Thu.Nov 17, 2022

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Holiday Shopping 2022: How AI-Powered Guided Selling Creates Bespoke Customer Experiences

Retail TouchPoints

With the holiday season on the horizon, brands are looking to gain an advantage over industry competition. Considering many customers will be buying some, if not all, of their holiday gifts online, identifying ways to capitalize on increased ecommerce demand can make or break an organization’s holiday profit potential. As the state of retail technology advances, companies are learning how to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) tools to provide more bespoke shopping ex

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Furniture retailer Ecosium to charge more on Black Friday

Inside Retail

In a bid to bring awareness and reduce excessive consumption during the Black Friday sales period, sustainable furniture company Ecosium is set to levy a 50 per cent surcharge on orders. The company is encouraging customers to delay their purchases until the next day to help “take a stand” on the issue. During the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales period, retailers are known to offer 20-90 per cent discounts on a range of products both online and in-store.

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Charlotte Tilbury Glams Up Virtual Wonderland with Customizable Avatars

Retail TouchPoints

Charlotte Tilbury is the latest brand to launch a metaverse experience for the holiday season. Charlotte’s Beauty Realm is a 3D virtual shopping experience developed in partnership with Obsess to give shoppers access to “a magical, multidimensional” holiday wonderland. The beauty brand is no stranger to immersive online environments; it first partnered with Obsess to launch a holiday-themed VR online store in 2020 and added social shopping features to this 2D experience in 2021.

Shopping 293
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Business ownership the dream for Australians; Specsavers makes it possible

Inside Retail

Despite everything the Covid-19 pandemic has thrown at the business community in the past three years the spirit of entrepreneurship is alive in Australia. According to recent research conducted by NAB four in 10 people indicated they would love to own their own business (41 per cent). For many in the retail sector, owning your own business can seem like a pipe dream.

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A Roadmap For Modernization: How To Break Free From Your Monolith Before July 31, 2026

Speaker: Jason Cottrell and Gireesh Sahukar

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.

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Francesca’s Appoints New CFO as it Builds Out Executive Team

Retail TouchPoints

Francesca’s has named Teresa Baker as its new EVP and CFO. Baker brings more than 20 years of brick-and-mortar and ecommerce experience to the role, including supporting multiple startups and private equity-backed companies both internationally and in the U.S. Baker most recently served as CFO for Hollar , an online dollar store. She also has served as CFO for Carbon38 , a women’s activewear brand, and CFO and COO at Colorado Group , an Australian retailer with more than 450 retail s

Consumer 289
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Does Redcycle’s collapse prove retail needs alternatives to plastic?

Inside Retail

Last week, soft plastics recycling program Redcycle paused its nation-wide collection program and revealed it had been stockpiling plastics collected from the supermarket sector for months, rather than recycling them as it had said it had been. The collapse left Australia’s supermarkets, as well as various parts of the retail industry that relied on Redcycle, without a meaningful recycling option at a time that consumers want more than ever to support climate conscious business.

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How a new and improved Koko Black is gearing up for Christmas

Inside Retail

Koko Black emerged from the Covid-19 pandemic in a strong financial position, and is investing in its future growth. The handmade chocolate company has increased its workforce by 31 per cent over the last four years. It recently moved to a 24-hour production cycle, and has just refurbished its warehouse, which will double its capacity. It is also looking to expand on its 15 stores, with a new Westfield Sydney store opening this month.

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Party City Hires New COO to Spearhead Cost-Driven Supply Chain Revamp

Retail TouchPoints

Party City has hired Peter Smith as Chief Operating Officer to help the retailer optimize its supply chain and cut costs as it navigates economic uncertainty. The company has promoted EVP and Chief Commercial Officer Sean Thompson to the role of President and Chief Commercial Officer, adding marketing and ecommerce roles to his existing responsibilities.

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Lessons From the Great Resignation

Small Biz Trends

Sponsored Post. As the world began to emerge from the pandemic, thus too, the Great Resignation also began. People began quitting their jobs and made the decision to follow their entrepreneurial dreams. Whether it’s necessity or adversity being the mother of invention, one thing is for sure – many people find the push they need to reinvent themselves during hard times.

