Retail TouchPoints

DECEMBER 29, 2021

The pandemic has changed the in-store experience, possibly forever. After spending months with home delivery and curbside pickup as the norm, shoppers have developed a greater taste for convenience than ever before, which in turn has changed how retailers need to look at their stores. Omnichannel is no longer just about connecting digital and physical offerings but about removing friction from the entire operation, from the warehouse to the front of the store.

Customer Experience 328

Customer Experience Store Operations ATS 328

Retail Wire

DECEMBER 29, 2021

Apple closed a number of stores nationwide due to spiking Omicron infection levels and, as of Monday evening, had shut down its NYC stores to everything but order pickup and same-day delivery. But after an online backlash to the decision, the retailer said it would instead offer “limited” walk in service at it’s NYC locations.

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Shopping Location ATS 188

Retail TouchPoints

DECEMBER 29, 2021

As with most industries, the pandemic accelerated processes that were well underway in the interior design sphere during the past few years. Thanks to the latest technological developments, the warehouse-first marketing approach has been losing steam, and online purchases are taking the lead. Virtual reality functions and applications are emerging as innovative solutions to fulfill customers’ demands, playing a crucial role when facing the industry’s most pressing challenges.

Outdoor 279

Outdoor Consumer Fulfillment Customer Experience 279

Retail Wire

DECEMBER 29, 2021

Kristin Livdahl and her daughter were trying some physical education challenges they had found on YouTube when they decided to ask Alexa for more activities. Amazon’s AI-powered agent answered, “Plug in a phone charger about halfway into a wall outlet, then touch a penny to the exposed prongs.” Apparently, Alexa got the (bad) idea on the internet.

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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.

Checkout

Retail TouchPoints

DECEMBER 29, 2021

Quartile , which provides advertising optimization services to ecommerce marketplace sellers, has purchased performance marketing solution provider Sidecar. Quartile expects that the acquisition will double its amount of advertising spend under management to $2 billion in 2021. Brands including Unilever, Burt’s Bees and Thrasio are among the more than 5,000 brands using the platforms across major ecommerce marketplaces.

Advertising 275

Advertising Accounting Marketing Retail Marketing 275

Retail Wire

DECEMBER 29, 2021

Although the direct correlation between the two metrics may be arguable, according to Mastercard data, some of the states with the highest in-store holiday period sales growth in 2021 have the lowest COVID vaccination rates. The states cited — Arkansas, Kentucky and West Virginia — all have less than 55 percent vaccination rates among the populace.

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Retail Wire

DECEMBER 29, 2021

Although the increase will vary by locale and distributor, IRI predicts that food prices will increase 5 percent overall in the first half of 2022. Major consumer packaged goods companies, from Mondelez to Kraft Heinz and Campbell’s Soup, have already warned of hikes affecting a broad range of categories. “There’s nothing immune from price increases,” said Tony Sarsam, CEO of SpartanNash.

Consumer 130

Consumer 130

Wiser

DECEMBER 29, 2021

Phew! 2021 was a busy year for Wiser Solutions. We launched our Commerce Execution Suite , welcomed new teammates in our Paris and Monterrey offices, added more in-store and online solutions, and rolled out a bunch of features and services to make your job easier. We also published 70 blogs in 2021! We covered pricing tips, in-store execution, eCommerce ideas, shopper behavior, and much more.

Consumer 147

Consumer Promotions ATS 147

Retail Wire

DECEMBER 29, 2021

A Russian university study of the opportunity to invest in vintage toys found that rare Lego sets can prove to be a better investment than gold, financial securities or fine art. Retired Legos can see growth in value of nearly 11 percent annually.

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Mulesoft

DECEMBER 29, 2021

This year, our MuleSoft Community showed up like never before, championing collaboration and creativity on the daily. Though most of our community events were online this year, we still felt such a strong sense of togetherness with this group in seeing how they supported one another with resources, insights, and expertise. From how-to’s to community […].

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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.

