Fri.Jul 11, 2025

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If You’re Always Running a Sale, You’re Always Losing Margin

The Retail Doctor

Retailers who rely on discounts lose margin and loyalty. Learn why full-price selling works—and how staff training is the key to long-term growth.

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Beyond Design: How Smart UX Drives Retail Ecommerce Success

Retail TouchPoints

In today’s competitive retail ecommerce landscape, where consumer expectations are shaped by experiences from major retailers and marketplaces, brands must go beyond attractive design to deliver experiences that truly convert and retain customers. Success lies in designing digital journeys that do more than look good. They must guide users effortlessly from discovery to checkout, while fostering trust, loyalty and long-term engagement along the way.

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Maximize Profitability with Effective Retail Inventory Optimization Strategies

Small Biz Trends

Retail inventory optimization is the process of managing stock levels to meet customer demand efficiently. It’s crucial for reducing costs and minimizing waste during ensuring product availability. For instance, by accurately forecasting demand , retailers can avoid both overstock and stockouts, which can harm sales and customer satisfaction. Comprehending its significance can help you streamline operations and boost profitability.

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Usual Suspects Walmart and Amazon Lead NRF Top 100 Retailers List

Retail TouchPoints

The National Retail Federation ’s annual ranking of the Top 100 Retailers , based on 2024 U.S. sales, has remained remarkably consistent since last year, with the top 13 retail companies — led by Walmart and Amazon in the first and second spots — remaining essentially the same. Target slipped down a notch, from No. 7 to No. 8 in 2025, trading places with Walgreens Boots Alliance.

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Smart Tools & Strong Teams: A People-First Approach to AI in Sales

Speaker: Matt Sunshine, CEO at The Center for Sales Strategy

AI isn’t replacing salespeople—it’s empowering them. The most forward-thinking sales organizations are using AI to enhance human performance rather than eliminate it. From coaching and messaging to prospecting and pipeline accountability, artificial intelligence is giving managers and SDRs the new tools they need to work smarter, sell better, and close more.

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Understanding Inventory Control Importance for Business Success

Small Biz Trends

Inventory control is crucial for your business’s success. It helps you maintain ideal stock levels, ensuring you meet customer demand without overstocking. For instance, effective inventory management can reduce waste from spoilage, which directly impacts your profitability. Furthermore, it supports cash flow by minimizing holding costs. Comprehending the importance of inventory control can lead to better decision-making and improved customer satisfaction , but what specific methods can yo

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M&S unveils innovation projects to hit net zero by 2040

Retail Gazette

M&S has unveiled a series of innovation projects to support its journey to becoming net zero by 2040. The food and fashion giant said that it had a “clear glidepath” to meeting its target across its entire supply chain, which it had previously flagged as its biggest challenge in its quest for net zero by 2040. The retailer revealed it was investing £1m into funding key projects this year that look at innovative ways to lower its emissions from agriculture.

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Gamification in E-Commerce: What Retail Can Learn from Digital Games

365 Retail

The line between shopping and entertainment is becoming increasingly blurred. With consumer expectations higher than ever, e-commerce brands are borrowing strategies from an unexpected source: video games. Known as “gamification,” these techniques use elements of game design to drive engagement, loyalty, and sales. From point-scoring to interactive challenges, retailers are adopting game-like features that not only entertain but convert browsers into loyal customers.

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How Inventory Labels Improve Traceability and Reduce Shrink

Star Miconics

Inventory is one of the most valuable and vulnerable assets in any retail or foodservice business. From stock miscounts to expired goods and theft, shrink can quietly chip away at profits. And with tighter regulations and growing customer expectations, traceability and compliance are more important than ever. That’s where smart inventory labeling makes a real difference.

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Handmade Things That Sell Well: Top Ideas for Crafting Success

Small Biz Trends

If you’re looking to tap into the handmade market , there are several key items that consistently perform well. Jewelry, particularly unique and personalized pieces , often attracts buyers. Art and decor, like canvas paintings and digital prints, appeal to those wanting original home accents. Candles made with aromatic oils cater to wellness enthusiasts, whereas homemade food treats create a niche for unique flavors.

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NEXT Opens Flagship Store at Lakeside Shopping Centre

365 Retail

NEXT has opened its new flagship store at Lakeside Shopping Centre, introducing a retail space of 83,000 square feet. The launch marks one of the most significant store investments for the company to date and brings together fashion, lifestyle and wellness under one roof in a redesigned format for modern consumers. The store, now one of the largest within NEXT’s portfolio, includes a mix of brands and services beyond its core offering.

