Tue.Aug 29, 2023

article thumbnail

How Verizon Personalizes CX, from Engagement to Post Purchase

Retail TouchPoints

Today’s consumers rely on their smartphones for, well, just about everything, and Verizon recognizes just how important that connection is. That’s why the retailer and mobile service provider uses multiple technology solutions to create a personalized shopping experience at scale. And it’s a very large scale: on an annual basis, Verizon gets 48 million visits to its stores, 66 million visits to its call centers and engages in 22 million chats with customers, and the company employs 14,000 associ

article thumbnail

The Body Shop launches new concept store in Brisbane

Inside Retail

The Body Shop has launched its new concept store, Changemakers’ Workshop, in Brisbane’s Queen St, aiming to raise people’s awareness about the environment. Featuring circularity as the heart of this retail concept, the store has been furnished with sustainable fixtures including repurposed wood and recyclable plastics. It also has 100 per cent recycled countertops made of recycled plastic headed for the landfill, along with a bespoke mural ‘You Are Here’ by local Indigenous artist, R

Shopping 246
Insiders

Sign Up for our Newsletter

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

article thumbnail

E.l.f. Expands Skin Care Lineup with $355M Acquisition of Naturium

Retail TouchPoints

E.l.f. Beauty has acquired the fast-growing skin care brand Naturium for $355 million in a combination of cash and stock. The acquisition is expected to close around Sept. 30, 2023 and will double E.l.f.’s presence in the skin care category to approximately 18% of the company’s retail sales. “Naturium aligns with E.l.f. Beauty’s vision to create a different kind of beauty company with brands built to disrupt norms, shape culture and connect communities through positivity, inclusivity and accessi

article thumbnail

Soft consumer demand dents City Chic’s sales, fuelling loss

Inside Retail

Global plus-size fashion retailer City Chic says sales declined 15.8 per cent in the June financial year driven by soft consumer demand in all markets. For the 12 months to July 2, group sales were $268.4 million as demand remained volatile across its markets, despite a 12 per cent increase in the active customer base to 970,000. The company reported an operating loss of $45 million and an underlying loss of $24 million.

Consumer 246
article thumbnail

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.

article thumbnail

10 Key Tips for Scaling Personalization in Retail

Retail TouchPoints

Fast-moving innovation is a tricky thing. What was a surprise-and-delight experience for customers two years ago is now an expectation. And when that expectation isn’t met, it’s a big problem. For example, according to Forbes , 71% of B2C customers expect companies to deliver personalized interactions and 70% are frustrated when they don’t. Personalization is the act of tailoring an experience based on information a company has learned about an individual.

article thumbnail

Recovery mode: What QSR chains can learn from Domino’s FY23 performance

Inside Retail

It stands to reason that quick-service restaurants like Domino’s would be well positioned in a challenging economic environment, with consumers seeking affordable luxuries. However, a series of management missteps contributed to an underwhelming financial performance for the pizza behemoth in FY23. The contributions are set to be felt by Domino’s workforce, with significant job cuts being flagged for the year ahead.

More Trending

article thumbnail

ELF Beauty buys rival brand Naturium for $355 million

Inside Retail

American multi-brand cosmetics company ELF Beauty has signed a definitive agreement to acquire skincare brand Naturium for US$355 million. The acquisition, expected to settle late next month, will double ELF Beauty’s presence in the skincare market to about 18 per cent of retail sales. Naturium was launched by brand accelerator The Center in 2019 with Susan Yara joining as a founder the following year.

Marketing 245
article thumbnail

Tech budget, Advertising clutter, and Retail peak season - Weekly Snacks #69

Tokinomo

Campaign corner Hot dog straw. Yes, it is important to focus on sustainability in retail that is why the plastic straw has been replaced by paper straws. But what about a hot dog straw ? Apparently, Oscar Mayer wants to launch a hot dog straw, perfect for sipping your cold beer at the game.

article thumbnail

Dusk plans e-commerce overhaul as sales slip

Inside Retail

Home fragrance retailer Dusk Group has reported a marginal sales decline as cost-conscious consumers tighten their spending. For the year to July 2, sales reached $137.6 million, down 0.6 per cent with like-for-like sales of 13.2 per cent and online sales of $7.5 million. Average transaction value fell 5.7 per cent to $51 driven by cost-conscious consumers while active Dusk rewards members reached 735,000 and accounted for 62 per cent of total sales.

Planning 242
article thumbnail

Grubhub Deploys Cashierless Checkouts at Campus C-Store

Retail TouchPoints

Using the Amazon “Just Walk Out” technology, Grubhub Campus has introduced cashierless checkout at convenience stores at Loyola University Maryland. Students, faculty and staff scan a QR code to enter the store, pick their items and leave, with the payment deducted from their student meal plan or other stored payment methods. The technology uses AI-powered computer vision and deep-learning techniques, including generative AI, to determine who took what in a retail environment.

