January, 2024

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Transforming Retail Spaces for Today’s Generation of Shoppers

Retail TouchPoints

The mall is experiencing a resurgence, defying predictions of its demise. This retail renaissance is not just a return to traditional shopping spaces but also signifies a shift in the shoppers’ culture, expectations and behaviors. Fueled by a desire for experiential interactions, expanded leisure and dining offers, personalized shopping journeys and the integration of digital elements, malls are becoming hubs of innovation and adaptation in addition to their social elements and place as our new

Returns 335
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7 big trends that will shape retail in 2024

Retail Gazette

Cash-strapped shoppers, unpredictable weather and an avalanche of loyalty schemes dominated headlines last year and the New Year is set to bring another year of instability for the retail sector. An influx of mixed Christmas trading updates show that retailers will need to work harder and smarter to win over shoppers in 2024. Retail Gazette takes a look at the key trends industry experts believe will shape retail in the year ahead.

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‘Credential stuffing’: retailers, thousands of customers hit by new cyber fraud

Inside Retail

Several major Australian retailers and their customers have been targeted by wide-scale coordinated cyberattacks that stole their online information and made fraudulent transactions. Cybersecurity company Kasada recently revealed that cybercriminals have compromised more than 15,000 customer accounts of Mexican fast food chain Guzman y Gomez, liquor retailer Dan Murphy’s, streaming service Binge, home shopping network TVSN and Event Cinemas since November.

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SHEIN Is Now Making Over $30 Billion in Sales Yearly

Retail Wire

SHEIN, a major player in the fast-fashion e-commerce world, is reportedly exceeding $30 billion in annual sales.

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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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“We Deliver Amazing Customer Service”: The Difference Between Perception and Reality

Hyken

This is an important topic that every CEO, business owner, leader, manager, and supervisor must understand. When it comes to customer service and customer experience (CX), there is a difference between perception and reality. First, how we think our customers perceive our customer service and CX is often not the reality. It’s just our perception. Reality isn’t what we think or believe.

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Tech, Talent, and Partner Innovation is the Secret Sauce for Retailers to Stay Competitive

Retail TouchPoints

Put mildly, it has been a challenging few years for retailers. A historic pandemic with a double-whammy of supply chain and staffing issues as well as persistently high levels of inflation have up-ended a lot of industry norms and pushed consumers to increasing their scrutiny on where and how much they spend. Interestingly, coming off a summer spending spree, when credit card balances spiked in the third quarter to a $1.08 trillion record , we also just saw record-breaking spend online on Black

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Walmart Reveals Tech-Powered Plans Including Drones, AI, and AR

Retail Wire

Walmart is stepping up to redefine commerce and shopping expectations with its latest tech arsenal.

Planning 278
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Retail sales slightly up in December as shoppers shifted spend to Black Friday

Inside Retail

Australian retail sales increased minimally last December as more consumers opted to purchase on Black Friday in the prior month, reflecting cost of living pressures. Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data showed that shoppers spent $35.1 billion in December, up 0.8 per cent year over year. “Today’s retail trade figures confirm that Australian consumers pulled forward much of their Christmas spending to November’s Black Friday sales,” said Anneke Thompson, chief econo

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5 Retail Trends to Watch for 2024

RIS News

The top five trends to watch in 2024 will explore technologies and opportunities that will continue to transform the retail industry. These are noteworthy items that have been hot topics among industry experts and could have a significant impact on 2024.

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3 Benefits to Using Precast Concrete Retaining Walls in Construction

Retail Focus

The construction industry is always looking for new ways to improve techniques and processes. By reducing the time it takes to finish jobs and the costs involved, firms can complete projects faster and with a greater degree of efficiency. The use of precast concrete for retaining walls is becoming increasingly popular. Let’s take a look at why this is.

Location 273
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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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Six Principles for Redefining Retail with Responsible AI

Retail TouchPoints

Generative AI (Gen AI) has brought about a seismic shift that’s reshaping customer interactions and business operations. As retailers ride the AI wave, it’s important to simultaneously address both the opportunities and responsibilities it brings. Gen AI, with its vast potential for enhancing efficiency and personalizing customer experiences, also comes with ethical considerations.

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Seamless Shopping Experience: Improve Customer Satisfaction

Tokinomo

In today's fast-paced world, customers expect shopping to be smooth and hassle-free, whether they're clicking through a website or strolling through store aisles. This article dives into what it means to provide a seamless shopping experience, a journey so fluid and convenient that it feels natural to the customer.

