Wed.Sep 27, 2023

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Three tips for CRO success after Google Optimize sunset

Inside Retail

Google has announced that Google Optimize and Optimize 360, its five-year-old products used to test and improve user experiences, are no longer available after September 30. In its place, Google is improving its integration with the following alternative A/B testing providers: Optimizely, AB Tasty, and VWO. If you’ve run experiments on Google Optimize, it is recommended to download your historical data before the sunset date since it will no longer be accessible after this month.

Checkout 264
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Exclusive: New Research Highlights How Brands Can Capture Today’s Always-On Shopper

Retail TouchPoints

It started with COVID, and it hasn’t stopped — consumer shopping behaviors continue to rapidly shift even as the pandemic moves into the realm of memory. For brands and marketers, it’s hard, nigh impossible, to keep up with how and where consumers are shopping today, but media planning and buying platform Infillion tried. The results of Infillion’s new research into the modern customer journey , shared exclusively with Retail TouchPoints , illuminate some of the most dramatic shifts in how consu

Consumer 299
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ARA chief calls for consistent trading hours deregulation

Inside Retail

The Queensland, SA and WA governments have been urged by the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) to deregulate trading hours for physical stores – in a consistent policy. The ARA said the deregulation is to create a more flexible, safer, competitive and customer-friendly retail environment, as retailers try to address declining discretionary spending during the holiday period.

Consumer 290
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Shopify Invests in Wholesale Marketplace Faire, Expands Reach into B2B Ecommerce

Retail TouchPoints

Shopify has taken a stake in the B2B retail marketplace Faire and is establishing Faire as the recommended wholesale marketplace for its millions of global merchants through a deeper integration between the two platforms. The size of Shopify’s stake in Faire was not disclosed. Shopify is aiming to expand its B2B offerings as wholesale businesses follow the lead of their B2C counterparts in moving online.

Wholesale 289
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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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Australian retail sales record modest growth in August 

Inside Retail

Australian retail sales were up only 1.5 per cent year over year to $35.4 billion in August, according to data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The growth was largely driven by sales from the cafes, restaurants, and takeaway industry, which rose 8 per cent, followed by food with a 3.5 per cent increase. Clothing, footwear and accessories rebounded from a decline in July, up 1.4 per cent in August.

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How to Give Luxury Shoppers the Digital Experience they Desire

Retail TouchPoints

Despite a recent rocky economy — seized by inflation and supply chain pains — the global luxury retail market has seen a notable sales boost. A Bain & Co. study found 95% of luxury brands experienced growth last year, and the market as a whole is expected to grow by 5% this year. It turns out shoppers with money are still spending money. That being said, luxury brands and retailers can’t take the momentum for granted.

Marketing 278

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Citing Theft and Safety Issues, Target Closes 9 Stores in 4 States

Retail TouchPoints

Target will close nine stores in four cities on Oct. 21, 2023, saying theft and organized retail crime are threatening the safety of its customers and associates and “contributing to unsustainable business performance,” according to a company statement. Target noted that it has made multiple efforts to secure these location, including adding more security team members, using third-party guard services and implementing theft-deterrent tools across its business.

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Premier Investments’ retail sales rise as brands recover from Covid-19 impact

Inside Retail

Premier Investments achieved record sales for the full financial year as its businesses recovered from the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. The company booked retail sales of $1.64 billion in FY23, up 9.7 per cent from the previous year. Earnings before interest and tax rose 1.5 per cent to $357.9 million. Premier Investments said that its Peter Alexander brand witnessed an 11.8 per cent sales increase to $478.9 million, inclusive of a record sales in the week before Christmas and ahead of Moth

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Simon Properties Brings More Delivery and Returns Capabilities to Tenants

Retail TouchPoints

Simon Properties is partnering with Dropit to bring omnichannel inventory management and fulfillment capabilities to its facilities. Retailers at Simon Properties will now be able to leverage Dropit’s full suite of solutions, including: Store fulfillment capabilities , which will convert tenant stores into last-mile distribution centers; Reverse logistics to simplify return management by improving routes based on location and return time; Inventory visibility based on real-time, unified data tha

Returns 263
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Lego scraps plans to make bricks from recycled bottles

Inside Retail

Lego has scrapped its plans to make its bricks from recycled bottles after discovering the method does not reduce emissions and, when adopted at scale, would leave a higher carbon footprint. The company makes most of its colourful toy bricks from ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), a virgin plastic from crude oil. In 2021, the Danish toymaker began its transition to using rPET (recycled polyethylene terephthalate) as part of its initiative to use greener materials for its bricks.