Checkout 175
article thumbnail

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.

article thumbnail

Mosaic plans 40 new mega stores after network cull spurs profit turnaround

Inside Retail

Mosaic Brands, the Australian apparel retail group, says it will open 40 new large-sized ‘mega stores’ this financial year as it transitions into what it describes as “a more ageless, value-driven, big-box retailer”. The plans were revealed along with the group’s annual result which saw a $33.5 million turnaround from a loss of $16.4 million last year to EBITA of $17.1 million in the year to June 30.

Planning 241
article thumbnail

Madison Reed, America’s Best Loved Hair Color Brand, Expands Into Walmart

Retail Wire

Madison Reed, a popular hair color brand, has announced its expansion into Walmart stores nationwide, allowing greater access to its high-quality hair care products. The partnership aligns well with Walmart’s demographic and evolving digital brand, offering a sophisticated online experience. Madison Reed’s products will be available in over 1,500 Walmart stores and online, catering to.

100
100
article thumbnail

H&M Singapore unveils green facade and AR experiences in flagship revamp

Inside Retail

H&M Singapore has officially relaunched its Orchard Building flagship store in Singapore. After a five-month makeover, customers can enjoy a new store layout, digitised shopping experience and the official introduction of H&M Home. Previously a seasonal pop-up during the brand’s annual holiday campaign, the H&M Home section is now a permanent part of the flagship store, providing a diverse range of home accessories for living spaces, bathrooms and bedrooms.

article thumbnail

The Job Is Never Done: How Crocs’ Dan Marques Is Fighting Back Knockoffs on Retail Marketplaces

Retail Wire

Crocs, known for its iconic clogs, faces challenges from knockoffs and gray market resellers in online retail marketplaces like Amazon. Dan Marques, SVP of global digital commerce at Crocs, oversees the team that handles marketplace control, which has become a top priority after Crocs acquired the Hey Dude brand. Marques explains how Crocs manages its.

article thumbnail

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.

article thumbnail

Packaged air is a big problem in grocery retail. Here’s what can be done

Inside Retail

Prior to Covid-19, I attended a retail sustainability conference in London. I came away with an anecdote that sums up the conundrum facing retailers and marketers today. Dave Lewis, the now ex-CEO of Tesco, was talking about Tesco’s unseen initiatives to take action on sustainability. He introduced the concept of packaged air. Over time, brands in some categories have gradually increased the size of their packaging, out of whack with the contents within, to get more stand-out on a shelf.

article thumbnail

Bed Bath & Beyond Shareholders Left Holding ‘Worthless Stock’ as Bankruptcy Hearing Approaches

Retail Wire

Bed Bath & Beyond’s shares continue to trade at high volumes despite the fact that the company is weeks away from potentially being declared worthless due to its ongoing Chapter 11 bankruptcy case. The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in April and subsequently closed its physical stores while Overstock acquired its intellectual property.

ATS 100
article thumbnail

How Gen Z’s love for thrifting got fashion brands to finally embrace resale

Inside Retail

It’s no secret that secondhand fashion has been having a moment for the past few years. According to a report conducted by ThredUp, an online consignment and thrift store, the US secondhand market is expected to reach (US$70 billion) by 2027. Globally, the market is expected to reach (US$350 billion) in the same time period. Thanks in large part to TikTok and Gen Z’s love of thrifting and vintage fashion, the resale market has never been more robust.

Fashion 130
article thumbnail

IHOP Rolls Out Biscuits Menu Nationwide for the First Time as the Chain Fights Slowing Sales

Retail Wire

IHOP, renowned for its pancakes, is introducing its biscuits menu nationwide for the first time, expanding its menu beyond its signature item. Despite diversifying its offerings, IHOP’s recent strategy has struggled to offset cautious consumer spending, with its latest quarter’s same-store sales growing just 2.1%. The chain hopes the new biscuits menu, featuring options such.

Consumer 100
article thumbnail

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.

article thumbnail

Flight Centre posts strong recovery as trading climate improves

Inside Retail

Brisbane-based global travel agency Flight Centre Travel Group reported EBITDA of $301.6 million for FY23, an approximately $485 million turnaround from last year’s loss. Total transaction value grew 112 per cent to $22 billion, the company’s second-strongest result. Results were heavily 2H weighted, with almost 70 per cent of underlying EBITDA generated during the six months ended June 30, reflecting improved market conditions after travel restrictions were removed globally, improved industry d

Returns 130
article thumbnail

Instacart’s Profitability Relies in Part on Batching Orders Together — Something That Its Gig Workers Hate

