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In the social landscape shaped by Gen Z and millennials, platforms like TikTok and Instagram serve not just as promotional tools, but as powerful engines of cultural creation that foster lucrative online communities. Younger generations are driving brand narratives, from micro-trends to macro-movements, in real time. In turn, brands that resonate most are those participating in that dialogue, not just observing from the sidelines.
There’s never been a more exciting time in the world of payments. Innovation is happening at breakneck speed, open banking is tearing down data silos and partnerships are forming between traditional financial institutions and fintechs on a global scale. Whether you’re a global retail chain, ecommerce brand, or online marketplace, changes in the payment landscape will have a profound impact on your business.
From barcode comparisons to instant resale authentication and artificial intelligence (AI) models guiding purchasing behaviour, the next evolution of artificial intelligence in retail isn’t happening in the cloud but on the shop floor. As AI reshapes both digital and physical experiences, the store is emerging as a high-stakes frontier, where value, trust and speed must collide in real time.
When you make a high-consideration purchase: a luxury mattress, custom flooring, high-end appliances, you’re not just buying a product. You’re buying confidence. You’re trusting that someone, somewhere, will know what customer service is and have your back if something goes wrong.
The rapid rise of AI-powered displays, touchless technology, and sensory marketing is reshaping the future of in-store engagement. Yet for many retail executives, the real challenge is not identifying new tools - it is knowing which signals to trust, which inputs to prioritize, and how to architect decisions that elevate in-store leadership rather than dilute it.
Europe’s leading sofa retailer, Poltronesofà, is close to completing a £57 million transformation of 96 UK stores as the company offers UK customers an unmatched choice of ranges and fabrics and an enhanced in-store experience. The Poltronesofà group operates over 310 stores across Europe and is the market leader in both Italy and France, with a market presence in Belgium, Switzerland, Malta and Cyprus.
Key Takeaways Personalization Enhancements: AI significantly improves eCommerce by providing tailored shopping experiences through intelligent product recommendations based on customer behavior. Operational Efficiency: Implementing AI automates repetitive tasks, streamlining processes like inventory management and customer service, which allows businesses to focus on strategic growth. 24/7 Customer Support: AI-powered chatbots offer round-the-clock customer assistance, improving satisfaction by
After weeks of anticipation (and complaints from locals), the year’s most-talked-about wedding — between Amazon Founder Jeff Bezos and TV presenter Lauren Sanchez — took place last weekend in Venice, Italy. But across the Atlantic, another set of nuptials also was making waves, for very different reasons. The wedding party, all decked out in JCPenney fashions.
After weeks of anticipation (and complaints from locals), the year’s most-talked-about wedding — between Amazon Founder Jeff Bezos and TV presenter Lauren Sanchez — took place last weekend in Venice, Italy. But across the Atlantic, another set of nuptials also was making waves, for very different reasons. The wedding party, all decked out in JCPenney fashions.
If you've spent any time in Enterprise retail, you’ve seen it: departments that don’t talk to each other, systems that weren’t designed to share data, and a patchwork of bolt-on software that leaves you with more questions than answers.
Retail has always depended on observation. From spotting which shelf draws more attention to knowing which item sells best during certain times, the trade has long relied on pattern recognition. The difference now lies in how precise those patterns can be. As the amount of data available grows by the hour, retailers face the choice: either use it wisely or risk being left behind.
Sainsbury’s has reported its strongest start to the year with grocery sales up 5% in the 16 weeks to 21 June 2025, driving its highest market share since 2016. The supermarket’ s growth is fuelled by “consistently great value, outstanding quality and excellent availability,” according to CEO Simon Roberts, who highlighted the retailer’s expanded Aldi Price Match campaign which covers around 800 everyday essentials.
The first group of retailers confirmed for ECQ Outlet, the third stage of its Eastern Creek Quarter (ECQ) precinct in Greater Western Sydney, has been revealed by Frasers Property Australia. The new outlet centre , scheduled to open next year, will be home to the largest Asics store in Australia. Other confirmed brands include Adidas, Fila, Puma, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Tarocash, Connor, Rockwear and Strand.
Retailers know the clock is ticking–legacy SAP Commerce support ends in 2026. Legacy platforms are becoming a liability burdened by complexity, rigidity, and mounting operational costs. But modernization isn’t just about swapping out systems, it’s about preparing for a future shaped by real-time interactions, AI powered buying assistants, and flexible commerce architecture.
In today’s fast-paced world, retailers are generating more data than ever before. From customer transactions to inventory management, retailers need to be able to manage, integrate and govern their data to make informed decisions that drive growth and profitability. Many vendors are now launching retail-specific data management solutions in response to this demand.
Karol G takes center stage on TikTok with the launch of her vibrant album Tropicoqueta , promising to reshape how small businesses engage with audiences on the platform. With a host of new features aimed at fostering community and cultural connection, the celebration invites businesses to tap into trending conversations and visual storytelling. TikTok has rolled out an exclusive in-app experience to honor the album’s release on June 20.
Far too many brands are still failing to implement a personalised loyalty program when it comes to promotions and loyalty – stuck in a vicious circle of blanket discounting, poor data, and squeezed margins, at a time when profitability is under scrutiny. That’s according to new research carried out by Harvard Business Review and sponsored by Talon.One , the leading incentives platform.
Food price inflation surged to 3.7% in June, the sharpest rise in more than a year, as British retailers warned of the combined impact of climate pressures and rising operational costs. Figures from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and NielsenIQ show food costs jumped from 2.8% in May, helping to push overall shop price inflation back into positive territory for the first time since July 2024.
