Retail Dive

DECEMBER 26, 2023

An influx of in-store technologies has CIOs leaning toward cloud for integration solutions, according to research by Bain and Aptos.

123

123

Retail Wire

DECEMBER 26, 2023

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

Returns Consumer 297

Hyken

DECEMBER 26, 2023

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!

Customer Experience 135

Customer Experience Accounting ATS 135

Retail TouchPoints

DECEMBER 26, 2023

In today’s ever-evolving ecommerce landscape, the battle for consumer attention and loyalty rages on. Among the many factors that influence shoppers’ decisions, one stands out as a game-changer: high-quality product imagery. This insight takes center stage in our Baby Boomers & e-commerce: Understanding Generational Sentiment study, a survey of more than 1,000 consumers.

Returns 275

Returns Customer Experience Consumer Advertising 275

Advertisement

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.

Customer Experience

RIS News

DECEMBER 26, 2023

RIS takes a look back at the year, outlining which companies faced shut-downs or massive transformations, where workforce innovation is happening, and the state of labor industry-wide.

ATS 92

ATS 92

Retail Customer Experience

DECEMBER 27, 2023

As technology evolves, there will be more tools and opportunities for technology to do the work so retailers can focus on expanding product and service offerings and growing the businesses.

91

91

Retail Dive

DECEMBER 27, 2023

The last thing retailers should do is make gift recipients feel guilty for making a return, according to experts.

Returns 114

Returns 114

Retail Gazette

DECEMBER 28, 2023

Retailers are set to pay for shoppers’ e-waste recycling from 2026 under new UK plans from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). UK producers and retailers are planned to cover the bill for household and in-store collections of electrical waste, the government department revealed in a consultation published today. The measures include the requirement for larger retail companies to create free “collection drop points for electrical items in-store” without needing t

Consumer 69

Consumer Planning 69

Retail TouchPoints

DECEMBER 25, 2023

People have been saying “Retail is dead” for several years now. The problem is it simply isn’t true. Multinational athletic apparel retailer Lululemon recently announced its net revenue increased 20% (on a constant dollar basis) to $2.2 billion for the second quarter of 2023 compared to the same period the prior year. Comparable store sales increased 9%, and the company’s gross margin increased to 58.8%.

Customer Experience 282

Customer Experience Dead-Stock Store Layout Point of Sale 282

Retail Wire

DECEMBER 28, 2023

The beer industry is undergoing what appears to be a significant transformation. Current trends suggest that the industry's U.S. shipments will fall to their lowest level in a quarter-century by the end of the year.

264

264

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.

Accounting

Dezeen

DECEMBER 27, 2023

A curvilinear thatched hut has been paired with terracotta-hued tiles at the Amsterdam store for homeware brand Polspotten, which was designed by local studio Space Projects. The studio created the store to straddle a shop and an office for Polspotten , a furniture and home accessories brand headquartered in the Dutch capital. Visitors enter the Polspotten store via an oversized triangular entranceway Characterised by bold angles and arches , the outlet features distinctive terracotta-coloured w

Boutique 112

Boutique Accessories Shopping Location 112

Retail Gazette

DECEMBER 27, 2023

WHSmith has sparked confusion with its new logo as part of a mini-rebrand that is being trialled across the country. The high street retailer has renamed several of its branches to ‘WHS’, dropping the surname of founder Henry Walton Smith from its branding. The new logo – the three-letter symbol written out in white font on a blue background – has been introduced to ten of its stores across the UK including in York and Preston.

Advertising 126

Advertising 126

Retail TouchPoints

DECEMBER 26, 2023

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

Jewelry Payment Services Promotions Apparel 299

Retail Wire

DECEMBER 25, 2023

In the wake of a string of nationwide recalls, the reputable pet food manufacturer, Blue Ridge Beef is the latest to join the list. The company, on December 21, announced a voluntary recall of three of its pet food varieties following contamination concerns, as confirmed by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA).

264

264

Advertiser: Experience Retail Today

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.

Fashion

RIS News

DECEMBER 26, 2023

In logistics, staying ahead means embracing technology. Even if that means making financial investments, these usually pay off, resulting in streamlined operations, lower overhead, and improved staff satisfaction.

Consumer 112

Consumer 112

Retail Gazette

DECEMBER 28, 2023

Jigsaw’s parent company Mountain Berg’s profits jumped £700,000 to £1.9m as sales surged 19% to £56.8m in its year to the end of January. The performance mark a stark turnaround for the brand, which had been struggling even before the pandemic amid a tough mid-market fashion sector. However, the fashion chain has thrived post-pandemic in part due to its stronger online offer, where it now sells through Next, according to This Is Money.

Fashion 119

Fashion Marketing 119

Retail TouchPoints

DECEMBER 27, 2023

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

Returns Accounting Shopping ATS 290

Retail Wire

DECEMBER 27, 2023

As the calendar turns to a fresh new year, there's a financial silver lining for minimum-wage earners across 22 states. Approximately 9.9 million workers will see a significant surge in their paychecks.