Retail Wire

Instacart’s recent IPO filing revealed a strategy that has contributed to its profitability: increasing the “batch rate,” or the number of orders fulfilled in one trip by gig workers. By pushing its workers to handle multiple orders simultaneously, the company aimed to boost efficiency and reduce fulfillment costs and time. However, this practice, known as.

article thumbnail

Ikea pilots ‘car boot sale’ concept in sustainability push

Retail Gazette

Ikea is piloting car boot sale-style events to encourage customers to buy pre-loved home furnishings as part of its circular economy push. The initiative is launching at its Milton Keynes and Cardiff stores this weekend, running from 9am to 12pm. With the free to attend events, the Swedish furniture giant is encouraging the public to pass on their used goods as well as shop more second-hand.

article thumbnail

The China-Japan Seafood War Could Have an Unlikely Winner: Russia

Retail Wire

Amid China’s ban on Japanese seafood imports due to concerns over treated radioactive water, Russia sees an opportunity to increase its seafood exports to the Chinese market. Russia, already a major supplier of marine products to China, aims to capitalize on the ban and expand its certified companies and product volume. As Russia faces international.

Marketing 100
article thumbnail

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

article thumbnail

Natura & Co explores sale of The Body Shop

Retail Gazette

The Body Shop owner Natura & Co is considering a possible sale of the UK retailer after struggling to revive its fortunes post-pandemic. The beauty conglomerate said on Monday it was exploring “strategic alternatives” for its skincare unit, which it acquired from L’Oréal in 2017 for £857m. A sale of the natural beauty retailer – valued at £405m – is the most likely outcome, according to J.P Morgan analysts, following the sale of its Aesop brand to L’Oréal for £2bn back in April.

Shopping 109
article thumbnail

Target Employees Like the Company’s Higher Wages and Benefits, but Some Say It’s One of the Most Stressful Retail Jobs

Retail Wire

While Target is known for offering competitive wages and benefits, current and former employees have highlighted some challenges and drawbacks of working at the retail giant. Many workers feel that the demands and expectations of the job go beyond what’s typically expected in a retail role, often involving multitasking and adapting to various tasks due.

ATS 100
article thumbnail

The Perfume Shop Unveils Revamped Experience Store at Festival Place

365 Retail

The Perfume Shop recently inaugurated its updated, experience-centric store at Festival Place in Basingstoke on August 25, 2023. This distinguished retailer, which celebrated its 30th anniversary in the previous year, continues to showcase a broad selection of the latest perfume launches, celebrity-endorsed fragrances, and iconic designer scents. Customers can also benefit from the expertise of a specialized in-store team offering professional advice.

Shopping 106
article thumbnail

Exclusive: Twinkies Maker Hostess Brands Explores Sale Amid Takeover Interest, Sources Say

Retail Wire

Hostess Brands, the maker of Twinkies snack cakes, is reportedly exploring a sale following interest from major snack food companies like General Mills, Mondelez International, PepsiCo, and Hershey. The company raised prices on some of its products to boost revenue, which led to investor concerns about its prospects. Hostess has hired Morgan Stanley as its.

100
100
article thumbnail

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.

article thumbnail

Wilko: Bidder criticises administrators as redundancies put on hold

Retail Gazette

Wilko bidder M2 Capital has criticised administrators at PwC over whether the process was “fair and transparent” as pressure mounts for a rescue deal to made. The private equity firm wrote to the chair of PwC Bob Moritz on Tuesday to complain about the bidding process after submitting an offer of “more than $100m”. It comes as the value retailer’s employees were given reprieve as job cuts were put on hold while administrators considered last-minute offers.

Finance 104
article thumbnail

The Difference Between What Customers Want and What They Need

Hyken

Many years ago, I walked into an Ace Hardware store to find a new hinge for a swinging door. When I showed the salesperson my broken hinge, he asked if I was open to a suggestion. He sold me a better hinge that was less expensive. Who could argue with that? I had no idea that years later, I would write about this example in one of my books, Amaze Every Customer Every Time.

article thumbnail

Wilko: Who’s in the running to buy the collapsed retailer?

Retail Gazette

The future of Wilko remains in limbo this week as administrators race to secure a rescue deal for the stricken retailer. The value retail chain collapsed into administration earlier this month – putting 12,500 jobs on the line – after teetering on the brink of collapse for several months. Although adminstrator PwC had revealed last week that Wilko stores would close and staff would be made redundant as there was “no prospect that the majority of the business will be saved”

article thumbnail

Returning to Cisco: Discovering Company Values and Culture Matter the Most

Cisco Retail

So, what happens when the Great Resignation turns into the great resurrection back to the company you first loved? Well, you get me, Janene Baker, a Talent Acquisition leader who, almost two years ago, was a part of the trend of employees who left for newer and what could’ve been perceived as better opportunities at other companies. Cisco and I have a lot of history.

Returns 98
article thumbnail

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