Nearly a third of small retailers still can't pay their rent
Retail Dive
APRIL 21, 2021
More than half of minority-owned small businesses couldn't cover April rent, but these are improvements from March's highs, referral network Alignable found.
April, 2021
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How the Rise of the Conscious Consumer is Fueling Resale’s Rapid Growth
Retail TouchPoints
APRIL 8, 2021
Not too long ago, the sale of secondhand goods was driven primarily by value: shoppers looking to avoid breaking the bank on big-ticket items or clothes the kids will just grow out of. Recently, however, something new has begun to drive massive growth in the used goods sector — consumers who are shopping based on their values , in addition to searching for value.
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Harrods open second beauty emporium H beauty in Milton Keynes
Retail Focus
APRIL 29, 2021
Following the launch of its inaugural store in Lakeside, Essex in September 2020, Harrods has announced the opening of its next stand-alone H beauty destination in centre:mk, Milton Keynes. The 29,000 sq.ft. space brings together a diverse portfolio of premium brands, must-have products and exceptional beauty services and experiences. The latest H beauty is an experiential wonderland where beauty addicts and novices alike can find their forever-favourites as well as some of the industry’s most f
McDonald’s heading to Federal Court over denied rest breaks
Inside Retail
APRIL 20, 2021
The Shops, Distributive and Allied Employees Association has lodged a case against a second McDonald’s franchisee in the Federal Court, claiming the owner-operator of a number of sites across South Australia denied workers paid rest breaks. Delbridge Investments, owned by Graham Delbridge, owns and operates the Murray Bridge, Rundle Mall East, and Trinity Gardens McDonald’s sites, and formerly owned the franchise at Cross Roads.
5 Tips for a Winning Category Management Strategy in 2025
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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.
Expert round-up: The state of in-store marketing in 2021
Tokinomo
APRIL 13, 2021
Retail is changing as we speak. COVID-19, the iceberg that hit the whole retail industry is slowly (too slowly) melting away, but its effects will continue to impact this industry for many years. Innovations, retail tech, providing only the best for customers, offering shoppers amazing experiences, and availability on all channels are all impacting the way retailers sell to customers.
Amazon opens its first hair salon
Retail Wire
APRIL 21, 2021
Amazon.com has opened its first hair salon in London. The business, which is currently only open to employees, offers hair cutting services and uses augmented reality technology to offer hair consultations to customers. The salon also features “point and learn” technology that allows customers to point to products sold on shelves to get information on those items.
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How (and Why) Amazon is Sharing its Tech with Retailers Around the World
Retail TouchPoints
APRIL 27, 2021
Amazon is well known for being one of the largest retailers in the world. What’s less well-known is that thousands of other retailers are using Amazon technology to power their businesses. That’s right, this quintessential ecommerce disruptor, often blamed for the troubles of brick-and-mortar retail, is taking some of the very innovations that have set it apart and offering them up for other retailers to use.
Selfridges is ready to reopen as it unveils its new windows four days early
Retail Focus
APRIL 8, 2021
The Oxford Street store windows reveal precedes Selfridges reopening on Monday 12 April, when customers will be able to enjoy new and unique experiences dreamed up while its doors have been closed. These include a partnership with SoulCycle to open its first Outside Studio in the UK on Edwards Mews, behind the Oxford Street store, offering fitness enthusiasts the chance to get outside, socialise and ride in a safe environment.
Australia Post names Woolworths exec as new CEO
Inside Retail
APRIL 11, 2021
Australia Post has appointed Paul Graham as its new CEO and managing director five months after former CEO Christina Holgate resigned amid what’s now known as ‘the Cartier controversy’ Graham, who will start in the role in September, joins Australia Post after a tenure at Woolworths Group as chief supply chain officer and an extensive career working in e-commerce.
Kinder's In-store Marketing Campaign goes viral on Social Media
Tokinomo
APRIL 20, 2021
Brick and mortar stores are considered old-fashioned and many customers are turning to online platforms to make their grocery shopping. However, there are still powerful and innovative brands that know how to attract customers in stores and engage with them. Ferrero is one of those brands!
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.
Walmart remains opposed to $15 minimum wage
Retail Wire
APRIL 27, 2021
Walmart has seen the public’s perceptions of the company improve as it has increased pay and educational and medical benefits for its workers, but the world’s largest retailer’s opposition to raising the federal minimum wage to $15 has some questioning if its labor-friendly initiatives are just window dressing. The retailer, which has consistently claimed that its average wage for hourly associates is above the $15 number, says that its approach needs to be viewed through a dif
Retail TouchPoints and design:retail Reveal the 40 Under 40 Class of 2021
Retail TouchPoints
APRIL 23, 2021
Retail TouchPoints and design:retail have selected the next class of the 40 Under 40 — the top 40 professionals in the retail industry under the age of 40 who are paving the way for the next era of retail. This year, the publications expanded nominations to include all roles and job functions in the retail ecosystem — from ecommerce and marketing to innovation and store design.