Planning 261
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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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Philadelphia Looting: Dozens Arrested After Mobs Ransack Multiple Retail Stores

Retail Wire

Dozens have been arrested in Philadelphia after mobs of young people ransacked upscale retail stores in an hours-long crime spree. The incident, which police say was unrelated to protests, resulted in the arrest of 49 adults and three juveniles. This looting followed a judge’s decision to dismiss charges against a former police officer involved in.

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Rebel to open flagship store at Emporium Melbourne

Inside Retail

Sports apparel and equipment retailer Rebel will open a flagship store at Vicinity Centre’s Emporium Melbourne in November. The 3600 sqm store will have a rooftop NBA-sized half-court, a dedicated yoga and Nike zone, and a fit studio for female customers. The store will feature Rebel’s Ell&Voo label and several brands such as Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, Asics, Lorna Jane, PE Nation and The North Face. “Rebel Emporium is set to be our flagship retail store not only in Victor

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US Sues eBay Over Sale of Harmful Products

Retail Wire

The U.S. government has filed a lawsuit against eBay, alleging that the online platform violated environmental laws, including the Clean Air Act, by permitting the sale of harmful products. The complaint states that eBay allowed the sale of over 343,000 aftermarket “defeat” devices that bypass vehicle emissions controls. Additionally, eBay is accused of enabling the.

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Gucci opens new boutique Munich store at Pembroke’s Maximilianhöfe

Retail Focus

International real estate business Pembroke is delighted to announce it has completed a 794 sqm retail space (964 sqm incl. storage space) letting on a 10-year term to global luxury fashion brand Gucci at Maximilianhöfe in the heart of Munich city centre. Gucci’s new home at Maximilianhöfe – which opened on 15 th September – is situated across two floors and carries a wide selection of the brand’s iconic product range which comprises men’s and women’s ready-to-wear, handbags, luggage, small lea

Boutique 147
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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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Starbucks’ CEO Moonlighted as a Barista. He Burned His Hand on a Sandwich and Had an Egg Bite Explode in Front of a Customer — And Now He’s Making 5 Key Changes.

Retail Wire

Starbucks CEO Laxman Narasimhan took on shifts as a barista in preparation for his new role, encountering rookie blunders like a bursting egg bite and burning his hand on a hot sandwich. His experiences highlighted areas for operational improvements, including simplifying cup and lid combinations and ensuring breakfast sandwich availability. While Starbucks employees are in.

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Retailer or Manufacturer—Can You Enhance Performance With More Effective Customer Satisfaction Surveys?

Wiser

Customer satisfaction surveys are an invaluable tool for businesses seeking to improve their performance and stay ahead of the curve in an increasingly competitive market landscape. These surveys provide direct insights from the very people who matter most—customers. By understanding the customers’ perspective, businesses can tailor their services and products to meet the evolving needs and expectations of their target audience.

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Target to close 9 stores over theft, safety concerns

Retail Dive

Stores in major cities like San Francisco, New York and Seattle are slated to shutter as a result of “unsustainable business performance.

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Amazon lawsuit all about ‘chasing optics’ – it is not a monopoly, say experts

Inside Retail

Legal experts and analysts alike have roundly criticised the Federal Trade Commission’s lawsuit accusing Amazon of abusing its market power to stifle competition. “Amazon is large. Amazon plays a big role in retail. Amazon has a fair degree of economic power. But none of these things make it a monopoly,” said GlobalData MD Neil Saunders. Describing the lawsuit as “very questionable” Saunders said it was “based on chasing optics rather than trying to improve the lot of consumers and sellers.

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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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As US consumers slow down, Walmart is muscling out its competition

Retail Dive

The retail giant is embracing strategies previously mastered by Target, Amazon and others, and that’s paying off, various analysts report.

