September, 2024

article thumbnail

4 Trends That Should Drive Retailers’ Holiday Strategies

Retail TouchPoints

Still-potent economic uncertainty is encouraging consumers to be savvier as they browse and buy. But while there may be more price comparing and deal hunting this holiday season, consumers will still expect stellar experiences as they browse and buy across channels. Retail TouchPoints interviewed 12 experts who shared their predictions for the 2024 holiday season.

article thumbnail

Mosaic to axe five brands in rescue plan: here’s the list

Inside Retail

Mosaic Brands will “wind down” five of its brands to focus on its other five businesses as it struggles to remain afloat due to operational issues. The brands to be wound down are Rockmans, Autograph, Crossroads, W Lane and BeMe, as part of what Mosaic Brands CEO Erica Berchtold calls a Focus on Core plan. This will allow the company to capitalise and invest in Millers, Noni B, Rivers, Katies, and its standalone online Mosaic marketplace. “Each of those core brands will have a

Planning 299
Insiders

Sign Up for our Newsletter

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

article thumbnail

Asda chair: Government should reform benefits system to fix UK’s worklessness crisis

Retail Gazette

Asda chair Lord Rose has urged the Government to reform the benefits system to get more people into work. According to the Office for National Statistics, 2.8m people of working age say long-term sickness means they are unable to work, up from 2.2m before the pandemic. Lord Rose, a former M&S boss and Ocado chair, told The Telegraph: “We must increase productivity.

Marketing 143
article thumbnail

Private equity firm sweeps up LL Flooring, which will stay in business after all

Retail Dive

The bankrupt home improvement company, previously Lumber Liquidators, has inked a deal to be acquired by F9 Investments, its largest shareholder.

138
138
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.

article thumbnail

Ports on the Brink: USMX Strike Threatens America’s Cargo Lifeline

Retail Wire

Dockworkers across ports from Maine to Texas are poised to strike early Tuesday, threatening what could be one of the most economically disruptive labor actions in decades.

290
290
article thumbnail

The Secret to Outperforming the Competition: It’s Not Just About Customers

Hyken

In a recent Amazing Business Radio episode, I interviewed Rony Vexelman, the VP of marketing at Optimove , who said, “Companies that put their customers at the center are the companies that are outperforming their competition.” Who would disagree with that statement? Well, Heather Quick Ginevan did, and she included a great explanation in just one sentence.

More Trending

article thumbnail

Harvey Norman faces class action over junk extended warranties

Inside Retail

Household goods retailer Harvey Norman is facing a class action for allegedly selling unnecessary and worthless extended warranties to customers. The extended warranty, called ‘Product Care’, is sold with products such as electronics and white goods, claiming to provide extra protection to consumers who experience faulty products. However, Echo Law’s class action alleges that the warranty offers no value to consumers, as the protection it provides is no more than the rights and

article thumbnail

Primark boss: Cost of shoplifting is ‘now bigger than our bill for rates’

Retail Gazette

Primark boss George Weston revealed the shoplifting epidemic is costing the fashion retailer more in losses than it pays in business rates. The chief executive of owner Associated British Foods told The Sun that theft in the retailer’s stores had become “socially acceptable”, adding that the perpetrators were “facing no consequences”. “The cost of shoplifting is now bigger than our bill for rates,” he said.

Fashion 137
article thumbnail

Shoppers want personalization online, in-store and on customer service calls

Retail Dive

Personalization doesn’t end on the website or app. Customers are looking for personalized assistance from in-store associates and customer service agents as well, an Incisiv and Talkdesk study found.

131
131
article thumbnail

Boeing Strike Continues; Updates and Predictions

Retail Wire

Just days ago, a Boeing strike brought the commercial airline's production to a halt when approximately 33,000 workers, predominantly in Washington state, walked off the job. The strike followed the rejection of a proposed four-year agreement between Boeing and the International Association of Machinists (IAM) union. This marked the first strike at Boeing since 2008.