Amazon to open hair salon in UK to trial latest technology
Retail Focus
APRIL 21, 2021
Amazon is cutting into the hair styling sector with the opening of its own salon in the UK. The bricks-and-mortar “experiential” venue is launching in London’s Spitalfields, on Brushfield Street, as a showcase for new products and the latest industry technology. Augmented reality hair consultations and point-and-learn technology will be among the innovations being tested (Amazon/PA).
Amazon Fulfillment Center Workers in Alabama Reject Unionization
Retail TouchPoints
APRIL 9, 2021
In a surprisingly lopsided outcome, workers at BHM1, the Amazon fulfillment center in Bessemer, Ala., rejected the opportunity to join the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store ( RWDSU ) union. Amazon had vigorously opposed the prospect of unionization, and its victory deals a major setback to organizing efforts at the company, which employs 1.3 million people worldwide with more than 950,000 workers in the U.S. alone.
State of AI in Sales & Marketing 2025
Advertiser: ZoomInfo
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.
‘Designed to Explore the Future of Retail’: DICK’S Sporting Goods Debuts House of Sport Concept
Retail TouchPoints
APRIL 12, 2021
A 17,000-square-foot outdoor turf field and running track, a rock-climbing wall, batting cages and golf hitting bays — these are just a handful of the features adding excitement to the new experiential retail concept — House of Sport from DICK’S Sporting Goods. The first-ever DICK’S House of Sport opened its doors on April 9 in the Rochester suburb of Victor, N.Y.
Pinterest and Shopify Deepen Relationship, Bringing Marketing Tools to 27 New Countries
Retail TouchPoints
APRIL 21, 2021
Pinterest is expanding its partnership with Shopify to 27 new countries, including Australia, Austria, Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and the UK. The Shopify Pinterest Channel is now home to more than 1.7 million merchants. The Channel grants retailers that advertise on Pinterest through Shopify access to Dynamic Retargeting, which enables them to re-engage with Pinners who have already expressed interest in their products on Pinterest.
Betabrand, Kelley Cawley and Facebook Show What Makes Live Shopping Retail’s Next Big Opportunity
Retail TouchPoints
APRIL 6, 2021
Social commerce is poised to be the focus of the next retail revolution: two-thirds of consumers say that social media has become as important as their other sources of information when making purchase decisions, according to data from Facebook. The social giant has embraced the selling potential of its user community, and both online and brick-and-mortar-focused retailers are using it to connect with shoppers in new ways.
Lululemon to Open up to 50 Stores in 2021, Expand MIRROR In-Store Shops
Retail TouchPoints
APRIL 5, 2021
Athleticwear brand lululemon shared plans to expand its physical store presence, opening 40 to 50 new mainline locations globally in 2021, according to comments made during its Q4 earnings call with analysts. “In 2021, we’ll be implementing a number of exciting initiatives, starting with the initiative to kickstart our stores,” said Calvin McDonald, CEO of lululemon on the call.
SEO vs. PPC: Which Strategy Is Best for Your Business?
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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.
Dollar General Chooses New Solution to Enhance Training During Hiring Surge
Retail TouchPoints
APRIL 22, 2021
Dollar General is planning to hire 20,000 new employees in spring 2021 as it begins the process of opening 1,050 new stores , remodeling 1,750 existing locations and relocating 100 stores by the end of the year. To help onboard and guide both new and current employees, the retailer has entered an employee training partnership with Axonify. Dollar General will utilize the Axonify training platform and content marketplace to enable continuous, personalized business learning and development to its
Why Low-Code is Gaining Popularity with Retailers
Retail TouchPoints
APRIL 12, 2021
The low-code application development wave is absorbing more retailers — and rightfully so. Retailers face an ever-escalating need for customized and differentiated applications that can push innovation and keep customers engaged. Actually developing them, as retailers are well aware, usually requires significant time and a technical team that’s hard (read: expensive and slow) to come by.
The Future of Retail: BOPIS 2.0 and RFID Technology
Retail TouchPoints
APRIL 9, 2021
Like many others, retail is currently in its most testing period, yet buy online, pick up in-store (BOPIS) is currently revolutionizing the modern-day retail experience. BOPIS is a hybrid shopping experience allowing customers to buy items online and then pick them up in a physical store. BOPIS helps retailers provide a more accurate stock inventory and better visibility of the stock, keeping supply chains running smoothly.