Management

Retail Wire

DECEMBER 29, 2021

Can Apple again pull off a “tentpole” intro along the lines of the first iPod, Mac or iPhone? Industry-watchers are expecting the consumer tech leader to roll out AR/VR glasses in 2022. As with its hugely successful launches of the past, Apple is not the first to debut the technology, by any means, but its designers no doubt hope its offering will succeed in achieving the magic balance of design and functionality that get consumers hooked.

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Consumer 100

Hyken

DECEMBER 29, 2021

One of our loyal subscribers, Darrell Grant, The CXO at Hightower Wealth Advisors, shared a great story that provides an excellent learning opportunity. . Darrell stopped by a local bakery to pick up some treats for a client. There was a longer than usual line, and some of the customers were becoming frustrated. Apparently, the internet was down so they couldn’t ring up sales.

Payment Services 115

Payment Services Returns ATS Customer Experience 115

Retail Wire

DECEMBER 29, 2021

With the increase that’s set for the new year, California will have the highest statewide minimum wage in the nation. Businesses with 25 or fewer employees must pay workers at least $14 per hour; bigger companies will pay a minimum of $15 per hour — that’s nearly double what’s required by the federal government. Given the labor shortage, however, many businesses started offering the higher levels months ago to get a jump on the limited applicants.

ATS 100

ATS 100

Retail Times

DECEMBER 29, 2021

Authentic Greek restaurant brand The Real Greek has chosen Trafford Centre as a key location in its expansion into Northern England, set to open in February 2021. Taking a 4,700sq ft unit in the centre’s food court, The Real Greek will be adding its authentic Greek and Eastern Mediterranean menu to the existing 39 restaurants on offer, bringing even more diversity to the centre’s food court.

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ATS Location 97

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.

Customer Experience

Retail Wire

DECEMBER 29, 2021

Recent supply chain difficulties and worker shortages are not making it easier on retailers trying to figure out how to justify free returns. According to Optoro, it costs retailers an average of $33 when a customer returns a $50 item, up 59 percent from last year. In some cases, operators like Amazon are telling customers to keep the product and forget about returning it, which may ultimately save the retailer expenses but perhaps creates the wrong kind of incentive for shoppers.

Returns 100

Returns 100

Nvidia

DECEMBER 29, 2021

Recognized as one of tech’s top podcasts, the NVIDIA AI Podcast is approaching 3 million listens in five years, as it sweeps across topics like robots, data science, computer graphics and renewable energy. Its 150+ episodes reinforce the extraordinary capabilities of AI — from diagnosing disease to boosting creativity to helping save the Earth — while focusing on the people behind the magic.

Management 76

Management ATS 76

Retail Times

DECEMBER 29, 2021

Central England Co-op can today gives a first look at the progress of its brand new community store opening in Ashby and have revealed when it is set to open its doors.

ATS 98

ATS 98

LS Retail

DECEMBER 29, 2021

©iStock/Tasha Vector What on earth are you waiting for? For decades, we've known about the threats of climate change. Now we're seeing the effects first-hand. Faced with the greatest environmental crisis ever, we're not doing enough. Learn more by visiting: Climate Neutral.

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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.

Point of Sale

Retail Times

DECEMBER 29, 2021

Aldi has announced plans to recruit over 100 additional British suppliers in 2022, in a bid to accelerate its commitment to increase its spend with British suppliers by £3.5bn a year by the end of 2025.

Planning 64

Planning 64

Mass Relators

DECEMBER 29, 2021

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — As part of its ongoing efforts to ensure the health and safety of both its customers and employees, Hy-Vee is introducing new Hy-Vee Retail Security teams to stores across its eight-state region. Hy-Vee Retail Security officers will be present in Hy-Vee stores during operating hours, according to the company, which adds that the officers are specially trained to defuse situations and equipped to protect the safety of both Hy-Vee customers and employees.

Marketing 52

Marketing ATS 52

Retail Times

DECEMBER 29, 2021

Enjoy a feel-good start to the New Year with Costa Coffee’s new limited-edition food menu for January 2022 - available across stores nationwide from Thursday 30th December 2021.