ATS 278
article thumbnail

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

Speaker: Amanda Adams, Fractional CFO, CPA

Are you ready to elevate your accounting processes for 2025? 🚀 Join us for an exclusive webinar led by Amanda Adams, 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

Potential Profit Killer: Making Assumptions About Customers

Hyken

My friend Norman Beck sends me interesting articles and stories on a regular basis. Recently, he shared the story of a wealthy customer who entered a luxury store and asked to see a $25,000 chess set. The customer wasn’t dressed well, and the salesperson made the assumption that she couldn’t afford to buy it. The customer walked away, but before leaving the store, she visited the owner’s office, who also happened to be a close friend.

article thumbnail

Unlocking the Value of Fit Tech: Personalization and Recommendations

Retail TouchPoints

Nearly 15% of all retail sales were returned in 2023 — and 75% of consumers cited fit as the main reason why. As a result, brands and retailers of all sizes are implementing new tools, both in stores and online, to not only reduce returns but also to help customers find their ideal apparel and footwear sizes faster and easier. Fortune Business Insights found that fit technology (also known as virtual fitting room or virtual try-on tech) is exhibiting a compound annual growth rate of 20.3% and is

Returns 306
article thumbnail

Australia’s ‘fastest-growing QSR’: KFC opens its 800th restaurant

Inside Retail

KFC has opened its 800th restaurant in Australia – at southwest Sydney’s Oran Park. “We have been the fastest growing quick-service restaurant in Australia over the past six years, opening over 140 restaurants and enjoyed a record-breaking 2023, opening 34 new locations in Australia,” said Kristi Woolrych, GM of KFC South Pacific. “We are focused on creating an unmatched customer experience, and we look forward to continued growth and feeding more KFC fans nationwide.R

article thumbnail

John Lewis brings back ‘Never Knowingly Undersold’ price promise

Retail Gazette

John Lewis is bringing back its ‘Never Knowingly Undersold’ price promise two years after it was scrapped, as it reaffirms its commitment to quality products, brilliant service and competitive prices. Starting from Monday (9 September), the department store will price match its products in store and online to those across 25 major retailers, including M&S, Next, Boots and AO.com.

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

No, not all companies are abandoning diversity, equity and inclusion. Here’s why.

Retail Dive

Amid a high-profile backlash, many businesses are scrutinizing their policies. But the vast majority end up sticking with DEI, in part because it’s key to growth.

132
132
article thumbnail

Apple News Roundup: iPhone 16 Event and New Games

Retail Wire

Apple will be hosting their newest event tomorrow on their Apple website at 10 a.m. PT. Although the main location will be on the company campus at the Steve Jobs Theater, the website is streaming the presentation.

Location 278
article thumbnail

The Rise of Smart Stores: How IoT is Revolutionizing the Retail Experience

365 Retail

Driven by fast technology adoption, the retail sector is changing fundamentally. Among the most important developments changing the retail scene is the Internet of Things (IoT). With its network of linked devices, IoT is not only improving retail operations but also altering the customer experience in ways unthinkable a few years ago. From tailored shopping experiences to simplified inventory control , IoT is leading in producing what we now call “smart stores.” This paper investigat

article thumbnail

Poshmark Streamlines Coachtopia Product Resale with Digital ID Integration

Retail TouchPoints

Coachtopia , the Coach sub-brand dedicated to circularity in fashion, has partnered with resale marketplace Poshmark and digital ID technology Eon to simplify the resale process of its upcycled products. Coachtopia items are already equipped with an embedded NFC-powered digital passport from Eon, and this new partnership will allow consumers to resell those items on Poshmark with the click of a button.

Fashion 300
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

Savers opens boutique thrift store in Sydney

Inside Retail

Thrift retailer Savers has opened a boutique thrift store on Oxford Street, Darlinghust in Sydney – the first of its kind in Australia. The thrift store opening comes three months after Savers expanded into the suburb of Hoxton Park Prestons. “We’re excited to introduce Sydney shoppers to our first-ever Australian boutique store, a unique concept that takes our Thrift Proud movement to the next level,” said Michael Fisher, Savers Australia MD. “The new store will not only

article thumbnail

BREAKING: Frasers Group makes bid for Mulberry as it blasts luxury retailer

Retail Gazette

Frasers Group has made a bid for embattled Mulberry as it blasted the luxury retailer for not informing it about its plan to raise more funds. The Mike Ashley-controlled group, which owns 37% of Mulberry’s shares, said it is “ exceptionally concerned” as the luxury retailer’s auditors flagged there was “material uncertainty related to going concern” on Friday.

article thumbnail

More than half of US Gen Zers are headed to TikTok Shop this season

Retail Dive

Retailers are investing in digital marketing to reach the younger generation as the group turns to generative AI and influencer recommendations for gift ideas.