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AI In The Aisles: The Executives Guide To Better In-Store Experiences

Speaker: Steve Worthy, MBA

The rapid rise of AI-powered displays, touchless technology, and sensory marketing is reshaping the future of in-store engagement. Yet for many retail executives, the real challenge is not identifying new tools - it is knowing which signals to trust, which inputs to prioritize, and how to architect decisions that elevate in-store leadership rather than dilute it.

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Next opens flagship store at Lakeside Shopping Centre

A1 Retail

NEXT plc hhas opened its brand-new flagship store at Lakeside Shopping Centre. At 83,000 sq ft, this expansive new retail space marks one of the largest stores in NEXT’s portfolio, delivering an elevated shopping experience designed for the modern consumer. This new concept store includes a FatFace concession – the first ever within a NEXT store – alongside dedicated spaces for Bath & Body Works and Costa Coffee, making it a one-stop destination for fashion, lifestyle, and wellne

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New Whitepaper Launched to Help the Retail Industry Keep Up With AI Tech Evolution

365 Retail

Retail Express , a leading provider of merchandising solutions and services for retail, has released a new whitepaper to help retailers plot a path to Artificial Intelligence (AI) in retail. Titled ‘ Retail’s Journey To AI’ , it provides a comprehensive guide to AI integration in retail, presenting AI as a journey that retailers can undertake to gain critical advantages in efficiency, customer experience, and market competitiveness.

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Harnessing Artificial Intelligence to Transform Your Business Strategy

Small Biz Trends

Key Takeaways AI is transforming various industries, enhancing efficiency and decision-making processes across healthcare, finance, and transportation. Small businesses benefit from AI through improved social media strategies, enabling more effective customer engagement and targeted content creation. Automation of repetitive tasks and data analysis enhances productivity, allowing businesses to focus on creativity and strategic initiatives.

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Payment Fraud: How to Protect Your Business

365 Retail

Today, businesses face a great risk from payment fraud, one of the most serious threats. Criminals continue to discover new ways of defrauding both companies and customers, ranging from fake invoices to credit card thefts. Small businesses are at a higher risk because they do not have specialized security teams like large organizations that can monitor and mitigate such risks.

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New Research-Backed Strategies to Empower Managers as Culture & Engagement Leaders

Speaker: Beth Sunshine, SVP, Up Your Culture

When culture isn’t consistently lived out across the organization, engagement suffers—and it often starts with a disconnect at the top. In this session, Beth Sunshine, SVP of Up Your Culture at The Center for Sales Strategy, will reveal how HR and executive leaders can close the gap between vision and execution by equipping frontline and mid-level managers to become culture carriers.

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Rack Room Shoes names chiefs of digital, merchandise

Retail Dive

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Unlocking Small Business Growth Opportunities for Lasting Success

Small Biz Trends

Key Takeaways Identify Growth Opportunities: Recognize key growth trends such as e-commerce expansion and sustainable practices through thorough market research and data analysis. Leverage Technology: Utilize digital tools to enhance customer engagement, streamline operations, and improve marketing efforts for better market reach. Expand Product Lines: Diversify offerings based on customer needs by introducing complementary products, which can lead to increased revenue and market capture.

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The Weekly Closeout: Big 5 Sporting Goods sold, NRF goes up against New York

Retail Dive

The retailer was acquired by Worldwide Golf and Capitol Hill Group. Meanwhile, the National Retail Federation took aim at New York's new law requiring algorithmic pricing disclosures.

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GMB accuses Asda of ‘penny-pinching’ pay tactics

Retail Gazette

GMB Union bosses have sent a letter to Asda chair Allan Leighton accusing the supermarket of “penny-pinching” tactics causing worker conditions to fall behind those of its rivals. The move comes after the union claimed the retailer’s store staff were among the lowest-paid supermarket workers in the UK last week, despite their latest pay increase.

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Breaking The Commerce Bottleneck: Your SAP Exit Plan Starts Now

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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Google for Startups Unveils Gemini API Kit to Boost Small Business Innovation

Small Biz Trends

Google has launched an exciting new initiative for small businesses, introducing the Google for Startups Gemini AI Kit. This innovative toolset aims to help entrepreneurs leverage artificial intelligence to streamline operations, enhance customer engagement, and ultimately drive growth. As small business owners continue to look for ways to remain competitive, Gemini presents a powerful opportunity.

