December, 2023

article thumbnail

The Boon and Bane of Self-Checkout for Retailers

Retail Wire

Retailers appreciate the allure of self-checkout. However, the elevated rate of inventory shrinkage is a pressing concern in the retail industry.

Checkout 276
article thumbnail

6 Trends Driving Store Design Innovation in 2024

Retail TouchPoints

After years of lockdowns and digital-driven behaviors, consumers’ actions have shown how crucial the store experience is to how they shop and interact with brands. So it’s no surprise that 47% of executives believe that store design and experience have become more critical to their brand strategy over the past year, according to Retail TouchPoints research.

Insiders

Sign Up for our Newsletter

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

article thumbnail

Do More In ‘24: Ten Customer Service and CX Tips for the New Year

Hyken

Happy New Year! I want this year to be your best year ever for creating amazing customer service and experiences. And for everything else, too! But as it applies to the customer experience, I thought it would be fun to share some ideas we need to do more of. With that, here are 10 ideas. Many, if not all, will apply to you and your business. Do more in 24!

article thumbnail

5 retailers that need a strong finish for the year

Retail Dive

These retailers have borrowed heavily, delivered soft performance, seen substantial leadership turnover or operate in a heavily discretionary sector. Can they turn themselves around?

134
134
article thumbnail

Modernizing the Frontend Experience on Salesforce Commerce Cloud

Unlock agility, boost performance, and gain control over your Salesforce frontend with the latest masterclass from Composable.com : Modernizing the Frontend Experience on Salesforce Commerce Cloud Featuring experts from Algolia, Ember, Netlify, and Stripe, this masterclass focuses on practical strategies for optimizing your Salesforce Commerce Cloud storefronts using modern composable commerce integrations.

article thumbnail

Free Returns Are Starting To Disappear

Retail Wire

Post-holiday blues are setting in for many consumers who have received less than satisfactory gifts this season. The disappointment amplifies when they attempt to make returns, only to be confronted with unexpected return fees.

Returns 297
article thumbnail

Inbox to doorstep: Three strategies to elevate your post-purchase experience

Inside Retail

Relevant, helpful communication with customers post-purchase can turn brand followers into raving fans. Effective communication in this stage of the customer journey can be a key tactic in building long-term customer loyalty which in turn contributes to sustained revenue growth and an increased Customer Lifetime Value (CLV). From the moment a purchase is confirmed to when it arrives at the customer’s doorstep, Klaviyo ’s intelligent marketing automation tools track progress and inform cust

Shipping 290

More Trending

article thumbnail

Beyond Shopping: How Retailers can Turn Stores into Experiential Hubs

Retail TouchPoints

Despite the surge in online shopping, physical stores remain essential for retailers, providing a space for customers to interact with products and build deeper brand connections. A well-designed store can create a memorable brand experience that strengthens customer loyalty. This is crucial considering a recent Publicis Sapient report on customer loyalty , based on a survey of over 8,000 consumers across six countries, revealed that 52% of global consumers report having slight to no brand loyal

Shopping 312
article thumbnail

Holiday Layoffs Are Becoming a Costly Trend Called Vibecession

Retail Wire

The holiday season has many workers experiencing a new and unsettling trend — holiday layoffs.

299
299
article thumbnail

Win the Customer, Not the Argument

Hyken

In a confrontation with a customer, you have a goal: win the customer , not the argument. I’ve written about this before, and it’s worth coming back to this topic from another angle with a different example. First, an interaction with a customer should never result in an argument. The best people in customer service, sales, or any frontline customer-facing job avoid escalating a confrontation to the level of a dispute.

article thumbnail

Year in Review 2023: Tokinomo’s news, awards, and best campaigns

Tokinomo

2023 marked a year of unparalleled achievement for Tokinomo, characterized by groundbreaking innovations, influential participation in key events, and notable recognition in the retail marketing sphere.

article thumbnail

Website Security Essentials: Protect Your Site and Strengthen Cybersecurity

In a digital-first world, website security is non-negotiable. This comprehensive guide explores the critical importance of securing your site against hackers and vulnerabilities like SQL injection, XSS, and malware. Discover tools like SiteLock for threat monitoring and CodeGuard for seamless backups, ensuring robust protection for your data and operations.

article thumbnail

ARA predicts $9 billion spendathon over the last week before Christmas

Inside Retail

Shoppers in Australia will spend an additional $9 billion during the final week before Christmas, according to the re-forecast by the Australian Retailers Association (ARA), in conjunction with Roy Morgan. This will bring spending for the November-December 24 trading period up to $67.4 billion, an increase of 1 per cent from last year. Across the pre-Christmas period, food spending is expected to reach $27 billion, up 3.2 per cent from last year.