Shopping 129
article thumbnail

Panasonic Energy Launches Mass Production of Advanced 4680 Automotive Batteries

Retail Wire

Panasonic Energy, a division of the Panasonic Group, has officially announced the commencement of mass production for its new 4680 cylindrical lithium-ion batteries, marking a significant advancement in automotive battery technology.

274
274
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

LK Bennett Opens New Flagship Store in Knightsbridge

365 Retail

LK Bennett has opened a new flagship store in the heart of West London’s luxury retail district. Located on the prestigious Brompton Road , this opening marks a significant chapter for the brand as it continues to re-establish its position in the competitive landscape of high-end British fashion. The Knightsbridge store is expected to become a flagship location for the brand, alongside its New Bond Street outlet.

article thumbnail

American Eagle’s Suit Against Amazon Puts ‘Dupe Culture’ in the Spotlight

Retail TouchPoints

American Eagle has filed a lawsuit against Amazon , claiming the ecommerce giant has used and manipulated trademark branding for its Aerie and Offline by Aerie lines to deceive online shoppers. The retailer is seeking a tripling of its actual damages, punitive damages and demanding that Amazon cease further infringements, according to CNBC. In the lawsuit, which was filed in a Manhattan federal court earlier this week, AEO claimed Amazon participated in “flagrant, unauthorized use” of the Aerie

article thumbnail

Sydney’s vegan burger chain Flave closes

Inside Retail

Plant-based burger chain Flave, launched by ex-Zambrero CEO Stuart Cook, has closed down. Stuart and Samantha Cook launched the vegan fast-food brand amid rapid growth in the plant-based food market and had plans to franchise the chain. However, the two Bondi stores were temporarily closed mid-2023. A shift in consumer habits has been blamed for the brand’s difficulties.

Marketing 299
article thumbnail

Dobbies to close 17 stores as it unveils restructuring plan

Retail Gazette

Dobbies has launched a restructuring plan, which will see it close 17 unprofitable stores, as it aims to “address historically uneconomical rent costs and ensure a return to sustainable profitability” The garden centre will close 11 mainline sites and six Little Dobbies stores, all of which are unprofitable, with 465 of its 3,600 employees impacted.

Planning 122
article thumbnail

Innovation Fest: Summer of AI

Join Bloomreach at Innovation Fest: Summer 2024, a virtual event, to explore the future of personalized marketing and merchandising! Along with the company’s top product experts, CEO Raj De Datta will provide an exclusive look at the company’s latest AI innovations reshaping the omnichannel experience. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to connect with fellow industry leaders and explore the latest trends in retail technology.

article thumbnail

Nike taps new CEO amid DTC challenges

Retail Dive

Elliott Hill, who served as president of consumer and marketplace before retiring in 2020, will rejoin the sportswear giant in the top spot, while John Donahoe retires.

Consumer 128
article thumbnail

Carl’s Jr. Introduces ‘Ghost Burger’ for Those Who Have Been Ghosted

Retail Wire

Carl's Jr. is honoring all who have been ghosted or who have ghosted someone by introducing a "Ghost Burger" for a limited time at all locations.

Location 278
article thumbnail

Schemata Architects transforms 145-year-old townhouse into Le Labo flagship

Dezeen

Tokyo studio Schemata Architects has combined Japanese and Western designs inside a traditional wooden townhouse in Kyoto to create a store for perfumery brand Le Labo. The building, otherwise known as a machiya, is located in the Kiyamachi area and has been revamped to incorporate Le Labo 's typical finishes while respecting its 145-year-old architecture.

Location 110
article thumbnail

Next-Gen Retail: Crafting the Ultimate Omnichannel Journey

Retail TouchPoints

In today’s world, a stellar customer experience (CX) isn’t just a nice perk with which to provide customers — it’s table stakes. Consumer expectations are at an all-time high, and retailers need to ‘wow’ customers at every single touch point or risk losing them. Case in point: one study found that a staggering 76% of consumers will stop doing business with a company after just one poor experience.

article thumbnail

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

Generative AI is reshaping retail, but achieving true AI success isn’t simple. Many brands face hurdles—underdeveloped data strategies, limited AI-ready infrastructure, or lack of seamless integration across systems. As you explore how AI can boost efficiency and transform customer experiences, understanding your business’s readiness is key. Orium's Data & AI Maturity Model offers a clear starting point.