July, 2024

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Exclusive: Automated Voice Agents are Hurting Customer Retention

Retail TouchPoints

Everyone’s been there — you try your mightiest to get the machine on the other end of the phone to understand what you need, until you give in to frustration and just begin to scream “representative.” Generative AI was supposed to change all that — with this magical new technology, automated voice agents were going to be smarter, more responsive and, most importantly, more accurate.

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Carl’s Jr’s Australian licensee collapses into administration

Inside Retail

Carl’s Jr’s Aussie master franchisee CJ’s Group has placed its 24 restaurants in administration and appointed KPMG Australia’s David Hardy, George Georges and Emily Seeckts as voluntary administrators. After an initial assessment, the administrators will continue to trade four of the restaurants owned and operated by CJ’s Group. The voluntary administration does not include a further 25 restaurants which the CJ’s Group has sub-franchised.

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State Farm Issues Ultimatum to California

Retail Wire

California's largest insurer, State Farm, has issued a stark ultimatum to the California's Department of Insurance: approve significant rate hikes for home insurance or face the company's exit from the market.

Marketing 321
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Co-op launches brand campaign to ‘re-introduce core values’

Retail Gazette

Co-op has launched one of its biggest ever brand campaigns to encourage the UK to turn into a nation of co-operators. The ‘Owned by You. Right By You’ campaign highlights the social and financial benefits of a co-operative business model, and comes as a new survey by the retailer found that more than 50% of consumers don’t understand what it means when a business is a co-operative or a mutual.

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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.

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Brands embraced AR after Apple Vision Pro debuted in China. Here’s what to know

Inside Retail

Since Apple launched the Apple Vision Pro headset in Mainland China, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Japan at the end of June, retail brands have started exploring more ways to offer interactive retail experiences using augmented reality (AR) to capture tech-savvy customers. However, given the humble sales of Apple Vision Pro since it first became available in the US in February, the question is: is it the right time for retailers to invest further in this space?

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Unionized Virginia Costco Employees Vote to Strike

Retail TouchPoints

In a “near unanimous” vote, Costco employees in Norfolk, Va. represented by Teamsters Local 822 have authorized a strike following more than eight months of negotiations, according to the union. Nearly 250 Costco warehouse workers voted to join the union in January 2024. Additionally, Teamsters Local 174 also is in negotiations for more than 150 Costco drivers in Sumner, Wash., who voted to join the union in April 2024.

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Saks Parent HBC to Buy Neiman Marcus Group for $2.65 Billion, Including Investment from Amazon

Retail TouchPoints

Marking the culmination of nearly seven years of on-again, off-again negotiations, HBC , parent company of Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman , will acquire another storied luxury department store brand, Neiman Marcus , for $2.65 billion. Amazon will be an investor in the newly formed Saks Global , which also will include the Saks Off 5 th brand.

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7-Eleven trials next next-gen Pay & Go tech

Inside Retail

7-Eleven Australia has launched a 10-store trial of the next generation Pay & Go technology to test new ways to give customers a faster way to shop. The new tech uses computer vision to enable customers to pay for their purchases without scanning items. Customers simply tap their debit or credit card or use the app to pay. The system automatically adds up the items, processes payment, and sends the receipt to the customer.

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Fast Food Restaurants Continue Price Wars

Retail Wire

The urgency for discounts has grown as fast food sales have slowed and casual dining establishments have gained market share with their own value offers. Nonetheless, there are worries that continuous discounts might damage profits, similar to the issues experienced with Subway's former $5 footlong deal, which caused operational and financial difficulties.

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Resale Marketplace GoodBuy Gear’s Secret Weapon to Earn Parents’ Trust — AI

Retail TouchPoints

Resale may be a hot sector at the moment, but that doesn’t mean it’s an easy business to be in, especially when it comes to making money. Selling used goods is time-intensive and involves reverse logistics processes and single-SKU assortments that the typical retailer doesn’t have to deal with, all of which can be a drag on the bottom line. Because GoodBuy Gear is a resale marketplace for used baby and kids’ products, however, CEO and Co-founder Kristin Langenfeld counts herself lucky: “Everyone

Consumer 299
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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.

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In-N-Out Burger Proposed Expansion: What We Know

Retail Wire

In-N-Out Burger has announced plans to expand to several locations throughout the United States.

Location 298
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Kroger-Albertsons Merger Threatens Hundreds of Stores Nationwide

Retail Wire

The Kroger-Albertson merger has not yet been finalized, but the list of stores planned to be divested has been revealed.

Planning 299
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ACCC sues The Good Guys over dodgy promotions

Inside Retail

JB Hi-Fi’s subsidiary The Good Guys is facing legal action from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) for alleged deceptive misrepresentations around its ‘StoreCash’ promotions. The ACCC said that The Good Guys ran 116 promotions between July 2019 and August last year, offering consumers a store credit or StoreCash if they spent a certain amount on qualifying products in its online or physical stores.

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Sam’s Club Makes Controversial Membership Policy Changes

Retail Wire

Sam's Club has quietly implemented a policy that requires shoppers to pay extra for access during designated hours, a revelation that sparked discussions among concerned consumers across various social platforms.

Consumer 299
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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.

