidl to remove all packaging designs deemed attractive to children from least healthy own-brand products by mid-2025

Retail Times

Retail Times publishes international & UK retail news covering products, data, tech, packaging, people, research, comment and more besides! As families focus on adopting better habits in the new year, Lidl is reaffirming its commitment to responsible marketing by removing all packaging designs deemed attractive to children from its least healthy own-brand products by mid-2025.

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PepsiCo Slammed by FTC Over Alleged Price Discrimination in Favor of Walmart

Retail Wire

The FTC is accusing PepsiCo of working with a large retailer in a price discrimination scheme.

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Amazon to lay off 200 people in its North America retail operations

Retail Dive

The e-commerce giant said it is cutting a small number of roles after a routine evaluation of its team structures and ability to “move fast.

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The GTM Intelligence Era: ZoomInfo 2025 Customer Impact Report

ZoomInfo customers aren’t just selling — they’re winning. Revenue teams using our Go-To-Market Intelligence platform grew pipeline by 32%, increased deal sizes by 40%, and booked 55% more meetings. Download this report to see what 11,000+ customers say about our Go-To-Market Intelligence platform and how it impacts their bottom line. The data speaks for itself!

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AMC Stubs Members Who See More Than 8 Movies in a Year Can Get Free Upgrades and Perks

Retail Wire

As of Jan. 1, AMC Stubs Insider members who see at least eight movies or earn at least 5,000 AMC Stubs points in a calendar year will be upgraded to the all-new AMC Stubs Premiere GO! status.

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Walmart opens new Arkansas corporate headquarters

Retail Dive

About 15,000 associates will occupy the new campus that includes collaborative work and gathering spaces, public retail, eateries and a hotel.

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John Deere Sued by the FTC Over Its Tractor Repair Monopoly

Retail Wire

John Deere is in trouble with the federal government.

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The Weekly Closeout: Foot Locker taps Sonia Syngal for board and New Balance sales hit a record

Retail Dive

Also joining the footwear retailer’s board is Ace Hardware CEO John Venhuizen. Meanwhile, New Balance landed $7.8 billion in global sales last year.

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Create SEO-Friendly Content to Boost Traffic & Engagement

Creating SEO-friendly content is key to improving your website’s visibility and attracting more visitors. This guide walks you through best practices for writing optimized content, including keyword placement, proper formatting, and engaging writing techniques. Whether you’re crafting blog posts, landing pages, or product descriptions, these proven SEO strategies will help your content rank higher and keep readers engaged.

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Amazon RTO Hampered by Office Theft, Cramped Parking Lots, Lack of Office Space

Retail Wire

After kicking off its return-to-office policy on Jan. 2, Amazon's corporate employees are issuing a litany of complaints.

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Aldi to open nine London stores in 2025 as part of £650 million investment in Britain

Retail Times

Retail Times publishes international & UK retail news covering products, data, tech, packaging, people, research, comment and more besides! Aldi is set to open nine stores in the capital this year as part of a 55 million investment within the M25. Building on its promise to bring unbeatable value to even more Londoners, the supermarket has revealed four of the locations set to welcome new Aldi stores in the next 12 months.

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TikTok Ban: Supreme Court’s Ruling Sets Stage for App Shutdown

Retail Wire

A TikTok ban is looming, unless Chinese company ByteDance finds a buyer.

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Tariffs may add to ‘a toxic brew for consumers’

Retail Dive

Retailers and consumers will feel added pressure if proposed tariffs are implemented, industry analysts and experts told Retail Dive.

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AI for Commerce: Foundations, Aspirations, and Hype

AI is rapidly transforming digital commerce, but how do you separate real opportunities from hype? Moderated by Orium, AI for Commerce: Foundations, Aspirations, and Hype , experts from Bloomreach , commercetools , Contentstack , and Fluent Commerce explores where AI is already delivering results and where its potential is still unfolding. This masterclass dives into proven AI applications, emerging innovations , and the gaps between promise and reality in commerce.