Finance 137
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Meta’s WhatsApp Takes Another Step Toward ‘Super App’ Status with Commerce Enhancements

Retail TouchPoints

Meta unveiled a number of updates that will make easier for users to find, message and buy from businesses on its messaging platform WhatsApp at the first-ever WhatsApp Business Summit, which took place in Brazil on Nov. 17, 2022. Why Brazil? Turns out the country is ripe for the entry of new “super apps” like WeChat and others that are currently widely used in Asia — a single platform that acts as social networking site, messaging tool, payment service, travel and shopping hub and pretty much e

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Humans + Agents = Rethinking Enterprise Commerce with AI

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

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Sales of Small Businesses Slows in Third Quarter

Small Biz Trends

The latest BizBuySell Insight Report shows that after five consecutive quarters of year-over-year growth, small business sales activity has slowed. The number of closed deals reported in the third quarter of 2022 dropped by 2% from last year reaching 2,237. The third quarter of 2022 was also 4.5% lower than the second quarter of 2022. Asking prices for small businesses dropped by 13% from last year while sale prices dropped by 14%.

Marketing 133
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Inside The Artist Tree’s Unique Take on Cannabis Retail

Retail TouchPoints

The Artist Tree chain of licensed cannabis stores in California is shaking up the dark, often intimidating dispensary experience with a retail concept that highlights the natural synergy between cannabis and art. Described as “an art gallery that happens to sell cannabis,” each of the brand’s five stores feature rotating displays of local art alongside a bright, welcoming retail experience.

Shopping 264
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Voly collapses, its founders unable to raise further capital

Inside Retail

Instant grocery delivery service app Voly has collapsed, ceasing operations abruptly. A week ago, the Voly app stopped taking orders, warning customers that services were suspended until further notice. In an email sent to customers, the duo explained they made the “tough decision to exit the market during this period of global economic uncertainty”.

Shopping 130
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How to Ensure a Delightful CX this Cyber 5 Through Synthetic and Real User Monitoring

Retail TouchPoints

This year, the holidays are shaping up to be incredibly competitive, as ecommerce sales are predicted to climb up to 14%, compared to last year’s 8.4%. Therefore, it’s imperative for online retail brands to ensure their sites can scale during those high traffic periods and accommodate the increase in shoppers. . Don’t Overestimate Customer Patience — Cyber 5 Success Depends on Speed.

Returns 264
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5 Tips for a Winning Category Management Strategy in 2025

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.

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How to effectively communicate with customers this holiday season

Inside Retail

Customers’ wants and needs are changing, and heading into the most important period of the retail calendar, engaging with them effectively is of utmost importance. But so often communication from retailers ends up being generic and poorly targeted, leaving many potential customers with a bad taste in their mouth. This week, we heard from Mosaic Brands’ head of acquisition and engagement Michelle Rando, and Validity’s director of sales for APAC Willilam Zhang, as they shared the latest tren

Fashion 130
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CNBC: Unionized Starbucks Workers Strike at More Than 100 Stores on Red Cup Day

Retail TouchPoints

Workers at 113 unionized Starbucks locations reportedly planned to strike on Nov. 17, Red Cup Day, for at least part of operating hours, according to CNBC and other media outlets. The annual event, when the chain gives away reusable red cups with any purchase, has become one of its busiest days due to the collectability of the souvenirs. Starbucks Workers United is protesting the day by distributing a version of the red cup with the Grinch’s hand holding an ornament decorated with Starbucks unio

ATS 264
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Why you need to ‘learn, unlearn, and relearn’: Erica Berchtold, The Iconic

Inside Retail

Inside Retail: You’ve worked for a few big businesses, what have been some of the key leadership lessons you’ve picked up over the course of your career? Erica Berchtold : It’s funny, there’s personal attributes that I like to live by, and demonstrate and lead by example. Things like humility, curiosity, courage and resilience, and also always being open to learning.

ATS 130
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Breakthrough Helps Retailers Optimize Their Shipping Strategies

Retail TouchPoints

Breakthrough ’s FELIX platform is designed to help retailers access the data, insights and clarity they need to find and create efficiencies within their networks, inform strategic decision-making and reimagine the movement of goods. This strategic web-based transportation intelligence platform offers shippers a streamlined technology targeted to three categories: energy, freight and sustainability solutions.

Shipping 264
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Cut Costs & Complexity: Smarter Fulfillment for Home, Furniture & DIY Brands

Late deliveries. Split shipments. Spiraling freight costs. For home, furniture, and DIY brands, fulfillment has never been more complex—or more critical. This report outlines how a smarter, AI-ready order management system (OMS) helps you reduce shipping costs, streamline project-based fulfillment, and ensure accurate inventory across every channel.

