Thu.Sep 21, 2023

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Co-op: Real cost of shoplifting is to physical and mental safety of staff

Retail Gazette

The Co-op has claimed the real cost of shoplifting is to the “physical and mental safety” of its staff, despite the high leakage costs experienced by the food business. Co-op group CEO Shirine Khoury-Haq highlighted leakage costs to the food business, including factor fraud, were around £33m in each one. However, she reiterated colleagues in stores had to face these issues everyday, and that it “should not be part of their job” The executive said: “We’ve been

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The Limited Role of AI in Ecommerce

Retail TouchPoints

In today’s digital age almost all of us have experienced the thrill of clicking “add to cart” and the subsequent anticipation of our purchases arriving. Yet many of us may not reflect on the multitude of interactions and emotions that succeed that singular moment. Underlying these experiences is the invisible hand of artificial intelligence, steering our post-purchase journey.

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JD Sports sees Australia as principal market in Asia Pacific

Inside Retail

JD Sports Fashion said it considers Australia a principal market in Asia Pacific on the back of the inauguration of the flagship store in Sydney, which the company says is its most successful new store opening globally. The UK-headquartered sports fashion retailer opened the flagship store in Sydney in August and said it is on track to relocate its Sydney distribution centre to a new expanded site in FY24, as it anticipates the next stage of growth.

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Treat, no Trick: NRF Forecasts Halloween Spending will Hit Record $12.2 Billion

Retail TouchPoints

Total spending on Halloween is expected to reach a record $12.2 billion this year, up from 2022’s record $10.6 billion , according to a National Retail Federation (NRF) and Prosper Insights & Analytics survey. Nearly three-quarters ( 73% ) of people will participate in Halloween-related activities this year, up from 69% last year. In a return to pre-pandemic behaviors, more consumers plan to throw or attend a party ( 32% ) or to take their children trick-or-treating ( 28% ) this year, althou

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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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Why brands are struggling to take a stance on the Voice

Inside Retail

The upcoming referendum on whether Australia should enshrine a constitutional Voice to Parliament is looking more and more divisive each day. And, while businesses have thrown their full support behind such social causes in the past, such as with Australia’s marriage equality vote and the Black Lives Matter movement, on the Voice it seems that fewer retailers are weighing in, and engaging.

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Walmart Adds Subscription Service for Everyday Essentials

Retail TouchPoints

Walmart is continuing its encroachment onto Amazon ’s turf with the addition of a new subscription service for repeat purchases, similar to Amazon’s Subscribe and Save offering. But Walmart took the moment to also remind customers of other capabilities enabled in the Walmart app that they won’t find on Amazon (without using those words of course), including recently added car maintenance tracking that works in conjunction with Walmart Auto Care Centers and the ability to find products and even c

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Uniqlo Charity T-Shirt Project Raises $4.77 Million for Global Peace Activities

Retail TouchPoints

Coinciding with the International Day of Peace on Sept. 21, Uniqlo reported that its Peace for All charity T-shirt program has donated $4.77 million since its launch in June 2022. Worldwide, more than 2.3 million Peace for All T-shirts have been sold, with shirts featuring designs donated by celebrities such as tennis great Roger Federer, novelist Haruki Murakami and artist KAWS.

Planning 235
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PAG to buy Midland Gate shopping centre for $465 million

Inside Retail

The Midland Gate shopping centre in Perth has attracted the interest of Hong Kong-based alternative investment firm PAG, which partnered with Australian property syndication company Fawkner Property to purchase the asset for about $465 million. Commonwealth Bank Group Super and Vicinity Centre’s Retail Partnership, which equally own the shopping centre, have tapped CBRE’s Simon Rooney and Colliers’ Lachlan MacGillivray to sell the property amid fears that lower consumer spendin

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Retail Sales Up Slightly for August as Consumers Spend on Socialization and Wellness

Retail Wire

In August, U.S. retail sales saw a 0.6% increase compared to July, indicating ongoing consumer spending despite economic concerns. Back-to-school shopping and strong apparel sales contributed to increased mall traffic, with lifestyle centers and outlets outperforming enclosed malls. Additionally, consumer spending trends show a surge in cat-related supplies, a growing demand for massage therapy, and.