237

237

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

Customer Experience

365 Retail

DECEMBER 27, 2023

Dutch digital artist, Jeroen van der Most, has been confirmed as a keynote speaker for day 2 of ISE 2024 (30 January – 2 February 2024). Known for his innovative approach to art, Jeroen has been at the forefront of integrating data, algorithms, and artificial intelligence into his creative endeavours since 2010. Jeroen has had art projects commissioned for organisations including Amnesty International, NVIDIA, NH hotels, Sogeti, and Nike – Footlocker.

ATS 109

ATS Location Management 109

Retail Gazette

DECEMBER 27, 2023

John Lewis Partnership is to update its turnaround strategy as chief executive Nish Kankiwala promises staff the employee-owned business will prioritise retail. The chief executive told staff he was operating with a “one retail mindset” for the Partnership’s Waitrose and John Lewis business, as well as its financial services and property division. “At the heart of what we want to do, we want to be a brilliant retailer that delights our customer . . .

Planning 119

Planning Returns Management Department Stores 119

Retail TouchPoints

DECEMBER 29, 2023

The humble sneaker has long been a staple item in closets everywhere for consumers of all ages. The consistent appeal of sneakers and sportswear has grown in recent times with customers, particularly from the Gen Z demographic , continuing to favor them as everyday items for leisure and now work. With the growing popularity of the ‘athleisure’ trend, brought on by a renewed focus on both comfort and style, sneakers and sportswear look set to dominate retail for years to come.

Apparel 284

Apparel Fulfillment Returns Customer Experience 284

Retail Wire

DECEMBER 28, 2023

The Portland International Airport has welcomed a comforting pair of therapy llamas to help ease the stress of holiday travelers.

264

264

Advertisement

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.

Customer Experience

Retail Dive

DECEMBER 26, 2023

The retailer has entered an assignment for the benefit of creditors, an alternative to bankruptcy, after seven months under private equity ownership.

Planning 119

Planning 119

Retail Gazette

DECEMBER 27, 2023

Poundland boss Austin Cooke has claimed there is “plenty of positivity” on the high street, as he reported strong trading at the former Wilko stores it has converted. The managing director said there had been an “amazing” response to the newly launched Poundland stores from shoppers, despite noting times were “tricky” The retailer bought 71 former Wilko stores in September following the collapse of the value chain.

Shopping 111

Shopping Planning Management ATS 111

Retail TouchPoints

DECEMBER 28, 2023

The Container Store has promoted two executives as it continues to focus on strengthening its “Custom Spaces” business. Lindy Rawlinson, formerly EVP of Ecommerce and Digital Marketing has been promoted to Chief Digital Officer; and Jennifer Pape formerly of VP of Stores has been elevated to SVP of Stores. Both Rawlinson and Pape will report directly to CEO and President Satish Malhotra.

Customer Experience 278

Customer Experience Promotions Store Operations Marketing 278

Retail Wire

DECEMBER 27, 2023

The Israeli government and U.S. tech titan Intel are partnering to construct a massive $25 billion chipmaking facility in southern Israel.

246

246

Advertisement

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.

Retail Times

DECEMBER 29, 2023

Retail Times publishes international & UK retail news covering products, data, tech, packaging, people, research, comment and more besides! As the New Year approaches, many of us are reflecting on our habits and setting resolutions for positive change. One impactful and easily adoptable resolution is embracing sustainable grocery shopping. The average person spends £28.23 on household food and (non-alcoholic) drink supplies per week, totalling £1,467.96 annually.

ATS 105

ATS Shopping 105

Retail Gazette

DECEMBER 28, 2023

Four Asda sites in the south of England could face industrial action in the new year, after staff at its Gosport store voted to strike recently. The GMB trade union revealed staff at the Gosport superstore in Hampshire would strike from 12 January to 28 January last week. A further three unnamed stores have since claimed they are seeking to do the same.

Supermarket 105

Supermarket ATS 105

Retail TouchPoints

DECEMBER 27, 2023

Consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies are obsessed with two things: maximizing revenue and minimizing operational expenses. The same could be true of all for-profit organizations, but the CPG industry is unique in its unrelenting pace of new product launches designed to woo or wow an audience that has grown accustomed to constant change. However, due in part to pandemic-related workforce disruptions and supply chain challenges, new CPG product introductions declined by 16% over the past four y

Operating Expenses 264

Operating Expenses Promotions Consumer Marketing 264

Retail Wire

DECEMBER 29, 2023

The college football bowl season of 2023 marked the continuation of unique post-game celebrations involving food items.

246

246

Speaker: Igli Laci, Strategic Finance Leader

In today’s competitive market, pricing is more than just a number — it’s the cornerstone of profitability. The right pricing strategy ensures that you capture the true value of your offering, paving the way for sustainable growth and long-term success. Join Igli Laci, Strategic Finance Leader, in this exclusive session where he will explore how a well-crafted pricing approach balances customer perception with business objectives, creating a powerful tool for securing both competitive advantage a

Finance