Tue.Aug 08, 2023

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The 2024 VM and Display Awards Await Your Entries

Retail Focus

The prestigious VM and Display Awards have officially opened their doors for entries, providing a unique opportunity for retailers, suppliers, and agencies to demonstrate their creative prowess and innovative solutions in the retail industry. Once again the Awards are free to enter and you can enter as many projects into as many different categories as you wish.

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Sport and retail: How brands can leverage the buzz around the Matilda’s

Inside Retail

Retail has long capitalised on social and cultural events in order to generate sales. This can be seen in the countless marketing campaigns that were launched in the leadup to the Barbie movie, which stimulated huge activity for hundreds of brands. Sporting events have also proven to be invaluable for brands as a means of aligning themselves with and engaging the public.

Planning 246
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Advance Auto Parts Offers College Students Chance to Win a ‘Fuel Ride’

Retail TouchPoints

Advance Auto Parts will provide free gasoline for four years to 10 winners of its “Fuel Ride to College” sweepstakes, with 20 additional winners of the sweepstakes receiving a $100 Advance gift card. The retailer also is offering students and their parents a range of “off to campus” in-store services at its stores nationwide including free battery testing and installation, wiper blade installation and check engine light scanning.

Finance 233
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Air of exclusivity: How luxury brands create extraordinary store designs

Inside Retail

Luxury fashion house Dolce & Gabbana unveiled a stunning new flagship in Sydney this week, delivering on the brand’s desire to expand its local footprint beyond Melbourne, where it currently has two stores. With walls and floors made entirely of Italian marble and basalt – shipped nearly 15,000km from Italy to Australia – and furniture and design elements reflecting 18th century aristocratic style, the flagship store faithfully replicates the brand’s approach to store design in Italy, rather

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Turn Payments Into Personalization: Unlock the Value of Transaction Data

Speaker: Loreal Lynch, Everett Zufelt, and Michaela Weber

Once upon a time, in the vast realm of online commerce, there lived a humble checkout button overlooked by many. Yet, within its humble click lay the power to transform a mere visitor into a loyal customer. 🧐 💡 Getting checkout right can mark the difference between a successful sale and an abandoned cart, yet many businesses fail to make payments a part of their commerce strategy even when it has a direct impact on revenue.

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La-Z-Boy Sets Out to Reach New Customers with ‘Long Live the Lazy’ Marketing Push

Retail TouchPoints

La-Z-Boy has launched an integrated marketing platform that features the first glimpse of the company’s modernized brand identity. The “Long Live the Lazy” platform focuses on the transformational power of comfort, will be accompanied by a national advertising campaign that will begin this week. The campaign will feature a distinct shift in focus and tone for the 96 -year-old brand.

Marketing 215
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‘Sombre’ Under Armour results raise questions about brand positioning

Inside Retail

Under Armour started off its fiscal year 2024 with a net revenue of US$1.3 billion for the first quarter, down 2.4 per cent year over year. For the three months ended June 30, the company’s wholesale revenue dropped 6 per cent to $742 million, while direct-to-consumer revenue and owned and operated store revenue were up 4 per cent and 3 per cent, respectively.

Wholesale 244

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Enhancing Retail Experiences: The Power of In-Store Media Networks

Tokinomo

In today's rapidly evolving retail landscape, technology continues to reshape the way consumers interact with brands and products. One innovation that's gaining traction is the concept of in-store media networks.

Consumer 191
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Porsche Debuts ‘Hospitality-Forward’ Car Retailing with New Studio Concept

Retail TouchPoints

Photos courtesy of Holman Photos courtesy of Holman Photos courtesy of Holman Photos courtesy of Holman. Photos courtesy of Holman Photos courtesy of Holman Photos courtesy of Holman Photos courtesy of Holman Photos courtesy of Holman Photos courtesy of Holman Photos courtesy of Holman Photos courtesy of Holman Photos courtesy of Holman Photos courtesy of Holman Photos courtesy of Holman Photos courtesy of Holman Photos courtesy of Holman Photos courtesy of Holman Photos courtesy of Holman Photo

Boutique 210
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L’Occitane enters trading halt ahead of possible delisting bid

Inside Retail

Hong Kong-listed cosmetics giant L’Occitane International has entered a trading halt – fuelling speculation that the company’s controlling shareholder is about to launch a takeover bid ahead of a delisting. Bloomberg reported on July 25 that L’Occitane’s Austrian billionaire chairman Reinold Geiger, whose interests control 70 per cent of the issued stock, was mulling buying out minority shareholders.