Shopping 264
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Rising Fast-Food Prices Spark Nationwide Concern

Retail Wire

The nation has witnessed a widespread uptick in fast-food prices, primarily attributed to the escalating operational costs, especially labor.

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Woolworths to drop Australia Day merchandise, citing cultural sensitivity

Inside Retail

Woolworths Group will not be selling any Australia Day-themed merchandise this year due to a decline in demand for such products and a shift in cultural sensitivity. Woolworths Group – which includes Big W – said it made the decision in response to “broader discussions” about January 26th and its meaning to the country’s diverse communities.

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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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JD.com Wins Antitrust Suit in China; Alibaba Fined $140 Million

Retail TouchPoints

JD.com has won a lawsuit against rival Alibaba Group in the High People’s Court of Beijing, which fined Alibaba 1 billion yuan ( $140 million) for engaging in monopolistic practices. JD.com had sued Alibaba and its ecommerce divisions, Zhejiang Tmall Network and Zhejiang Tmall Technology, for practicing “choosing one of two” behaviors — essentially saying to suppliers that if they sold to JD.com, they would not be allowed to sell on Alibaba.

Marketing 325
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6 Paid Social Trends to Be Aware of in 2024

Retail TouchPoints

As 2024 advances, the importance and reach of paid social media advertising will only continue to grow. For online retailers that want to stay relevant and competitive, it’s important to stay on top of the latest trends and strategies. Here are six social commerce trends you should be aware of to maximize your results and drive growth in the coming year, based on insights from Multichannel Marketing Report 2023 by DataFeedWatch, a comprehensive analysis of the global ecommerce landscape ba

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The Power of Play: Using Gamification to Elevate Retail Apps

Retail TouchPoints

Mobile apps have become a critical customer engagement channel for retailers as they try to create and capture more value for, and from, their customers. It’s no surprise that industry research and earnings reports consistently reveal customers with a brand’s app are three to four times more valuable than customers without the app. And the majority of retailers (74%) agree that investing in mobile apps is key to driving profitability.

Consumer 317
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Challenging the Way Retailers Think About Traffic Counting

Retail TouchPoints

I’m sure you’ve heard the expressions, “what goes around comes around,” and “what’s old is new again.” These are certainly applicable to what we’re seeing in the retail industry right now. No, I’m not talking about the revival of the 90’s poorest fashion choices. We’re seeing a resurgence of retailers placing focus back on their physical stores.

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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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Walmart is Sharing More and More of its Data with its Suppliers. Here’s Why.

Retail TouchPoints

If data is the new oil, then Walmart is sitting on a gusher. Three years ago, the company launched a concerted effort to refine and distribute that rich resource, not just for itself but also for its suppliers. The result — a suite of data insights tools called Walmart Luminate — is now being used regularly by Walmart merchants and suppliers under the banner of the company’s Data Ventures division.

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AI Isn’t Going Anywhere: How Retailers Plan to Deploy the Tech in 2024

Retail TouchPoints

Artificial intelligence dominated headlines and water cooler conversations in 2023, and 2024 is looking to be no different (if the conversations and showcases at CES and NRF’s Big Show are any indication). Within the larger global market, McKinsey estimates that the retail and CPG sectors have the most to gain from AI , with potential to harness the tech and drive huge improvements in operational efficiency as well as the customer and employee experience.

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Coachtopia ‘Road to Circularity’ Docuseries Spotlights Sustainability Challenges and Solutions

Retail TouchPoints

Coachtopia , the circular fashion sub-brand of Coach, has launched a new documentary web series designed to educate consumers about the impact of fashion’s growing waste problem and how the budding brand is tackling it head-on. The Road to Circularity , hosted by sustainable fashion advocate and Coachtopia community member Aditi Mayer, brings consumers behind the scenes of the brand.

Fashion 312
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Lowe’s Launches New Loyalty Program for DIYers

Retail TouchPoints

Lowe’s has launched a new loyalty program for “DIYers” that will sit alongside its existing MVP loyalty program for home improvement professionals. The new MyLowe’s Rewards program will offer do-it-yourself customers exclusive savings on items they need for their homes and allow them to earn rewards toward future purchases. “Lowe’s has been serving DIY customers for more than 100 years, and now we’re rewarding their longtime loyalty by offering even more value when then they shop wit

Shipping 312
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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.