Consumer 126
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“Isn’t helpful”: Supermarket duopoly’s online labelling under fire

Inside Retail

Australia’s grocery duopoly have found themselves in hot water over failures to share nutritional information and allergy warnings, on products sold online. According to a new study from University of New South Wales based on a study of more than 22,000 products across Woolworths’ and Coles’ online stores, most products were missing a crucial piece of information on online pages.

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Poundland to open first set of former Wilko stores this weekend

Retail Gazette

Poundland will open its first set of stores inside former Wilko outlets this weekend, just days after they stopped trading. The discount chain will unveil 10 newly converted shops in Stafford, Nelson, Barking, Stockport, Eccles, Leigh, Southport, Maidenhead, Jarrow and Scunthorpe on Saturday. It comes after the retailer agreed to take on 71 of Wilko’s store leases from administrators PwC earlier this month.

Shopping 125
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Smiggle seals deal for 60-store Gulf rollout

Inside Retail

Just Group’s stationery and office supplies business Smiggle has signed an agreement with an existing wholesale partner to open 60 freestanding stores in the Middle East over the next decade. The stores will be opened in the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain. Premier Investments, owner of the Just Group, said the partner intends to roll out three Smiggle stores in the UAE and four in Qatar before Christmas.

Wholesale 130
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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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Retail shrink, theft changed little in 2022

Retail Dive

But more retailers are concerned about escalating violence in stores, which experts say carries other costs beyond shrink.

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Lululemon hits its stride in Asia amid ambitious global growth plans

Inside Retail

In the heart of Hong Kong, where the bustling finance world meets the city’s rich tapestry of artistic expression, Lululemon’s flagship store at IFC mall stands as a testament to the brand’s evolution since it opened its doors in 2015. After undergoing a transformation this year, the store is not only home to high-quality athletic wear but also an enriched ambiance that reflects the brand’s core values and the vibrant spirit of Hong Kong.

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Yama fishmonger in Tel Aviv was designed to display fish "like jewels"

Dezeen

Israeli architecture studio Baranowitz and Goldberg Architects has created Yama, a fishmonger in Tel Aviv with a sculptural interior that was informed by jewellery stores. The studio completely renovated the space, adding a sculpted ceiling that was designed to "create a ship-bottom-like formation" to underline the connection to the sea. Yama is located in Tel Aviv's Florentin area Yama – which was named after yam, the Hebrew word for ocean – features a display area for showcasing fresh fish as

Shipping 123
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StockX COO on the importance of fast shipping to improve CX, drive growth

Inside Retail

As the resale market continues to grow, leading fashion and sneaker reseller StockX is taking steps to improve the process of buying and selling authenticated, pre-owned products online. Last week, the Detroit-based company launched Xpress Ship, a new feature that shortens the shipping time for verified items to three business days. Under the Xpress Ship program, products are sent to an authentication centre, where they go through a multi-step verification process.

Shipping 130
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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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Costco pushes forward with app upgrades

Retail Dive

The changes, which include augmented reality and the upcoming ability to scan barcodes, have significantly boosted the tool’s downloads and app store rating.

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Levi’s CEO Fired More Than Half of His Execs During His First 18 Months in the Role and Regrets Not Letting Go of Some Staff More Quickly

Retail Wire

Levi’s CEO, Charles Bergh, revealed his tough approach to restructuring the company, stating that he fired more than half of his executives within his first 18 months in the role to drive cultural change. However, Bergh admitted that he sometimes regretted not removing ill-fitting staff sooner. Under Bergh’s leadership, Levi’s saw significant growth, with an.

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Holiday spending to increase 3.7%: Mastercard

Retail Dive

Consumer outlays for electronics and at restaurants are expected to boost expenditures this year, according to the card network.

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Costco Shoppers Are Continuing To Cut Back on Big-Ticket Items, Even as Inflation Falls, as Americans Put Off Buying Jewelry, Laptops, and Furniture

Retail Wire

Costco shoppers are showing restraint in purchasing high-value items despite a drop in inflation, with the average transaction value down by 4.5% year-over-year in the U.S. This decline is attributed to reduced sales of big-ticket non-food discretionary products like home furnishings, jewelry, and hardware, according to CFO Richard Galanti. Online sales of major big-ticket items.

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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.