Tue.May 16, 2023

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Is Retail Media the New Walled Garden and is that a Bad Thing?

Retail TouchPoints

With the proliferation of retail media properties, it’s beginning to feel like the digital economy is producing walled gardens faster than baby rabbits. This is actually a healthy development. These walled gardens don’t necessarily carry the baggage of the big original ones, and even when they do, it’s a net positive to the broader marketing ecosystem.

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Fashion recommerce on the rise – Afterpay report

Inside Retail

Australian shoppers are increasingly buying and selling second-hand clothing items and want more sustainable, gender-diverse and inclusive brands, according to a new report by Afterpay. The rise of recommerce – the selling of previously owned products – is evident with 67 per cent of respondents saying they had bought or sold second-hand clothing items.

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Home Depot Posts 4.2% Sales Decline Following Years of ‘Unprecedented Growth’

Retail TouchPoints

The Home Depot posted its weakest quarter in years, with Q1 2023 seeing a 4.5% comparable sales decline year-over-year. Total sales were $37.3 billion , down 4.2% from Q1 2022. The declines were attributed to a slowdown following three years of “unprecedented growth” in which the retailer boosted its sales by over $47 billion , according to President and CEO Ted Decker.

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Mathers parent snaps up Bobux from receivership

Inside Retail

Australian company Munro Footwear Group (MFG) has rescued New Zealand kids’ shoe company Bobux International from receivership. MFG owns and sells brands including Mountfords, Midas, Mollini, Mathers, Williams, Cinori, Ziera, Colorado and Diana Ferrari. It operates more than 290 stores in Australia and employs 2500 staff. In a LinkedIn announcement, Bobux International said MFG has a “shared passion for a customer-centric approach” which aligned well with the brand.

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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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Bryan Palbaum to Take the Helm at Trader Joe’s as Long-Time CEO Retires

Retail TouchPoints

Dan Bane, Chairman and CEO of Trader Joe’s , will retire after more than two decades in the post at the end of the company’s fiscal year on July 2, 2023. Current President and COO Bryan Palbaum will take over as Chairman and CEO at that time, and current President of Stores Jon Basalone will be promoted to Vice CEO and President. Bane has been with Trader Joe’s for more than 25 years, the last 22 as the Chairman and CEO.

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Ikea Australia trials electric delivery tuk-tuks in Sydney

Inside Retail

Ikea Australia is trialling making customer deliveries in metro areas by two electric tuk-tuks as it looks for ways to reach zero emissions company-wide. The two electric tuk-tuks, both powered by 9kWh swappable batteries, will deliver parcels within a 10km radius of Ikea Tempe until August 16. Tiffany Mosura-Lesnock, manager for Ikea Tempe, said electric vehicles are “shaping the future of delivery” around the globe.

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Stylerunner GM Ryan Edelmuth leaves Accent Group to head startup

Inside Retail

Activewear brand Stylerunner’s GM Ryan Edelmuth has stepped back from the business to lead high chair startup, Catchy. Founded in 2012, Stylerunner is a multi-brand retailer that sells luxe and premium activewear from global and emerging brands and is owned by the Accent Group. In a LinkedIn post, Edelmuth described his time with Stylerunner as a “career highlight” and added: “After an incredible nine years at Accent Group, last week was my final week.” He said the highlight of his time wi

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Peloton Plans ‘Relaunch’ to Expand Awareness, but Faces Another Recall

Retail TouchPoints

Peloton is planning to relaunch its brand as the struggling fitness company works to shed its old image, but the process will run alongside a new recall involving more than 2.1 million potentially faulty original Bikes. Relaunch plans include a new tiered subscription model, as well as efforts to inform shoppers that it does other things than sell exercise bikes, according to a letter to investors.

