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In today’s fast-paced world, retailers are generating more data than ever before. From customer transactions to inventory management, retailers need to be able to manage, integrate and govern their data to make informed decisions that drive growth and profitability. Many vendors are now launching retail-specific data management solutions in response to this demand.
Cotton On Kids has unveiled a new concept store at Highpoint Shopping Centre in Melbourne, along with its new Fun Day Club platform. The store is inspired by the nostalgia of the classic Australian neighbourhood milkbars and will include features like a ‘dial-a-story’ telephone and sticker gumball machines to provide children with a hands-on, sensory experience while their guardians shop the collection.
It’s rare for a retailer, or any business for that matter, to last for 100 years, which is what makes Bealls such a standout — the Florida-based off-price chain is celebrating its 110 th anniversary this year. Not only that, but the company remains family owned and operated to this day, with CEO Matt Beall representing the fourth generation to lead the retailer.
For many years, the idea of everyday consumers paying for items with virtual forms of money, like cryptocurrency, seemed more like science fiction than reality. However, with the recent passage of the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for US Stablecoins Act of 2025, or Genius Act, by the US Senate on June 17, retailers may need to start paying more attention to cryptocurrency.
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.
Walmart has pursued numerous initiatives designed to improve its delivery speed and reach over the past year, and now the retail giant is reportedly testing dark stores —mini-warehouses that are not open to the public — in Dallas and Bentonville, Ark., according to Bloomberg and other media outlets. By stocking these dark stores with popular products, retailers can support a wider delivery radius and faster deliveries.
Far too many brands are still failing to implement a personalised loyalty program when it comes to promotions and loyalty – stuck in a vicious circle of blanket discounting, poor data, and squeezed margins, at a time when profitability is under scrutiny. That’s according to new research carried out by Harvard Business Review and sponsored by Talon.One , the leading incentives platform.
Walmart is in the process of deploying AI-powered tools to meet key store associate requirements, including a task management solution that has reduced shift planning times from 90 to 30 minutes. Available through the Walmart associate app, new features include translation in 44 languages to facilitate multi-lingual conversations among associates and customers.
Walmart is in the process of deploying AI-powered tools to meet key store associate requirements, including a task management solution that has reduced shift planning times from 90 to 30 minutes. Available through the Walmart associate app, new features include translation in 44 languages to facilitate multi-lingual conversations among associates and customers.
Pandora has teamed up with Amazon to crack down on a China-based criminal network that sold counterfeit jewellery in several European countries. Pandora’s IP & Brand Protection team launched the investigation in 2020 after a series of customs seizures. In a collaboration with Amazon’s Counterfeit Crimes Unit, they were able to link the activity to two sellers operating a large-scale counterfeit network out of China.
Spirit Halloween is seeking to conjure up 50,000 seasonal sales associates and store managers to staff the more than 1,500 locations the retailer expects to open this year. Candidates can find more information at work4spirit.com or can text “Reaper” to 85000 to apply (if they dare!). “With the anticipation for Halloween at an all-time high, we are committed to creating the same immersive experience that keeps our fans coming back year after year,” said Steven Silverstein, CEO of Spirit Halloween
Louis Vuitton has unveiled a life-size cruise ship installation, dubbed The Louis, at Taikoo Hui in Shanghai’s Nanjing West Road business district. Standing 30 metres tall, the ship-inspired structure pays homage to the French luxury brand’s 19th-century heritage of crafting hard-sided travel trunks. Its exterior features a cabin constructed from classic Louis Vuitton cases, while the hull is adorned with the brand’s iconic monogram.
The power of social media influencers is impossible to ignore in today’s digital age, with over half of Gen Z using TikTok as their go-to search engine and main source for shopping inspiration, largely because of the visual format of its results. This presents a major opportunity for retailers. When your space is visually compelling and photo-ready, these consumers become your most powerful marketing tool, often promoting your store organically and at no cost to you.
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.
Product authentication platform CheckCheck is now offering verification services for Pop Mart’s Labubu figures, responding to surging demand and a growing influx of counterfeit products. According to the company, authentication through the CheckCheck app is designed to be fast and user-friendly. Customers upload photos of their figure, which are first screened using proprietary technology and then reviewed by two independent expert authenticators.
In a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges related to pandemic relief efforts, Jasmine Unique Mallard-McCarter, a Riverside County woman, has been sentenced to seven years in federal prison for her role in a $1.7 million COVID-19 benefits fraud scheme. This case highlights the need for vigilance and integrity among small business owners and individuals seeking government assistance, especially during unprecedented times like the COVID-19 pandemic.
By any measure, 140 years is a long time for a brand to remain relevant, especially one whose signature material is pewter, a malleable alloy often associated with traditional keepsakes or dusty cabinets. But for Royal Selangor, Southeast Asia’s most globally recognised heritage brand, longevity has never meant inertia. Instead, it has become a springboard for reinvention.
Key Takeaways Social Media Impact: 90% of marketers report increased brand awareness through social media, highlighting its effectiveness in enhancing visibility and engagement. User Engagement: Engagement rates vary by platform; Instagram leads with an average of 1.22%, suggesting that brands should tailor strategies to specific platforms for maximum interaction.
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.
Finance guru Warren Buffett has made some memorable quips. Among them: “It’s only when the tide goes out that you discover who’s been swimming naked.” Meaning, of course, it’s only when the going gets tough that you see which companies have weaknesses. And so it is with retail. Thailand is Southeast Asia’s biggest DIY market, and Thais know how to do up a really nice home improvement superstore.