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How Retailers can Combat Inventory Shrinkage with Drone-Powered Warehouse Monitoring

Retail TouchPoints

There’s been a lot of talk recently about retailers reporting lower-than-expected earnings due to inventory shrinkage. What does this mean exactly? According to the Corporate Finance Institute , “Inventory shrinkage occurs when the number of products in stock are fewer than those recorded on the inventory list. The discrepancy may occur due to clerical errors, goods being damaged or lost, or theft from the point of purchase from a supplier to the point of sale.

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Deloitte Shares Loyalty Trends and Best Practices for 2024

Retail TouchPoints

To drive customer retention and loyalty, most brands and retailers continue to rely on purchase discounts ( 77% ) and loyalty program points ( 61% ), according to Retail TouchPoints research. However, a Deloitte survey reveals that consumers’ loyalty program preferences and expectations are evolving. While financial benefits are still top of mind — largely thanks to inflation pressures and tightened household budgets — consumers are increasingly seeking services and experiences that truly reflec

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Why Personalization Can Survive the Loss of Third-Party Cookies

Retail TouchPoints

Personalization is at something of a crossroads. The New Year saw a key step in the coming deprecation of third-party cookies, which have been one of marketers’ most powerful tools for tracking online activity for many years. A small group ( 1% ) of Google Chrome users are now eligible for Tracking Protection , which restricts the use of these cookies by default.

Consumer 306
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Microsoft Leads the Charge to Help Retailers Harness Cloud Technology with New Industry Alliance

Retail TouchPoints

Microsoft has launched a new Retail Cloud Alliance (RCA) aimed at educating and empowering retailers to leverage cloud technology effectively. This collaborative program features Microsoft experts and resources alongside those from a number of partners, including Adobe , Amperity , Sunrise Technologies and Icertis. The alliance also includes an Advisory Council made up of retail subject matter experts hailing from Forrester Research , Texas A&M University , ThinkUncommon , Insider Trends and

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Staying Ahead of UFLPA Enforcement: Best Practices for Retail Supply Chains

Speaker: Ethan Woolley, Director at Kharon

This webinar will explore how companies can proactively address compliance risks–rather than reactively responding to–UFLPA enforcement actions. Ethan Woolley will provide insights into the latest CBP enforcement trends, entity list updates, and industries under increased scrutiny, with a look at potential shifts under the Trump administration. Ethan will also explore how predictive data and strategic due diligence can help organizations stay ahead of regulatory challenges and strengthen complia

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Tesla Prepares for Optimus Robot Production

Retail Wire

The world might be on the brink of a futuristic shift as Tesla plans to mass produce its Optimus humanoid robots. The renowned electric vehicle and artificial intelligence company, Tesla, is rapidly expanding its workforce in Palo Alto, a strong indication of its ambitious production plans.

Planning 299
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The Reality of AI in Retail: Executives Break Down Opportunities, Challenges at NRF

Retail TouchPoints

The rumor that every NRF speaker was contractually obligated to mention artificial intelligence (AI) at least once per presentation is definitely untrue, but you’d be forgiven for thinking that was the case because AI worked its way into almost every conversation and presentation at the 2024 NRF Big Show. The ubiquitousness of the topic alone says something, and the themes and commentary that arose throughout the show say even more.

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Oscar Mayer Will Hire Hotdoggers for $35,600 To Drive the Weinermobile

Retail Wire

Are you someone who enjoys adventure and wouldn't mind touring the country in one of America's most iconic vehicles? If yes, you might be one of the people Oscar Mayer is seeking.

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Virginia Costco Workers Vote to Join Teamsters Union

Retail TouchPoints

Costco workers in Norfolk, Va. have voted to join the Teamsters Local 822, with the union calling this its first organizing victory at the wholesale retailer in two decades. The 238 -worker group will join more than 18,000 Teamsters at Costco nationwide. Successful unionization efforts in the retail industry have been relatively rare, but they may pick up steam this year following a strong year for labor in 2023, with successful strikes by the United Auto Workers against the Big Three carmakers

Wholesale 299
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From Rigid To Resilient: Why Enterprises Need Modular Commerce Now

Speaker: Benjamin Woll, Tiffany Spizzo, and Jaime Santos Alcón

Enterprise commerce is at an inflection point. Rigid, monolithic platforms slow brands down, but a full replatforming is disruptive and costly. Modular architecture offers a flexible, scalable alternative - allowing enterprise brands to modernize without ripping and replacing their entire stack. Learn how a composable approach helps modernize commerce stacks while maintaining control over critical systems.