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Harnessing Collaborations to Drive Brand, Product and Revenue Results

Retail TouchPoints

While collaborations have always been part of the brand marketing playbook, the multiple facets (and attendant hype) generated by the Barbie movie marketing machine has reinvigorated retailers and inspired them to get even more creative with their partnerships. Beyond creativity, another important part of the equation for success is firm alignment to core business objectives.

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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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Volvo to End Diesel Car Production by Early 2024

Retail Wire

Volvo Cars has announced plans to cease production of any remaining diesel models by early 2024 as part of its transition toward becoming an all-electric car manufacturer. This move positions Volvo among the first traditional automakers to take such a step.

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From culinary dreams to eco-conscious reality: the journey of Treehouse

Inside Retail

Treehouse , the brainchild of Christian G. Mongendre is more than just a restaurant; it’s a testament to a lifetime of culinary passion, entrepreneurial spirit, and unwavering commitment to the environment. As Hong Kong’s leading green restaurant, Treehouse offers a carefully curated menu of ethically sourced, unprocessed whole foods, and caters to various dietary preferences without any preservatives or artificial sweeteners.

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8 Common Challenges for Bars and Restaurants – and How to Solve Them

Retail Focus

While owning a bar or restaurant is undeniably exciting, this journey is often strewn with myriad challenges that can keep even the most hardened entrepreneur awake at night. But that doesn’t mean you have to lose heart just yet! With a bit of research, strategic thinking, and the right approach, you can discover various challenges that bar and restaurant owners often face and how you can deal with them.

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Retail appointments of the week

Inside Retail

Krispy Kreme appoints new ANZ CEO Irene Dong Krispy Kreme ANZ has appointed Nicola Steele, who has been with the company since she was 19, as its new CEO, effective immediately. Steele has worked with Krispy Kreme since 2006, rising through the ranks from crew member to store manager and area manager. She left university in 2011 and returned to Krispy Kreme as a state manager before progressing to senior leadership positions including national operations manager and head of retail & developm

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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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Walmart Opens a Pet Center With Veterinary Care and Grooming as It Signals Bigger Ambitions

Retail Wire

Walmart is set to open a pioneering pet services center in Dallas, Georgia, adjacent to one of its stores, offering veterinary care and grooming services, marking a significant move into the pet industry’s lucrative healthcare sector. The retail giant aims to capitalize on the growing trend of treating pets as family members, with pet-related services.

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Nespresso opens experiential boutique at Westfield Bondi Junction

Inside Retail

Nespresso has launched a new experiential boutique on the third floor of Westfield Bondi Junction, with the goal of engaging the local community through interactive and tailored experiences. Customers can enjoy a ‘Coffee as an Art’ tasting and lecture area at the new store. The first set of Masterclasses is currently available at the store, guiding consumers on how to make some of Australia’s most well-known coffees as well as instructions on how to hack latte art at home.

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Wilko: Administrators to conduct review over £77m dividend payouts

Retail Gazette

Wilko’s administrators PwC are set to grill majority shareholder Lisa Wilkinson on the distribution of £77m in dividends to investors during the decade leading up to the discount retailer’s demise. This inquiry comes amid growing demands for the Wilkinson family to address a £56m deficit in the pension funds of the company’s employees. The Times reports that PwC will hold a review into the dividends paid out to the Wilkinson family and the retailer’s other directors as part of a broa

Planning 134
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Mastering BFCM through SMS and conversational messaging

Inside Retail

It may feel a little early, but as a high-stakes shopping event for Australian retailers, Black Friday Cyber Monday is pivotal to the challenge of effectively connecting with customers. In this context, the importance of early preparation and strategic communication looms large as BFCM approaches. What’s critical to being BFCM-ready is the understanding that this event – formerly characterised by multiple discount codes and hurriedly sent emails – has evolved into a well-structured strategic end

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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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JD Sports on track for over £1bn profits amid solid sales growth

Retail Gazette

JD Sports remains on track to increase its profits to more than £1bn after demand for its branded footwear and apparel bolstered its sales. The sportswear giant posted profit before tax of £375.2m for the 26 weeks to July 29, 2023, up 25.8% year on year from £298.3m in the same period last year. Sales increased 8.3% to reach £4.78bn for the period, up from £4.4bn during the same period in 2022 as growth for the retailer’s premium sports fashion brands continued.