Key Takeaways Pathway to Ownership: Transitioning from a franchise employee to a franchise owner provides greater career control and financial growth opportunities. Understanding the Franchise Model: Familiarity with the franchise structure, including franchise agreements and initial investment requirements, is crucial for potential owners. Skill Development: Essential skills such as leadership, financial acumen, and marketing knowledge are vital for successfully managing a franchise.
JET Go gives partners of all sizes access to Just Eat’s delivery network – from national grocers to local independents Leading quick commerce grocery supermarket, Co-op, is the first to roll out JET Go nationwide Delivery-as-a-Service also represents an opportunity for smaller businesses, with the solution set to go live on Co-op’s newly launched app, Peckish, which enables independent grocers to offer an online delivery service to their local customers Just Eat, the UK’s largest delivery networ
Asda’s parent company slumped to a near £600m pre-tax loss last year as the supermarket group faced falling sales, heavy debt servicing costs and ongoing challenges migrating IT systems from former owner Walmart. Bellis Finco, the retailer’s holding company, reported a £599m loss for the year to 31 December 2024, down sharply from a £180m profit in 2023, the Guardian reported.
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.
Dalton Park, the North East’s largest outlet shopping destination, has achieved full occupancy for the first time in its 22-year history. Since taking on the asset management of the scheme in 2022, Global Mutual has taken Dalton Park’s occupancy from 87.3% upon acquisition, to fully let today. This is thanks to a focused leasing strategy which has enhanced the centre’s premium offering, diversified its tenant mix, attract new brands and ultimately, driven sales growth.
Key Takeaways Enhanced Productivity: ChatGPT serves as a powerful tool that can streamline workflows and boost productivity in small businesses by assisting with tasks such as email drafting and content creation. Natural Language Processing: The AI model’s ability to generate human-like text enables seamless and engaging interactions, making it ideal for customer support and communication.
Claire’s Accessories is exploring a potential sale of the business amid rising cost pressures and competition. The retailer’s owners which include JP Morgan, Elliott Management and Monarch Alternative Capital are said to have hired bankers at Houlihan Lokey to seek out potential buyers, Bloomberg first reported. It is understood that a prospective bidder could acquire parts or all of the retailer’s 2,750 stores worldwide, including its 281 locations around the UK.
Key Takeaways Streamlined Benefits Administration: QuickBooks Payroll’s integration of health insurance simplifies managing employee benefits, making it easier for business owners to handle compliance and operations. Enhanced Employee Retention: Offering health insurance significantly boosts employee satisfaction, which is crucial for attracting and retaining top talent in a competitive job market.
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
H&M reported a slightly larger-than-expected fall in second-quarter sales but saw a 1% increase in local currency terms, underlining ongoing headwinds from currency fluctuations and cost pressures. Sales for the March to May period at the Swedish fashion giant reached SEK 56.7bn (£4.5bn), down from SEK 59.6bn a year earlier and just below analysts’ forecasts of SEK 57.0bn.
Key Takeaways Family businesses represent nearly 70% of all U.S. businesses, highlighting their critical role in the economy. They contribute to approximately 60% of all jobs in the country, emphasizing their importance in job creation and economic stability. The retail sector is particularly influenced by family businesses, making up about 80% of storefronts and generating 64% of total industry sales.
Retailers are operating in a high-stakes pricing environment. The economy remains volatile, inflation continues to rise, and consumer confidence is on shaky ground. For brands in sectors such as apparel, Footwear, Jewelry, Sporting Goods, Home Goods, and Department Stores, finding the right retail pricing strategies is crucial to survival and profitability.
Key Takeaways High Return Categories: Apparel, electronics, home goods, and beauty products are among the most returned items due to sizing issues, defects, and customer dissatisfaction. Quality Control: Ensuring product quality through rigorous checks can significantly reduce return rates and enhance customer trust. Accurate Descriptions: Providing clear and detailed product descriptions, including size guides and high-quality images, helps align customer expectations with actual products.
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.
Though its main business is the sale of furniture and home furnishings, Ikea’s in-house restaurants (think Swedish meatballs) also bring in $2.5 billion yearly, according to a variety of published estimates. Though that only represents roughly 6% of the Sweden-based retailer’s total revenues, providing on-site food is integral to the brand’s strategy of finding ways to keep customers on-site (and shopping) for longer periods of time.
Key Takeaways Distinct Platforms: Twitter excels in real-time updates and quick engagement, whereas Threads focuses on deeper, more conversational interactions and community building. Post Formats: Twitter allows concise posts of up to 280 characters (or 10,000 for verified accounts), while Threads supports longer posts of up to 500 characters, enhancing storytelling opportunities.
Lone Design Club and Ingka Centres are excited to announce the official launch of ‘Local Hero,’ a pioneering pop-up retail space now open in Churchill Square, Brighton. This ever-evolving pop-up space powered by Lone Design Club and brought to life by Ingka Centres offers innovative brands the opportunity to rent fully equipped retail spaces for short term, flexible periods.
Snappy Shopper, the q-commerce technology platform for independent retailers, has announced the successful launch of home delivery services across three West Yorkshire stores. They have generated more than 4,000 orders and more than £100,000 in sales in under two months.
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.
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