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From sky high to ruffled feathers – behind Allbirds’ struggle to diversify

Inside Retail

Global footwear retailer Allbirds has continued to struggle since going public in 2021, with sales slowing and financial losses widening. But does this financial performance signify a shift in consumer preferences, or is it primarily due to a series of decisions made by the company? The certified B-Corp brand – which specialises in woollen shoes, and designed what was dubbed the world’s first zero-carbon shoe – recently announced a net loss of over US$35 million for the first quarter of 2023, up

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Artificial intelligence in Retail: Great ways to use it

Tokinomo

Everybody has heard about ChatGPT. While this is the most well-known use of artificial intelligence, this technology is quickly spreading in all industries. AI has been growing in importance in various industries due to its ability to process and analyze large amounts of data, make predictions and recommendations, automate repetitive tasks, and improve overall efficiency.

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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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Best & Less reports ‘inconsistent’ trading, revises profit expectations

Inside Retail

Discount apparel retailer Best & Less Group (BLG) says trading conditions were “inconsistent” through the March and April months of the second half year. In a trading update for the 19 weeks to May 14, sales were up 1.8 per cent to $221.9 million when compared to the previous corresponding period. Like-for-like sales were down 1.4 per cent while online sales fell 18.2 per cent.

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Sprinter launches its most ambitious project, a megastore where shopping is a total experience

Retail Focus

Sprinter, the multi-brand sports retailer, opens its most ambitious store to date in Parque Comercial Alcora Plaza de Alcorcón, in Madrid. A great location, which see the launch of a new store format and concept focussed more on experiences, where the consumer will be able to try the products and have the advice of specialists to find the best products for their needs.

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Victoria’s Secret steps into Queensland, opens at Pacific Fair

Inside Retail

Victoria’s Secret is to expand its Australian reach by opening its first full-service store in Pacific Fair, at Broadbeach, Queensland. Pacific Fair The US brand says the new store offers designs that provide customers with a one-of-a-kind shopping experience. The store will feature an open concept with streamlined navigation and an improved fitting-room experience.

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Boohoo sees DC transforming its U.S. business

Retail Wire

Boohoo, the British online fashion retailer, is opening a distribution center in Elizabethtown, PA, its first in the U.S. The American market is Boohoo’s largest outside the UK. “Once we’re up and running in the U.S., 95% of the U.S. we will cover in three days,” said Boohoo CEO John Lyttle. “It’s a complete game changer for us.

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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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Why it’s time to unpack the complex world of ‘green’ packaging

Inside Retail

As today’s customers demand more sustainability, retailers are re-examining the impact of their packaging decisions, in order to remain both competitive and cost efficient. Globally, retailers are prioritising a fundamental re-think of their delivery chains, coming up with new ways to address the waste challenge. Packaging matters to customers (a lot) Today, customers want to receive their goods in sustainable packaging (namely without plastic) with 73 per cent reporting they intend to cha

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OpenAI CEO to testify before Congress

Retail Wire

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman will testify today before Congress to answer questions about the role and risks of artificial intelligence to help lawmakers determine how best to regulate the technology.

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Target US aims to simplify returns. Here’s why that’s easier said than done

Inside Retail

Target US is making shopping easier for customers with the option to make product returns right from their cars at no extra cost. This is one of the latest enhancements to the retailer’s popular ‘Drive Up’ service. The new returns service is already available at over 500 stores across the US and is expected to reach all 2000 Target locations in the next few months.

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Hybrid work is the office norm

Retail Wire

Fifty-eight percent of companies allow office employees to work a portion of their week remotely, according to Scoop Technologies. The number of companies requiring five days in the office has declined to 42 percent, down from 49 percent three months ago.

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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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“I hate rules”: How designer Mariam Seddiq is disrupting high-end fashion

Inside Retail

Since launching her label in 2015, Australian designer Mariam Seddiq has forged her own path in the fashion industry, embracing diversity and gaining acclaim for her colourful and architectural garments. Ahead of her runway show at this year’s Afterpay Australian Fashion Week, we spoke with Seddiq about her creative process and what’s next for her business.

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Retail sales increased in April

Retail Wire

U.S. retail sales in April grew 0.4 percent, according to the Commerce Department. Sales for March were revised downward to 0.7 percent from 0.6 percent. The growth in retail sales and jobs in April suggested that the underlining economy remains strong.