Fashion 125
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Amazon Sellers Are Raiding Dollar Stores for Products Like Glow Sticks and Twinkies To Resell Online

Retail Wire

Amazon resellers are turning to dollar stores like Dollar Tree and Dollar General to find products they can resell for profit. This practice, known as retail arbitrage, involves buying items and selling them on Amazon as third-party sellers. Resellers are finding a wide range of products, from glow sticks to Twinkies, that they can purchase.

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Avon hits the high street across 100 Superdrug stores nationwide

Retail Gazette

Beauty brand Avon will be sold in high street shops for the first time from October 11 following a new partnership with Superdrug. Over 150 Avon products, ranging from serums to foundations and lip oils to moisturisers, will be available in 100 Superdrug stores nationwide and online. Avon, which was bought by The Body Shop owner Natura back in 2019, said the move will help it “embrace a wider customer base” as it seeks to transform into “a truly omnichannel beauty company”.

Shopping 113
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Carrera ‘Smart’ Glasses Set for US Launch by Safilo and Amazon

Retail Wire

Safilo, an Italian eyewear company, has partnered with Amazon to launch Carrera-branded “smart” glasses featuring Amazon’s Alexa technology, initially in the U.S. market. These glasses boast up to six hours of continuous media playback or talk time on a full charge, and they direct sound to the wearer’s ears without obstructing them, ensuring privacy.

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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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Dunelm eyes former Wilko stores in expansion drive

Retail Gazette

Dunelm expects to snap up several former Wilko stores as part of its expansion plans, the retailer’s boss has said. Chief executive Nick Wilkinson told The Times that the homewares retailer could soon hoist its sign above some of the Wilko branches. Dunelm is set to double its store opening rate to five to ten branches in the next two years. Wilkinson said: “[Wilko] had 400 shops and we’re talking about five to ten shops a year, so we’re not one of the players to say we’d like to take on a tranc

Shopping 109
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Exclusive: Unilever Launches New Bid To Sell Q Tips and Other Brands, Sources Say

Retail Wire

Unilever is reportedly reinitiating efforts to sell a portfolio of non-core beauty and personal care brands, including Q-Tips and Impulse, by enlisting the services of investment banks Morgan Stanley and Evercore. This move, not previously disclosed, signals a strategic shift under Unilever’s new CEO, Hein Schumacher, who is focused on streamlining the company’s operations amid.

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Retail sales recover in August following July washout

Retail Gazette

Retail sales have risen 0.4% in August compared to a slight fall of 1.1% in July primarily driven by better weather, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). It comes in slightly below expectations after economists had predicted a 0.5% rise for August. Clothing stores rebounded in spending last month with sales up by 2.3% However, fuel sales acted as a drag on the overall figure, with volumes falling by 1.2% and retailers suggesting the sharp increase in petrol and diesel prices du

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Uber Eats To Roll Out AI Features, More Payment Options

Retail Wire

Uber Technologies is set to introduce a range of new features to its food delivery platform, Uber Eats. This includes expanding payment options and unveiling an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered assistant to help users discover deals and explore diverse food choices.

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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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DFS profits almost halve in ‘tough economic climate’

Retail Gazette

DFS profits plunged by close to 50% in its preliminary results for the 52 weeks ended 25 June 2023. The furniture retailer posted a pre-tax profit of £29.7m for the 52 weeks ended 25 June 2023, down 49.2% from £58.5m in 2021/22. Revenue from continuing operations also fell by 5.3% to £1.09bn from £1.15bn the previous year, reflecting “a very weak market and high levels of input cost inflation” Subscribe to Retail Gazette for free Sign up here to g et the latest news straight into your in

Marketing 109
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Halloween spending to reach $12.2B this year: NRF

Retail Dive

Consumers once again plan to spend a record amount on Halloween as participation in the holiday is projected to surpass pre-pandemic levels.

Planning 124
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Nfinite expands product visual creation offerings for CPG companies

Retail Times

Retail Times publishes international & UK retail news covering products, data, tech, packaging, people, research, comment and more besides! Nfinite, the leader in next-generation product visualisation technology for brands and retailers, today announced expanded offerings for CPG and released new insights from independent research conducted by Dimensional Research.

Consumer 105
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Adidas says its stance has not changed on Ye after CEO comments

Retail Dive

Bjørn Gulden said the situation was, “Very unfortunate because I don’t think he meant what he said, and I don’t think he’s a bad person, it just came across that way.

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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