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Tractor Supply Weeds Out Support for DEI, Environmental and LGBTQ+ Causes

Retail TouchPoints

Citing feedback from its predominantly rural customer base, Tractor Supply will eliminate all DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) roles, withdraw its carbon emission goals and stop support for “nonbusiness” LGBTQ+ and voter registration causes. The 2,250 -store retailer will refocus its charitable efforts on veterans, emergency response, animal shelters and farmers’ markets. “ Going forward, we will ensure our activities and giving tie directly to our business ,” according to a company stateme

Planning 299
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Google’s Anti-Cookie Effort Crumbles; Privacy Efforts in Flux

Retail TouchPoints

After more than four years of efforts to deprecate third-party cookies on its Chrome browser, Google has essentially given up the fight. In a July 22 blog , the VP of Google’s Privacy Sandbox Anthony Chavez acknowledged the pushback Google has received from publishers, brands and regulators as it sought to remove the online trackers. “In light of this, we are proposing an updated approach that elevates user choice,” Chavez wrote.

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Mosaic Brands confirms loss looms for fiscal FY24

Inside Retail

Mosaic Brands has confirmed it will report trading and statutory losses for the last fiscal year, with a pretax deficit in the range of $15 million to $20 million expected. The fashion retailer forecasts an operating EBITDA loss of between $5 million and $10 million. The company said it continues to anticipate a recovery in the first half of the current fiscal year as it works on resolving operational issues.

Fashion 290
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Etsy to Beta Test Loyalty Program

Retail TouchPoints

In mid-September, Etsy will launch a closed beta test of Etsy Insider, the marketplace’s new buyer loyalty program. Select U.S. buyers will be able to take advantage of benefits including free U.S. domestic shipping on many items, first access to special discounts and merchandise and a limited-edition annual gift designed by an Etsy seller. The program will be funded by Etsy and through a planned membership fee, with no cost to Etsy sellers.

Shipping 289
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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.

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McDonald’s Recent Test Might Lead to the Return of a Fan-Favorite Menu Item

Retail Wire

McDonald's customers have been begging for the return of this item, and they just might get it.

Returns 290
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Dunkin’ National Drive-Thru Day Offerings Are Here

Retail Wire

Dunkin has announced its National Drive-Thru Day offerings, and they range from free doughnuts to free Padres tickets.

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Amazon Teams with Better Business Bureau to Sue Fake Review Site

Retail TouchPoints

Amazon and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) have jointly filed a lawsuit seeking to shut down ReviewServiceUSA.com, a site that allegedly attempted to sell fake positive reviews for Amazon product listing pages or BBB business profiles. The suit, filed in King County Superior Court, is the latest effort by Amazon to stem the tide of fake reviews. On its own, Amazon blocked more than 250 million suspected fake reviews on its ecommerce site in 2023.

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In-N-Out Owner Slams Viral Video of Non-Existent ‘Monkey Style’ Burger

Retail Wire

In-N-Out Burger has been the subject of a viral TikTok trend, and the owner of the popular fast-food restaurant has had enough of the monkeying around.

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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

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How FedEx Leverages its Data and Expertise to Help Merchants Win Post-Purchase

Retail TouchPoints

Not too long ago, if you wanted to get a package somewhere there were three primary choices — FedEx , UPS and USPS. But times have changed — both customers and merchants can now choose from a range of same-day delivery offerings in addition to traditional mail carriers. Not to mention that many retailers ( Amazon , Walmart , Target and American Eagle Outfitters , to name a few) have cut out the middle man and are handling the last mile themselves.

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Amazon Seeks to Boost Just Walk Out Accuracy with AI-Powered Model

Retail TouchPoints

Amazon ’s newly AI-powered Just Walk Out (JWO) system can now simultaneously process data from multiple sources, including overhead cameras, weight sensors on shelves and RFID, to more accurately connect products to the customers purchasing them. This new multi-modal foundation model uses the same machine learning models underlying generative AI applications, but applies them to the physical store environment.

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Olive Garden Owner Darden Restaurants To Buy Chuy’s for $605M

Retail Wire

The Tex-Mex chain restaurant will be added to Darden's large portfolio of brands.

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Delta, United, & American Airlines Flights Grounded Due to Worldwide Communication Outage

Retail Wire

Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and American Airlines flights nationwide were grounded this morning due to a communication outage.

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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.

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Behind Booktopia’s demise and what it says about the future of indie bookstores

Inside Retail

The collapse of Australian online book retailer Booktopia has not come as a shock but rather a reminder that retailers, especially in publishing need to maintain a competitive edge. The compounding reasons that led to the voluntary administration have been cited as a slowdown in book sales, reduced discretionary spending and overspending on a distribution centre.

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Digital trends, AI, TikTok: Here’s what Aussie retailers can learn from Europe

Inside Retail

Last month, I attended eTail London, an e-commerce and omnichannel conference for European retailers. Hundreds of retailers descended on London for two days of insights and innovation ideas. Panellists discussed digital innovations ranging from leveraging new technologies and tailoring digital marketing solutions to optimising supply chains. The content was highly relevant for the Australian retail industry as it grapples with similar challenges.

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Athletic Brewing $50M Equity Round: What We Know

Retail Wire

The Athletic Brewing Company is the largest non-alcoholic beer company in the United States.

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KFC unveils Christmas in July at world-first Colonel’s Lodge

Inside Retail

KFC is creating Christmas in July this year by opening its first Colonel’s Lodge. The fast food chain is offering three two-night stays in the festive-themed KFC lodge. With every purchase of $30 or more in the KFC app this month customers can enter the draw to win a trip for four people. The winners will enjoy an unlimited supply of KFC Christmas spreads and the services of a KFC lodge butler.

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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.