Fashion 130
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Community and Customer Journeys: Inside Brands’ Strategies on Threads

Retail TouchPoints

Threads , Meta’s highly publicized “Twitter killer,” has seen dwindling engagement rates over the past few weeks. But that hasn’t stopped brands of all sizes and across categories from building out their presence on the app. Daily active user count was down 82% from launch as of July 31, according to Sensor Tower, with just eight million users tapping into the app every day.

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Get MACH Ready: Preparing Your Business for Digital Transformation

Adopting MACH technology means more than implementing new platforms. This type of digital change affects your organization at every level and requires a thoughtful approach to navigate challenges that crop up. The Get MACH Ready report, co-authored by MACH Alliance member Scott Canney in collaboration with Orium, commercetools, and Contentstack, will provide you with strategies to prepare your organization for a digital transformation.

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Different Things to Consider Outsourcing in Your Retail Business (and Why)

Retail Focus

Running a successful retail business involves juggling multiple tasks and responsibilities. As an astute business owner, you must strategically allocate resources to focus on core competencies while delegating certain functions to external experts. This is where outsourcing comes into play. Outsourcing allows you to partner with specialized service providers, saving time, reducing costs, and improving overall efficiency.

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Save A Lot Completes Transition to Wholesaler with Sale of 18 Stores

Retail TouchPoints

Save A Lot has relicensed its 18 remaining corporate-owned supermarkets, completing its strategy of shifting ownership and operations of all locations to independent licensed ownership. These St. Louis-area stores are being acquired by Leevers Supermarkets , a current Save A Lot partner with 29 stores, and they will continue to operate under the Save A Lot banner.

Wholesale 204
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Gibson Garage the ultimate guitar experience to open in historic London, early 2024

Retail Focus

Gibson , the iconic and leading American instrument brand, has shaped sound across generations and genres of music, becoming one of the most relevant, played, and loved guitar brands around the world. Gibson is proud to announce it will officially open a new Gibson Garage in London. The Gibson Garage is the ultimate guitar experience and destination for music lovers across the globe, and the place to explore Gibson’s 130-year music history.

Apparel 130
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Amazon Formally Unveils Second Prime Day Shopping Event of 2023

Retail TouchPoints

Amazon is preparing for round two of Prime Day after seeing its biggest-ever day of sales during the summer installment. The company plans to host the Prime Big Deal Days shopping event this October to consumers across 19 countries. In addition to the U.S. and UK, Prime Big Deal Days will take place in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Spain and Sweden.

Shopping 202
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How Retailers Are Transforming Customer Experiences with Data & AI

Speaker: David Azoulay, Marc Stracuzza, Román Tejada, and Guest Speaker Sucharita Kodali

Imagine a retail landscape where every interaction is personalized, every decision informed, and every opportunity maximized 🤔✨ Join us for an exploratory journey into the heart of AI-driven retail innovation. We’ll unveil the transformative potential of AI and data analytics in shaping the future of omnichannel personalization and e-commerce.

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Unconventional luxury brand collaborations are everywhere. Here’s why

Inside Retail

In 2017, Louis Vuitton caused a stir in the luxury industry by partnering with the New York skateboarding brand Supreme. This collaboration became a milestone in the luxury industry, showcasing the potential of unexpected partnerships between luxury brands and an unconventional partner seemingly at the opposite end of the design spectrum, a street wear brand.

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3 Ways Brands are Reimagining Loyalty Programs

Retail TouchPoints

Sure, points and coupons are great, but today’s consumers are expecting far more from branded loyalty programs. While dollar savings may be top-of-mind for many shoppers today, “value” can have a very different meaning for others. That is why consumers are looking for more diverse and robust programs that provide value in different ways. In fact, research from PwC indicates that 43% of consumers want programs to be more flexible in the rewards and benefits they offer.