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Vuori Names New Global President

Retail TouchPoints

This article first appeared in our sister publication Shop Eat Surf Outdoor (SESO) Vuori has named Ashley Kechter as Global President with full brand and P&L leadership across all markets and channels, according to a company post on LinkedIn. Kechter has worked at a wide range of apparel and retail companies including Fabletics as Global Brand President, Banana Republic as Chief Business Officer and General Manager, Gap as SVP Global Omni Inventory Management, and Restoration Hardware as

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Tyra Banks opens first Smize & Dream ice cream store in Australia 

Inside Retail

Tyra Banks has launched the flagship location of her ice cream brand, Smize & Dream, in the heart of Sydney’s Darling Harbour. Located in front of Tumbalong Park, the store occupies a 120sqm site and introduces an approach to both retail and design. The interior was developed in collaboration with Alexa Nice, creative director at Studio A–N.

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Guess Jeans Launches Tokyo Flagship with ‘Next 40 Years of Denim’ Exhibit

Retail TouchPoints

Guess Jeans is continuing its international expansion with the opening of its latest flagship store in Tokyo, joining the brand’s flagship locations in Amsterdam, Berlin and, later this year, Los Angeles. To create buzz around the launch, Guess has brought The Next 40 Years of Denim exhibition, which had previously been on display in Florence’s Pitti Uomo, to Tokyo.

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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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Ikea to open new concept store in former Homebase unit later this month

Retail Gazette

Ikea is set to open its first “small store” in the former Homebase unit in Harlow later this month. It is the first of three new concept stores to open, with two more planned for Norwich and Chester in the coming months. The Swedish furniture giant said format has been designed to be “quick-to-market and offering a simpler, faster shopping experience, just around the corner”.

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Samsung Unveils Exciting AI Features for Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7

Small Biz Trends

Samsung’s recent announcements at Galaxy Unpacked 2025 promise a significant leap in mobile technology, particularly through enhancements in artificial intelligence (AI) on its latest devices. This update involves the Galaxy Z Fold7, Z Flip7, and Watch8 series, all of which could have notable implications for small business owners seeking efficiency and innovation.

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Nobody’s Child expands store portfolio outside of London with new Windsor location

A1 Retail

Fashion brand Nobody’s Child is delighted to announce the opening of its new 1000 sq ft standalone store in Windsor at the end of July 2025. The Windsor store will be Nobody Child’s fourth store outside of London and will stock its full clothing collection alongside jewellery, accessories, fragrance and the brand’s debut footwear launch. Designed as a timeless and inviting space, the store will feature handmade joinery alongside vintage and reclaimed furniture, selected by the in-house team.

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Primark CCO exits after nearly three years

Retail Gazette

Primark chief customer officer (CCO) Michelle McEttrick is stepping down from her role after almost three years. The executive, who joined the retailer in September 2022, is departing to “pursue a portfolio career”. Primark said McEttric played a “key role in laying strong foundations for the future of the brand” She will be succeeded by group strategy and digital director Matt Houston who will hold the position of new chief customer and digital officer Related Story Louis Vuitton UK

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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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Akeneo Introduces First AI Data Architect Agent and New PX Insights Capabilities to Prepare Enterprises for AI-Driven Commerce

365 Retail

Akeneo , the Product Experience (PX) company and global leader in Product Information Management (PIM), today delivered a set of first-of-their-kind Summer 2025 innovations designed to prepare enterprises for the arriving wave of AI-powered commerce. Headlining the release is Akeneo Data Architect Agent (DAA)—the company’s first AI agent—alongside major enhancements to PX Insights Channel Analytics Suite that decode how generative-AI shopping assistants and Google Shopping rank and display produ

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Mastering Value Selling: Strategies to Elevate Your Sales Approach

Small Biz Trends

Value selling is a strategic approach that focuses on the unique benefits of your products or services, rather than just their features or prices. This method is essential for building trust and credibility with customers. By addressing specific pain points , you encourage customers to see their purchases as investments, which can lead to greater satisfaction and loyalty.

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Tallow’s Making a Comeback, and Brands are Scaling up to Meet Demand

Rangeme

Sally Jo Reagor, New Products Coordinator for Palko Services , is on the hunt for tallow-based beauty products. Palko Services distributes to more than 2,000 natural products stores, and shoppers are increasingly asking for products made from this rendered animal fat such as soaps, shampoos and skin creams. Indeed, tallow-based products across the food and beauty categories are all the rage nowadays.

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What Can I Sell on Etsy? Creative Ideas for Your Online Shop

Small Biz Trends

Key Takeaways Etsy Marketplace Overview: Etsy is a popular platform for selling handmade goods, vintage items, and craft supplies, making it ideal for artisans and crafters. Product Categories: Key categories to consider include handmade jewelry, custom home decor, vintage clothing and collectibles, and craft supplies. Niche Markets: Focus on personalized products and eco-friendly options to tap into unique consumer interests, enhancing your appeal and customer loyalty.

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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.