Sat.Jul 20, 2024 - Fri.Jul 26, 2024

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Creating community: how retail brands can capitalise on the ‘third place’ 

Inside Retail

If you’ve seen an episode of Friends , Seinfeld or How I Met Your Mother , you’ll notice most scenes occur in a space other than the main characters’ homes or workplaces. In cafés, bars and diners, friendships are made and bonds strengthened as the most impactful memories of the characters’ lives unfold in this so-called ‘third place’. It’s a concept sociologist Ray Oldenburg identified in 1989 and it speaks to a physical location where people can belong – outside of home, school or work.

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Solving the Challenges of All-AI Ecommerce Search with a Hybrid Approach

Retail TouchPoints

Once the purview of science fiction, artificial intelligence (AI) has now permeated our everyday lives — from the home devices that recommend songs for our playlists, to the apps we use to monitor commuter traffic, to the chatbots that pop up to ask if we need any help. Unbeknownst to many consumers, AI has become a powerful force steering online searches — serving up search results that, ideally, match exactly what we’re looking for.

Consumer 278
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Del Taco Introduces Value Menu and Becomes No.1 in US

Retail Wire

Del Taco has launched its new Del’s Real Deal Menu featuring 15 items, all priced at $2 and under. This value menu includes popular choices like tacos, burritos, nachos, and now includes freshly made chips & house-made guacamole.

ATS 278
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Momentum property management team supports White Lion Walk’s pop-up project

Retail Focus

Leading North West property services company, The Momentum Group , has supported real estate company, Redevco, with the instalment of three new pop-up tenants at White Lion Walk in Guildford, following the destination’s Incubator Project in partnership with Save The High Street. The tenant support was led by Momentum Manage, following its appointment earlier this year to deliver property management services at the centre.

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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.

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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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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.

More Trending

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Understanding pop-up stores; back to the basics

Retail Focus

Ghalia BOUSTANI. Expert Manager at Univers Retail | Published author | Visiting lecturer. Pop-up retail has emerged as a dynamic and innovative approach to marketing and brand engagement in recent years. This unique concept involves the creation of temporary, highly experiential marketing environments that serve a multitude of objectives for brands.

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Aldi confirms it has abandoned plans to launch online shopping

Inside Retail

Supermarket chain Aldi has dropped its plan to expand into online shopping believing it might affect its ability to continue providing low-cost products for customers. The company dismantled its online team late last year following serious consideration, according to Jordan Lack, Aldi MD of buying. “The greater concern is the impact on cost structure as fundamentally keeping our costs low has a direct impact on the prices we can offer our customers,” he told the Australian Financial Review.

Planning 278
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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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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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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.

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Asda superstore workers to walk out for second time

Retail Gazette

Asda employees at its Wisbech store are set to walk out for the second time in a dispute over working conditions. GMB Union confirmed that over 150 workers at the superstore in Cambridgeshire will walk out of the store from 3am to 10pm on 2 August. It said the employees were angry over cuts in hours, poor quality training, bullying management, fire safety breaches, as well as health and safety issues not being addressed.

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Ixiah suspends operations amid economic challenges

Inside Retail

Fashion label Ixiah has decided to temporarily close the business, citing economic challenges. “This decision was not made lightly, as we have explored every possible avenue to continue our operations and serve our clients,” said the company. “However, despite our best efforts, we have determined that taking a temporary pause is the most prudent course of action given the current economic climate.” The sustainability-committed company said it hand-picked over 20,000 onlin

Fashion 278
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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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Verizon’s Postpaid Subscribers Offer Bright Spot as Company Misses Q2 Revenue Estimates

Retail Wire

Verizon Communications missed quarterly revenue estimates on Monday as more cost-conscious customers decided to hold on to their phones longer, overshadowing monthly billing subscriber growth.

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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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Iceland boss accuses Aldi and Lidl of ‘preventing competition on retail parks’

Retail Gazette

Iceland managing director Richard Walker has claimed Aldi and Lidl are “preventing competition on retail parks” using “legal tricks” involving restrictive covenants in property deals. While restrictive covenants, which are clauses that stop rivals opening shops near their competitors, have been subject to a Competitions and Markets Authority (CMA) review of grocer land deals, the discounters are not required to meet the rules, according to The Grocer.

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Online Retailer day two: Implementing GenAI and ‘messy’ innovation

Inside Retail

Out-of-the-box thinking and camaraderie were the hot topics on day two of the Online Retailer conference in Sydney which had the attention of the industry’s leading suppliers and retailers. The keynotes on day two of the Online Retailer conference centred on innovation to optimise customer service, sustainability and business operations within the retail industry.

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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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Google Cancels Plans To Eliminate Third-Party Cookies

Retail Wire

Google has announced its decision to abandon plans to eliminate and replace third-party cookies in its Chrome browser, a move crucial for advertisers to track users across websites for targeted ads.