Consumer 187
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Solo Brands Expands Wholesale, Leveling Seasonality and Creating New DTC Customers

Retail Wire

Solo Brands, a digitally native company, is expanding its wholesale operations to drive growth and level seasonality. The company has chosen to lean into its existing wholesale customer base, including retailers like Dick’s Sporting Goods, Ace Hardware, Costco, Home Depot, and Lowe’s, as a cost-effective way to acquire new customers and expand its product line.

Wholesale 100
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Gordon Brothers eyes rescue bid for Wilko

Retail Gazette

Private equity giant Gordon Brothers is said to be in talks about a potential rescue bid for stricken retailer Wilko. Sources told Sky News that an offer from the Laura Ashley-owner could see the firm inject funding into the retail chain to support a restructuring that would see a significant number of store closures and job losses. They said Gordon Brothers had expressed interest in partnering with other financial backers to inject £20m of equity and provide £50m in debt financing.

Finance 98
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Forrester Report: Demystifying The Technical Functions of POS Solutions

Understanding the intricate world of Point-of-Sale (POS) technology is a common challenge for tech buyers. When it comes to defining the functions of Point-of-Sale systems, the communications have yet to be standardized–—until now. Forrester’s new report, Demystifying The Technical Functions of POS Solutions, breaks through the noise and provides business leaders with the information and tools they need to evaluate the features of POS systems.

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Behind the Rise of GU: The Uniqlo Offshoot Loved by Millennials and Gen Z Is the Latest Cool-Kid Brand

Retail Wire

GU, a sister brand of Uniqlo, is gaining popularity among millennials and Gen Z shoppers for its stylish and affordable clothing. Owned by the Japanese retailer Fast Retailing Group, GU has grown to nearly 450 stores in Asia and entered the U.S. market in October 2022. The brand offers basics like logo-free T-shirts and minimalist.

Marketing 100
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John Lewis eyes AI to boost profits in £100m Google deal

Retail Gazette

John Lewis stores are set to embrace artificial intelligence as the partnership strikes a “bargain” £100m agreement with Google to reduce data storage expenses. According to the Times , an AI customer service bot will be launched this year, while “augmented reality” services, which include virtually placing and adjusting interior design through a device, are in development.

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No More Freebies: Companies Crack Down on Customer Perks and Rewards

Retail Wire

Companies are cutting back on customer perks and rewards as they seek higher margins and reevaluate their strategies after the COVID-19 pandemic. Airlines are making it harder to earn elite status, retailers are tightening return windows and adding fees, and restaurants are reducing freebies like birthday treats. As consumer spending habits change and businesses face.

Returns 100
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Food prices may never fall again following Ukraine invasion, warns chief economist

Retail Gazette

Food prices may not fall at all, according to the chief economist at the Bank of England. The cost of food “could still remain higher than it was” following the invasion of Ukraine Huw Pill said. Speaking to MPs, he said that the rate at which food prices are rising was expected to slow to “about 10% by the end of the year” But he warned a return to cheaper food was “something we may not be seeing for a while yet, if in the future at all” Subscribe to Retail Gazette for f

Returns 98
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Mapping Digital Transformation: Retail’s Strategic Shift

Speaker: Jennifer Wright, Michael Scholz, Jasmin Guthmann, and Scott Canney

Digital transformation in retail is so much more than new technology. You need to get your whole organization, from entry-level workers to executives, on board with the new tech, new skills, and culture changes that digital transformation brings. Leading this mindset shift can be a daunting task… but that’s where this webinar comes in! Join our panel of experts as they guide you through the challenges of digital transformation, preparing you to avoid common mistakes and make the most of incredib

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Another Robot Will Take Your Order Now. White Castle Joins 7 Other Fast-Food Restaurants Using AI at the Drive-Thru — See the Full List.

Retail Wire

White Castle is deploying AI-powered voice bots in 100 drive-thru lanes by the end of 2024, joining a growing list of fast-food chains adopting automation tools to alleviate labor shortages. The use of AI and robotics is becoming more popular in the restaurant industry, with 58% of operators planning to implement such tech to address.