article thumbnail

The Art and Business of Christmas Windows in Retail

Retail Focus

Ghalia BOUSTANI. Senior Retail Consultant at Univers Retail | Published author | Visiting lecturer. I. Introduction Significance of Store Windows in Retail Retail displays evolved from the simplicity of handwritten signs strategically positioned both inside and outside stores during the 1800s. The importance of using creative and communicative signage was quickly grasped by shopkeepers to capture the attention of potential customers.

article thumbnail

3 Things Connected TV Can Do that Linear Can’t

Retail TouchPoints

This year for the first time ever, the viewership share of linear television (i.e. traditional broadcast and cable) has fallen below 50% , according to Neilsen. But it’s not that people aren’t watching TV; it’s just that they are no longer watching it the way they used to: streaming is rapidly taking over and now represents nearly 39% of total TV usage.

article thumbnail

Starbucks Reaches Record-Breaking Streak of Losses

Retail Wire

Starbucks investors are feeling the heat as shares continue to cool.

353
353
article thumbnail

Less Stress, More Success: Accounting Best Practices & Processes for 2025

Speaker: Duke Heninger, Partner and Fractional CFO at Ampleo & Creator of CFO System

Are you ready to elevate your accounting processes for 2025? 🚀 Join us for an exclusive webinar led by Duke Heninger, a seasoned fractional CFO and CPA passionate about transforming back-office operations for finance teams. This session will cover critical best practices and process improvements tailored specifically for accounting professionals.

article thumbnail

Teen Social Media Use Is Skyrocketing, Pew Research Reveals

Retail Wire

Social media use by teens is at an all-time high.

ATS 321
article thumbnail

7 Stories that Shaped 2023 — and What They Foretell for 2024

Retail TouchPoints

The editors of Retail TouchPoints are sharing our picks for the seven most consequential stories of 2023. As usual, there were lots to choose from — that’s standard for such a dynamic industry — but these were the topics that had “legs” (and are likely to continue to be important in 2024). 1. Resale Continued its Rise but Came Under Financial Scrutiny Consumers’ enthusiasm for secondhand goods, as well as other forms of more sustainable consumption like rental and repair services, showed no sign

article thumbnail

4 Key App Marketing Objectives you Can Nail with Video Content

Retail TouchPoints

Thanks to its versatility and appeal, video content lies at the core of most inbound marketing campaigns nowadays. From boosting sales to increasing brand awareness and educating audiences about your app, video allows you to accomplish most marketing goals like no other type of media. The problem is, with so many options out there, how can you know which kind of video would be the best fit for your app?

Marketing 306
article thumbnail

Walmart Brings BNPL to Self-Checkout in 4,500 Stores Via Expanded Partnership with Affirm

Retail TouchPoints

Walmart will offer buy now, pay later (BNPL) options at self-checkout kiosks in more than 4,500 U.S. stores through an expanded partnership with Affirm. Walmart and Affirm first partnered in 2019 to bring BNPL options to shoppers on its website and app. Indeed, until recently most BNPL offerings were relegated to the digital realm, but stores are widely seen as the next big area of expansion for this increasingly popular financing option.

Checkout 305
article thumbnail

NEWS: SML RFID Delivers 98% Inventory Accuracy to Gina Tricot

I’m getting in touch with the news that fashion retailer, Gina Trictot, has achieved 98% inventory accuracy thanks to its partnership with SML RFID. Please see the full press release below, including exclusive quotes.

article thumbnail

Mastercard Data: Holiday Sales Climb 3.1% YoY

Retail TouchPoints

Preliminary data for the period from Nov. 1 to Dec. 24 showed a 3.1% year-over-year increase in both online and in-store retail sales, according to the Mastercard SpendingPulse , which measures sales across all forms of payment and is not adjusted for inflation. The data also excludes automotive sales. In September 2023 , Mastercard had forecast a 3.7% increase for this period.

Jewelry 299
article thumbnail

4 Ways QR Codes are Transforming the Retail Shopping Experience

Retail TouchPoints

The next era for retail is already underway, and it all starts with the simple but powerful scan of a code. Nearly 50 years ago, UPC barcodes changed the game for retailers everywhere, and now we’re on the cusp of another massive transformation. According to GS1 US, a member of the GS1 global not-for-profit organization that develops and maintains global standards for barcodes, by 2027, 2D (two-dimensional) barcodes will become the de facto solution for CPG brands and retailers around the

Shopping 299
article thumbnail

Seed Heritage’s reopened Canberra Centre store is now brand’s largest yet

Inside Retail

Seed Heritage has launched its largest store with the reopening of an expanded site at Canberra Centre. The 900sqm store showcases the clothing company’s full offerings across the woman, man, baby, child, teen, and home categories. The expanded store marks Brandbank Group’s aggressive growth strategy, with 500 stores across Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Singapore.