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Red Rooster, Cold Rock stores charged with child labour law breaches

Inside Retail

Victoria’s wage watchdog has levelled hundreds of new charges against franchises accused of breaching child labour laws, just weeks before the state overhauls its permit system. On Monday, ABC‘s 7.30 reported Wage Inspectorate Victoria is pressing 355 criminal charges against the Red Rooster Wodonga franchise, whose proprietors are accused of employing 10 children under the age of 15, without the relevant permit, on 168 occasions.

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Target seeks to establish grocery cred

Retail Wire

Americans are reducing discretionary purchases to focus on everyday staples. Target is looking to capture a greater share of those purchases with an increased emphasis on its grocery business, including developing its own unique private-label items. Groceries account for 21 percent of Target’s sales, compared to rival Walmart’s 60 percent.

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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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Missing or damaged online deliveries cost $224.3 million, research reveals

Inside Retail

Research has found that nearly a third of Australian consumers have had a parcel stolen, lost or damaged in a 12-month period – including instances of doorstep parcel theft. Research by Australian fintech company Ship-Safely found that about 82 per cent of Australians made an online purchase last year spending up to $63.8 billion. Between May 2021 and April last year, $224.3 million worth of goods went missing or were damaged with the problem worst in Adelaide, followed by Sydney, Brisbane and M

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Hublot’s social responsibility partnerships

Retail Focus

With the world becoming more eco-conscious with each year that passes, both consumers and companies are taking action to promote sustainability and ethical conduct. This might involve analysing product materials and packaging or contributing towards environmental endeavours. Luxury watch brand Hublot is one such business that is prioritising social responsibility.

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Taco Bell files suit to set Taco Tuesdays free

Retail Wire

Taco Bell has asked the US Patent and Trademark Office to cancel Taco John’s “Taco Tuesday” trademark after 34 years, claiming it “should be freely available to all who make, sell, eat and celebrate tacos.” Companies now need Taco John’s consent to run Taco Tuesday promotions.

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Customer Service Is Like Dating

Hyken

I like the title of this article, but perhaps a more appropriate title might be: Customer Service Is Like Being Married. The buying cycle for a customer typically includes a little research, talking to a salesperson, making the purchase, and whatever happens after the sale. This can include follow-up from the salesperson, dealing with customer service for a problem, or any interaction you have with the company or brand after the sale is made.

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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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Restaurant service fees are here to stay

Retail Wire

Restaurants have been adding service fees to meal tabs and it’s unclear to patrons and some employees where the money is going. Street to Kitchen, a Thai restaurant in Houston, last year added a 22 percent service fee. “If we didn’t have the service charge, we might be out of business in a couple weeks,” said Graham Painter, who runs the restaurant with his wife, Benchawan Jabthong Painter.

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Cisco’s Comprehensive Security Portfolio Includes Cloud Native Application Security

Cisco Retail

IT Security Isn’t Easy Providing IT security might be the one thing that’s more difficult than providing physical security – there’s more threat actors, the threat landscape is always increasing and t… Read more on Cisco Blogs

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Home Depot’s sales felled by bad weather and cheap lumber in 1Q

Retail Wire

Home Depot’s same-store sales fell 4.5 percent in the first quarter, below the 1.42 percent decrease expected by analysts. The chain’s total revenues fell 4.2 percent year-over-year during the quarter. Ted Decker, president and CEO of the home improvement retailer, said “lumber deflation and unfavorable weather” affected the chain’s results.

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What to Know About Cash Advances for Small Businesses

National Retail Solutions

There is an old phrase that states, “It takes money to make money.” Small business owners are keen on this expression, especially when circumstances beyond their control upend a normally smooth cash flow. This is particularly true during economic uncertainty, when access to capital can be limited, and business owners may need to get creative […] The post What to Know About Cash Advances for Small Businesses appeared first on National Retail Solutions.

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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