ATS 100
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The changing high street: The retailers opening and closing stores

Retail Gazette

The retail sector seems to be more divided than ever between those backing the high street and those turning away. According to the British Retail Consortium, six thousand shops have closed down in the UK in the last five years as a result of crippling business rates, a wave of administrations during the pandemic, and hesitancy around new openings. However, not all retailers are looking to downsize as some have embarked on ambitious store opening sprees.

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Beyond Meat’s Newest Ad Targets Meat Industry Attacks About Plant-Based Food Being Ultra-Processed and Unhealthy

Retail Wire

Beyond Meat has launched a new ad titled “There’s Goodness Here” to counter criticisms from the meat industry about plant-based meats being ultra-processed and unhealthy. The ad features a North Dakota farmer named Steven, who grows fava beans, one of the ingredients in Beyond’s products, to emphasize the “goodness” in their ingredients and production process.

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Jigsaw boss: UK is ‘black sheep’ of Europe without tax-free shopping

Retail Gazette

The boss of Jigsaw Beth Butterwick has said Britain is now the “black sheep” of Europe by not offering tax-free shopping incentives. Speaking to the Times the chief executive of the high street fashion retailer said London was being left behind as tourists take to Paris, Madrid and Milan to shop instead. “From left-wing governments in Spain to Conservatives in Italy, European countries have put competitive financial incentives in place to lure international shoppers.

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The Personalization Playbook: 2024 Strategies

Did you know—74% of IT leaders are looking to improve their tech stack to offer better personalization? It’s impossible to ignore the importance of personalization, but it comes with challenges. How do you do it with a tight budget? What about customer privacy and the use of data? The Personalization Playbook is packed with research and insights from Orium, Talon.One, and Bloomreach and gives IT leaders answers to these tough questions, helping them shape 2024 strategies for personalization.

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MrBeast Sabotaged His Own Burger Brand, His Restaurant Partner Claims in a New Lawsuit. The YouTube Star Recently Sued the Ghost Kitchen Operator, Accusing It of Making ‘Terrible Quality’ Food.

Retail Wire

Virtual Dining Concepts (VDC), the restaurant company behind MrBeast Burger, has countersued YouTube star Jimmy Donaldson (MrBeast) for breach of contract, alleging that Donaldson used his massive online presence to “torpedo” the burger brand. VDC claims that Donaldson disparaged the brand and the company through damaging social media posts and sought more lucrative deals, which.

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Pets Corner plots store expansion drive after securing new funding

Retail Gazette

Pets Corner will open 10 new stores before the end of the year after securing an eight-figure funding package from HSBC. The premium pet care retailer, which operates 150 outlets in London and the south of England, said the investment will help create up to 320 jobs as it expands across the country. The package also includes an acquisition of a small retail chain and supports a four-year capital plan to roll out more retail stores, pet spas and veterinary centres.

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Instacart Shoppers Say the Highest-Earning Orders Are Getting More Extreme, With Demands Like 72-Mile Drives

Retail Wire

Instacart shoppers are reporting that the highest-earning orders on the app have become more extreme, requiring them to shop for hundreds of items or drive over an hour to deliver the goods. This change comes after Instacart cut base pay for its shoppers last month, reducing the minimum pay from $7 to $4 per order.

Shopping 100
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Amazon sellers fear future as retailer increases payment time

Retail Gazette

Thousands of small businesses on Amazon marketplace have been left worried for their futures after the retailer informed them it would keep hold of sale proceeds for over a week. UK and continental Europe marketplace sellers were told Amazon would no longer immediately credit their accounts once an online sale was made. Instead, it said they would receive the money a week after the product had been delivered.

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How Personalized Customer Experiences Drive Retail Growth and Revenue

Speaker: Shaunna Bruton - Associate Director of Product Strategy at Orium | Sam Panzer - Director of Industry Strategy at Talon.One | Frank Passantino - Director of Product Management at Bloomreach

More and more, customers are expecting a better personalized CX. But can retailers actually deliver? Data from McKinsey shows that companies that excel in personalization increase their revenue by 40%, but despite these numbers, retailers struggle to implement customer personalization strategies. So what are the potential solutions? Join us to gain a better understanding of the current retail landscape and learn what you can do to translate personalization strategies into practical implementatio