ATS 299
article thumbnail

Sears Opening New Stores Again Discreetly

Retail Wire

Despite common belief among most consumers that the American retailer Sears has disappeared, the truth unveils Sears opening new stores.

Consumer 299
article thumbnail

eCommerce in 2025: How Customer Experience Drives Online Retail Success

Speaker: Jennifer Wright and Nick Barron

2025 is right around the corner, and with it comes a new wave of consumer expectations, competitive pressures, and operational challenges. Success lies in finding the balance between operational flexibility and creating experiences that keep customers coming back. The future of retail belongs to those who can stay ahead of shifting customer preferences and marketing trends. 🔮 In this session, we’ll dive deep into what it takes to keep customers engaged and your operations nimble, no matt

article thumbnail

Walmart CEO Shares Ambiguous Retail Sales Outlook for 2024

Retail Wire

Amid the holiday shopping surge, Doug McMillon, the CEO of Walmart, is voicing doubts about the sales outlook for the subsequent months.

Shopping 299
article thumbnail

How AI is Being Utilized in the Last-Mile Logistics Space

Retail TouchPoints

Last-mile logistics is a complex and complicated facet of the business world that requires orchestrating many moving parts, meeting tight deadlines and addressing the needs of multiple stakeholders. In addition, several external factors — from weather to traffic to a lack of available parking — can disrupt the process. To enhance efficiency and increase productivity, many last-mile logistics companies have been quick to take advantage of the benefits of artificial intelligence.

article thumbnail

NRF: Returns Reach 14.5% of Sales in 2023, Fraud Contributed $101 Billion in Losses

Retail TouchPoints

Returns totaled $743 billion in 2023, amounting to 14.5% of all retail sales, according to a report from the National Retail Federation and Appriss Retail. This means that for every $1 billion in sales, the average retailer incurred $145 million in merchandise returns. As is typically the case, online sales saw a higher return rate in 2023 at 17.6% compared to 10.02% for pure brick-and-mortar returns (excluding online orders that were returned in-store).

Returns 290
article thumbnail

Hyperloop One Ends Dreams of High-Speed Travel

Retail Wire

Known for its revolutionary idea of zipping humans through a vacuum at breakneck speeds, Hyperloop One has regrettably announced its closure.

ATS 290
article thumbnail

How to Maximize Amazon Sales and Crush the Competition

With over 9 million sellers on Amazon, online marketplaces are more crowded than ever. Whether you’re looking to fine-tune prices in real-time or align strategies across channels, this guide provides the tools to understand how to maximize sales and secure a lasting competitive edge. Download now to transform your pricing strategy and drive holiday success.

article thumbnail

Struggling Farfetch sold to South Korean retail firm Coupang

Inside Retail

New York-listed South Korean e-commerce giant Coupang has rescued Farfetch Holdings from the brink of bankruptcy through an acquisition that grants the luxury platform access to US$500 million of capital to stay afloat. “Farfetch will rededicate itself to providing the most elevated experience for the world’s most exclusive brands while pursuing steady and thoughtful growth as a private company,” said Bom Kim, founder and CEO of Coupang.

article thumbnail

Thrift Store Shopper Sells $3.99 Vase for Over $100K

Retail Wire

In a small Goodwill store in Hanover County, Virginia, thrift store shopper Jessica Vincent spotted an unusual green and burgundy striped vase with a price tag of only $3.99. This thrift store find would eventually net her over $100,000.

article thumbnail

McDonald’s eyes $45 billion annual sales, thousands of new stores by 2027

Inside Retail

McDonald’s is planning to open over 8800 stores globally and boost its loyalty program by 100 million members to deliver $45 billion in annual systemwide sales by 2027, which will be its fastest growth period in its history. The fast food chain is targeting to expand to 50,000 restaurants by the end of FY27, with 1000 gross openings across the US and international markets during that year.

Planning 290
article thumbnail

Are you Customer-Obsessed? Here’s Why you Should Be

Retail TouchPoints

When you think of magical customer experiences, one particular brand probably comes to mind: Disney. Exceeding customer expectations rather than merely satisfying them is at the heart of the Disney approach — so much so that Disney created a dedicated handbook, Be Our Guest , to help guide other brands on their quest to perfect the art of customer service.

article thumbnail

Is Your Business AI-Ready? Find Out with Orium’s Maturity Model

Generative AI is poised to redefine B2B, but scaling AI success in this space isn’t without obstacles. From fragmented data sources and complex buyer journeys to operational inefficiencies, the road to AI-powered growth can be challenging. To achieve a competitive edge, understanding your organization’s AI-readiness is essential. Orium's Data & AI Maturity Model provides a quick, actionable way to assess your starting point.