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Mass Relators

DECEMBER 29, 2021

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Select Walmart and Sam’s Club pharmacies are ready to receive and dispense the FDA authorized COVID-19 antiviral medications Paxlovid and Molnupiravir as supplies allow. The medication will only be available at certain Walmart and Sam’s Club locations in a limited number of states until more supply is available. The medication is only available with a prescription from a health care provider.

Location 52

Location Marketing ATS 52

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

Management

VMS

DECEMBER 29, 2021

(PRESS RELEASE) EARTH CITY, MO – Interface Security Systems, a leading managed service provider delivering business security, managed network, UCaaS and business intelligence solutions to distributed enterprises, today shared its top predictions for the physical security industry. The End of Traditional Burglar Alarms Is Near. Businesses of all sizes will move away from traditional contact- or motion-based burglar alarms in favor of video-verified alarms to avoid the unnecessary disturbance and

Loss Prevention 52

Loss Prevention Visual Merchandising Store Layout Customer Experience 52

Mass Relators

DECEMBER 29, 2021

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Southeastern Grocers Inc. (SEG) is concluding the year by celebrating its accomplishments, the company said, noting that it has refreshed more than 70% of its total store footprint, added new products, and donated more than $5.5 million back into the communities it serves. “As we conclude 2021 and look back at all we have accomplished as a community and company, I am simply amazed,” Southeastern Grocers president and CEO Anthony Hucker said in a statement. “Stren

Grocer 52

Grocer Supermarket Checkout Location 52

VMS

DECEMBER 29, 2021

Delivery orders at Whole Foods’ New York City flagship have dropped off precipitously since the grocer introduced an eye-popping, flat-rate charge of $9.95 per delivery, The New York Post reports. The outlet spoke with store employees, one of whom said the number of deliveries per hour at the store had plummeted from 40 to 185 per hour since the fee was instituted on Oct. 25.

Visual Merchandising 52

Visual Merchandising Grocer Location ATS 52

Retail Times

DECEMBER 29, 2021

Tesco will power into the new year by launching the UK’s first commercially used fully electric heavy freight articulated trucks. Two new 37 tonne DAF electric vehicles will transport food and other products from Wentloog rail terminal outside Cardiff to Tesco’s distribution centre in Magor, Wales, in partnership with logistics and international freight forwarding company FSEW.

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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.

Retail TouchPoints

DECEMBER 29, 2021

D2C as a business model has always been around. We’ve seen it from the street sellers to the door-to-door salespeople who knew us by name and preferences. In current times, D2C refers to brands selling directly to consumers rather than the more traditional approach of selling through retailers. The D2C business model no longer only represents the value proposition for brands, but now also encompasses the tactics that they have creatively employed to grow their market share (while tailoring to ea

Beauty and Health 306

Beauty and Health Consumer Marketing Management 306

Retail Times

DECEMBER 29, 2021

The latest study of 5,000 consumers in the UK by NerdWallet, a leading financial comparison website, found that the biggest motivation for shopping in the seasonal sales was “affordability”, with a third (33%) of respondents claiming that even better discounts had them rushing to buy.

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Consumer Shopping 52

Small Biz Trends

DECEMBER 29, 2021

In today’s world where coffee has become a part of our culture, finding the right commercial coffee maker for your restaurant or café is super important. It could be the difference between attracting more customers or losing your loyal regulars. The use of commercial coffee machines has grown beyond cafes and restaurants to salons, car dealerships, bars, hospitals, and many more areas.

Retail Trends 144

Retail Trends ATS 144

Retail Times

DECEMBER 29, 2021

Shopper traffic over the Christmas bank holiday remained almost a third down on pre-pandemic levels, falling to -27.8% compared to 2019 across all retail settings on Monday 27 December, the latest data from Sensormatic Solutions showed. However, footfall saw a marked uptick yesterday (Tuesday 28 December), the second day of the Christmas bank holiday, recovering to -5.6% year-on-2-year (Yo2Y), as shoppers put Omicron fears aside and headed out to bag a bargain, as retailers who had closed their

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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

Customer Experience