Herman Miller Group Opens Multipurpose Space in Chicago’s Fulton Market
Retail TouchPoints
APRIL 1, 2021
Design and furnishings company Herman Miller has opened a standalone location in Chicago’s Fulton Market that brings together its growing family of eight brands under one roof in a new retail, showroom and exhibition space. The 45,000-square-foot location occupies a landmark 1920s brick building with an adjoining five-story newbuild, complete with a rooftop and outdoor pavilion.
AI for Commerce: Foundations, Aspirations, and Hype
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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.
Bluestar Revives Justice as Online-Only Retailer, Plans to Expand Tween Brand into Tech, Home
Retail TouchPoints
APRIL 26, 2021
Justice has returned as an online-only retailer with the launch of its new ecommerce site, ShopJustice.com. The tween retailer shuttered its remaining brick-and-mortar locations in late 2020 — which had numbered 2,800 at the brand’s peak — following the bankruptcy of parent company Ascena Retail Group. Justice was acquired by brand management firm Bluestar Alliance for $90 million in November 2020; Bluestar also owns Bebe , Brookstone and fellow tween retailer Limited Too , among others.
Booktopia earnings double in third quarter
Inside Retail
APRIL 29, 2021
The continued rise in online shopping has delivered online bookseller Booktopia another strong period, with third quarter underlying EBITDA up 267 per cent to $4.2 million and revenue hitting $65 million – a 53 per cent growth on the same period last year. And, due to improvements made in Booktopia’s distribution centre in Lidcome , Sydney, the business was able to ship 45 per cent more product during the quarter, from 1.44 million to 2.09 million items.
Payment Providers Partner to Offer Buy Now, Pay Later Service
Retail TouchPoints
APRIL 9, 2021
Afterpay and Adyen are working together to offer Afterpay’s buy now, pay later (BNPL) services to retailers. Merchants on Adyen can offer Afterpay in the UK, the U.S., Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The solution provider duo’s first partner will be British footwear brand Hunter , which will now let its customers pay for purchases in up to four installments.
Luxury Subscription Service Vivrelle Bags $26M in Series A Funding
Retail TouchPoints
APRIL 26, 2021
Membership club Vivrelle , which provides access to a shared closet of designer handbags, jewelry and diamonds, has secured $26 million in Series A funding. The subscription service, founded by husband and wife team Blake and Wayne Geffen in 2018, allows members to keep items as long as they want, or swap them out monthly. Members also receive exclusive discounts on products they decide to buy.
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
Preparing for the future of online retail
Inside Retail
APRIL 22, 2021
The e-commerce industry is growing at a rapid rate, and it’s impacting brands and retailers in numerous ways. On the one hand, the accelerated state of e-commerce means there are countless opportunities for the prepared seller. At the same time, it can be incredibly challenging to keep up with trends that change almost daily. Now more than ever, it’s critical to understand the latest consumer expectations — and be ready to adapt.
Study Forecasts Accelerated Adoption of Digital Wallets and Buy Now, Pay Later
Retail TouchPoints
APRIL 21, 2021
The pandemic accelerated not just ecommerce but also digital payment methods: digital wallets reached 29.3% of U.S. ecommerce share in 2020, up from 23.7% in 2019. The wallets are expected to unseat credit cards as the preferred online payment method in the coming years, according to the FIS Global Payments Report 2021. Buy now, pay later (BNPL) also thrived over the past year, rising nearly 78% to account for 1.6% of ecommerce spend.
Macy’s Backstage, Lids, Carhartt Expand Shop-in-Shop Partnerships
Retail TouchPoints
APRIL 19, 2021
Macy’s Backstage , Lids and Carhartt all have announced expansions of shop-in-shop formats with parent and partner retailers. Macy’s plans to eventually add Backstage-branded spaces at 270 locations across the U.S.; Lids has partnered with DSW and The Shoe Company for in-store shops at locations in Canada; and Carhartt and Tractor Supply Company are expanding their successful shop-in-shop partnership.
Swarovski Opens Latest ‘Instant Wonder’ Store in NYC
Retail TouchPoints
APRIL 16, 2021
Swarovski will opened its latest “Instant Wonder” store in New York City’s Rockefeller Center on April 17, continuing its rollout of the new concept designed to reflect the brand’s evolved direction and visual identity. The New York location, which joins Insta-worthy locations in Paris and Milan, is part of 28 Instant Wonder stores scheduled to open in key markets across the globe.
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.
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