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Tech industry layoffs lead to concerns about the economy

Retail Wire

Layoffs at Amazon.com, Meta and Twitter will see more than 28,000 people lose their jobs. The economic effects will be felt in the communities where laid-off workers live but are not an indicator that a recession is coming. “If people lose their jobs, they spend less money in the area they live. But I think the sort of direct knock-on effect is much smaller than your traditional mass layoffs, in say manufacturing,” said Jason Furman, an economics professor at Harvard University.

ATS 130
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Estée Lauder to Acquire TOM FORD in $2.8B Deal

Retail TouchPoints

Following weeks of public speculation regarding the acquisition, The Estée Lauder Companies (ELC) will acquire TOM FORD in a deal valued at $2.8 billion. The transaction is expected to close during the first half of 2023. Existing TOM FORD partners Ermenegildo Zegna Group , which produces the brand’s fashion, and Marcolin S.p.A , which manages its eyewear, will enter long-term license agreements with ELC.

Fashion 261
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Inflation and bird flu make Thanksgiving turkeys tougher to swallow financially

Retail Wire

The cost of a Thanksgiving meal is significantly more expensive this year compared to 2021 as food prices have risen about 10 percent. Inflation and a lack of turkeys due to flocks being culled after bird flu outbreaks are the main causes that wholesale prices are at record highs.

Wholesale 130
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Ecostore launches first store in Vietnam

Inside Retail

New Zealand-based sustainable health & beauty brand Ecostore has launched its first brick-and-mortar store in Vietnam, as part of its regional expansion plan. The store, which is located in Ho Chi Minh City, has an in-store refillery where consumers can bring their own packaging to refill with Ecostore products. Ecostore was founded in 1993 by Malcolm and Melanie Rands and its products have been sold in Vietnam since 2020, online and through third-party retailers.

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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.

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Coffee prices come back down to earth

Retail Wire

Arabica coffee bean futures traded at $2.43 a pound in August. Today that number has fallen to $1.59 as coffee-friendly weather in Brazil and the strength of the U.S. dollar combined to bring prices down.

ATS 130
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10 Places to Get Candy Making Supplies for Your Business

Small Biz Trends

Interested in starting your own candy-making business? Whether you plan to launch a home-based candy company or set up in a local shop, you can find success creating handmade chocolates, hard candies and other delectable delights. Of course, first, you must stock up on all the necessary candy-making supplies. Fortunately, there are plenty of great places to find everything you need.

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Consumers will still spend as long as there is a sale on

Retail Wire

Marked-down merchandising is the reason that retail sales grew 1.3 percent in October. “Broadly speaking, retailers could price products wherever they wanted to over the last two years and consumers would buy them,” said Mike Graziano, a senior analyst of consumer products at RSM US. “Now consumers are looking for deals like they do over the holiday, and consumers are taking advantage of that, and October was a clear example of that.”.

Consumer 130
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How to Become a Vrbo Host

Small Biz Trends

If you’re looking for a way to make some extra money, consider becoming a Vrbo host. Vacation properties are in high demand these days, and by renting out your extra space in a popular vacation destination, you can bring in some much-needed cash. In this article, we’ll discuss how you can become a Vrbo host so you can profit from your vacation rental property.

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State of AI in Sales & Marketing 2025

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.

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SKU’d: Andy Warhol is the ghost of Christmas past. And he’s here to help Tiffany & Co.

Retail Dive

He’s been gone for 35 years, but the pop artist is still making the luxury retailer joyful and relevant.

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Zuckerberg Says Ecommerce Trends After Pandemic Led to Mass Layoffs

Small Biz Trends

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg recently made headlines regarding the laying off of 11,000 Meta employees, citing his incorrect prediction that ecommerce growth during the Covid-19 pandemic would be a ‘permanent acceleration’ In a statement, Zuckerberg admitted he was wrong and that assumption cost Meta a lot of money and a lot of people their jobs.

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Kohl’s pulls guidance as it buckles up for discount-heavy holiday season

Retail Dive

The retailer’s profits and sales continued their slide in the third quarter. Now it is headed into the most important period without a CEO.

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15 Airbnb Apps for 2022

Small Biz Trends

Are you a property owner, manager, or Airbnb host looking for the best Airbnb app to make your rental business run smoothly? Look no further! We’ve rounded up 15 of our favorite apps for Airbnb in 2022 to streamline your processes and increase your revenue. From communication and scheduling to analyzing data and optimizing pricing, these apps will make managing your rental a breeze.

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SEO vs. PPC: Which Strategy Is Best for Your Business?

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.