Planning 264
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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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Carpetright: Full list of shop closures revealed after Tapi rescue

Retail Gazette

The full list of Carpetright stores being closed has been revealed, after Tapi Carpets confirmed it had snapped up a host of its rival’s stores yesterday (22 July). Tapi has acquired its competitor’s intellectual property, two warehouses and 54 of its stores, which it said would save 308 jobs and “expand [the business] into a number of areas we don’t currently serve”.

Shopping 122
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Aesop’s comeback: Beauty brand to return to David Jones stores

Inside Retail

Aesop will return to David Jones next month as part of the department store chain’s strategy to boost its luxury beauty offerings. Aesop’s full product range of skincare, body care, fragrance and home essentials will be available on David Jones’s website starting August. The brand will later launch at Chadstone Shopping Centre and Bourke Street Mall as part of the stores’ $15 million beauty hall redevelopment.

Returns 278
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Nordstrom Adds 5 More Indochino Shop-in-Shops

Retail TouchPoints

Nordstrom is expanding its shop-in-shop partnership with custom apparel brand Indochino by adding five new locations, bringing the total number of Indochino shops in Nordstrom stores to 32. The partners opened their first shop-in-shops in 2021. Indochino specializes in made-to-measure suits, shirts, chinos and outerwear for men and women. Customers visiting Indochino shops at Nordstrom will receive a personalized shopping experience guided by the brand’s Style Guides, who help customers pi

Shopping 278
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Wiz Rejects Historic Bid From Google

Retail Wire

Following Google's bid to buy the tech company, Israeli cybersecurity firm Wiz rejected the monumental $23 billion acquisition offer from Google's parent company Alphabet.

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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.

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Data: Asda and Morrisons lose market share as Aldi falters

Retail Gazette

Asda and Morrisons’ market share has continued to fall, with discounter Aldi’s good run also faltering, as shoppers sought to splash out on groceries amid this season’s “summer of sport” According to latest NIQ Total Till data, Asda’s market share dropped from 13.1% last year to 12% in the 12 weeks to 13 July, while Morrisons slipped from 8.5% to 8.4%.

Marketing 121
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Bassike co-founder Mary Lou Ryan steps down

Inside Retail

Bassike co-founder Mary Lou Ryan has decided to leave the fashion company. “After 18 years, I have decided to step out of the business to pursue other creative and meaningful endeavours,” said Ryan on a LinkedIn post. “The simple idea to reinvent a ‘basic’ white tee-shirt became a wonderful business marked by creativity, purpose, and collaboration.” Earlier this year, Ryan told Inside Retail that it was her priority to scope out the priorities for the business

Fashion 278
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Level Up Your Retail Loyalty Strategy with Smart Gamification

Retail TouchPoints

As the retail landscape has become increasingly digital, gamification has evolved from a cool trend to a proven strategy. In fact, a 2023 report estimated the size of the gamification market as more than $10 billion, with the retail industry accounting for nearly a third of that market. It’s clear: Gamification is redefining how retailers engage with customers by making every interaction fun and rewarding.

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Disney Workers Prepare to Strike

Retail Wire

On July 19, 2024, Disneyland Park cast members voted overwhelmingly, with 99% in favor, to authorize a potential strike organized by the Disney Workers Rising bargaining committee. This vote was a response to alleged unfair labor practices by Disney, including intimidation and disciplinary actions against union members.

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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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Boohoo launches marketplace with over 150 brands

Retail Gazette

Boohoo has launched an online marketplace as it looks to become a “one-stop destination for all fashion, beauty and lifestyle needs”. Customers will be able to shop from 150 brands including Revolution Beauty , L’Oréal Paris, Ray-Ban, Marc Jacobs, and Michael Kors. The retailer said Boohoo Brands allows it to leverage its vast network to quickly onboard new brands and maintain robust relationships with existing partners.

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Country Road Group may layoff staff in planned restructure

Inside Retail

Country Road Group is set to restructure its fashion retail business, which is expected to result in massive staff layoffs, The Australian has reported. The company, currently facing sexual harassment and workplace bullying allegations , has been struggling to generate sales, according to the report. Inside Retail has reached out to Country Road Group for comment.

Planning 276
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‘You Sunk My Battleship!’: Toys ‘R’ Us Shops to Open at Navy Exchange Stores

Retail TouchPoints

WHP Global has licensed Toys ‘R’ Us shops for two Navy Exchange Service Command ( NEXCOM ) stores, with plans for additional locations in 2025. The shop-in-shops will launch this fall at NEX Oceana in Virginia Beach, Va., followed by the NEX in Jacksonville, Fla. “To better serve our deserving patrons, this launch and newest venture in the toy retail industry is incredibly exciting for our global NEX team,” said Richard Honiball, EVP, Global Chief Merchandising and Marketing Officer at NEXCOM in

Shopping 278
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Ford Shifts Gears and Expands Super Duty Truck Production to Canada

Retail Wire

Ford is expanding production of the F-Series Super Duty trucks by adding a third assembly plant in North America at the Oakville Assembly Complex in Ontario, Canada. The expansion is part of Ford's broader Ford+ plan for profitable growth, enhancing its global truck leadership and commercial business.

Planning 246
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Pricing for Profit: How to Set, Negotiate, and Succeed

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