AI agents already analyze trends, draft content, and trigger actions across leading commerce platforms. Yet most organizations still rely on workflows built for human‑only teams, losing speed, margin, and customer loyalty. Humans + Agents: Rethinking Enterprise Commerce in the Age of AI Collaboration shows how to close that gap. In one concise read you’ll see where agent gains surface first, how early adopters prove ROI, and which lean controls keep innovation moving without risking data or bran
Cotton On Kids has unveiled a new concept store at Highpoint Shopping Centre in Melbourne, along with its new Fun Day Club platform. The store is inspired by the nostalgia of the classic Australian neighbourhood milkbars and will include features like a ‘dial-a-story’ telephone and sticker gumball machines to provide children with a hands-on, sensory experience while their guardians shop the collection.
It’s rare for a retailer, or any business for that matter, to last for 100 years, which is what makes Bealls such a standout — the Florida-based off-price chain is celebrating its 110 th anniversary this year. Not only that, but the company remains family owned and operated to this day, with CEO Matt Beall representing the fourth generation to lead the retailer.
In a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges related to pandemic relief efforts, Jasmine Unique Mallard-McCarter, a Riverside County woman, has been sentenced to seven years in federal prison for her role in a $1.7 million COVID-19 benefits fraud scheme. This case highlights the need for vigilance and integrity among small business owners and individuals seeking government assistance, especially during unprecedented times like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries at a rapid pace, from healthcare to finance and logistics. As sectors embrace automation, personalisation, and data-driven decision-making, it’s clear that AI is more than just a tech trend—it’s a business imperative. Retail, which thrives on customer insight and operational efficiency, stands to gain immensely by observing how other industries apply AI strategically to improve both internal processes and external experiences.
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.
Autumn Fair , the UK’s leading marketplace for home, gift, and fashion, has revealed its most ambitious and retailer-focused content programme to date. Practical, focused, and easy to consume, it’s been thoughtfully designed to fit around buyers and deliver maximum value in minimal time. Taking place at the NEC Birmingham from 7–10 September 2025, this year’s show recognises the pressures facing independent retailers, from rising costs and evolving customer behaviours to the demands of digital t
Australian retail sales surged 3.3 per cent year-over-year in May, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data, reaching $37.3 billion. Cosmetics, sports and recreational goods saw the largest increase, up 4.78 per cent, followed by cafes, restaurants and takeaways, which rose 3.83 per cent year-on-year. According to the ABS , department store spending increased by 3.7 per cent, while spending on clothing, footwear, and accessories rose by 3.5 per cent.
The evolution of ecommerce has seen traditional retailers such as Walmart, Target and Best Buy embrace the marketplace model by listing products from third-party sellers, while marketplaces like Amazon have introduced first-party inventory alongside third-party products. This shift allows retailers to expand their catalog without the burden of holding excess stock, but creates new challenges for product discovery and visibility.
Key Takeaways Definition of Social Commerce: Social commerce integrates social media platforms with e-commerce, allowing users to discover and purchase products seamlessly, enhancing the online shopping experience. Importance of User Engagement: High levels of customer interaction through user-generated content, influencer partnerships, and engaging storytelling are crucial for building brand loyalty and driving sales.
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.
St James Quarter has announced that Nespresso, the global coffee brand, is set to open its only Edinburgh boutique at the leading destination, introducing its latest experiential retail concept. The 1,173 sq ft Nespresso will join Level 3’s line-up of aspirational brands, further bolstering the Quarter’s premium offer. The St James Quarter Nespresso will deliver a fresh experience and be a continuation of the brand’s new boutique concept, designed to foster meaningful connections and elevated co
WHSmith has completed the sale of its high street business to private equity firm Modella Capital — but at a reduced price after weaker trading conditions led to a last-minute renegotiation. The retailer will now receive up to £40m from the deal, down from the £52m originally agreed when the sale was first announced in March. WHSmith confirmed it has received £10m upfront, with a further £20m in deferred consideration tied to the future cash flow of the business through to August 2026.
Woolworths will be closing MyDeal, its online marketplace website, in September to refocus on Everyday Market and Big W’s marketplace. The company estimates the cash cost of the closure to be between $90 and $100 million, with non-cash expenses relating to the impairment of MyDeal’s assets to be around $45 million. This includes a payout for the remaining 19.8 per cent stake in the business still held by its original founders and management team.
As private labels and store brands have evolved over the last decade, the stigma of the “cheap, alternative, knockoff” brand has worn away. Retailers have built bona fide brands, touching all categories of the store. But what is interesting of late is that private brands have seemingly climbed another rung on the ladder of credibility and are now sought-after brands that consumers trust.
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.
Key Takeaways Engagement is Key: High-quality, engaging content is essential for boosting brand awareness, increasing interaction, and cultivating customer loyalty on social media platforms. Diversify Content Types: Utilize a mix of interactive polls, behind-the-scenes content, user-generated content, videos, ads, and influencer partnerships to maximize your social media impact.
Supermarket shelves look calm, yet the prices behind every carton of milk or bag of rice can shift overnight. Weather, geopolitics, energy costs, even a ship stuck in a canal can nudge a commodity upward and squeeze retail margins. If the past few years have taught purchasing teams anything, it is this: price risk is no longer a distant finance issue.
With more than 30K lookalike domains identified in 2024, organizations need the visibility and context to detect and respond to threats. Learn how to do that.
Woolworths Group’s recent decision to shutter MyDeal could signal a broader shift away from standalone marketplaces in Australia, according to two retail industry experts. The move was confirmed in an ASX announcement on June 27, following a strategic review led by Woolworths Group’s CEO Amanda Bardwell. The company concluded that MyDeal lacked a clear pathway to profitability or adequate return on capital.
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.
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