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There’s never been a more exciting time in the world of payments. Innovation is happening at breakneck speed, open banking is tearing down data silos and partnerships are forming between traditional financial institutions and fintechs on a global scale. Whether you’re a global retail chain, ecommerce brand, or online marketplace, changes in the payment landscape will have a profound impact on your business.
Retail has always depended on observation. From spotting which shelf draws more attention to knowing which item sells best during certain times, the trade has long relied on pattern recognition. The difference now lies in how precise those patterns can be. As the amount of data available grows by the hour, retailers face the choice: either use it wisely or risk being left behind.
After weeks of anticipation (and complaints from locals), the year’s most-talked-about wedding — between Amazon Founder Jeff Bezos and TV presenter Lauren Sanchez — took place last weekend in Venice, Italy. But across the Atlantic, another set of nuptials also was making waves, for very different reasons. The wedding party, all decked out in JCPenney fashions.
If you've spent any time in Enterprise retail, you’ve seen it: departments that don’t talk to each other, systems that weren’t designed to share data, and a patchwork of bolt-on software that leaves you with more questions than answers.
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.
For four decades, 99 Ranch Market has been a beloved fixture in Asian-American communities, known for its curated selection of imported pantry staples. But its reach rarely extended beyond metropolitan hubs in California, Seattle, Texas and New York City. As demand for Asian groceries grew across the United States, 99 Ranch saw an opportunity to serve a broader customer base through digital innovation.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries at a rapid pace, from healthcare to finance and logistics. As sectors embrace automation, personalisation, and data-driven decision-making, it’s clear that AI is more than just a tech trend—it’s a business imperative. Retail, which thrives on customer insight and operational efficiency, stands to gain immensely by observing how other industries apply AI strategically to improve both internal processes and external experiences.
David’s Bridal has appointed Lisa Horton as Chief Communications and Creative Officer to oversee all facets of the company’s marketing, brand strategy, public relations, internal and external communications, investor relations, social media and creative. Horton began her work with David’s Bridal in late 2024 as the leader of the wedding retailer’s agency of record, ASTRSK, so she is already immersed in the company’s “Aisle to Algorithm” strategic pivot.
David’s Bridal has appointed Lisa Horton as Chief Communications and Creative Officer to oversee all facets of the company’s marketing, brand strategy, public relations, internal and external communications, investor relations, social media and creative. Horton began her work with David’s Bridal in late 2024 as the leader of the wedding retailer’s agency of record, ASTRSK, so she is already immersed in the company’s “Aisle to Algorithm” strategic pivot.
Singaporean furniture retailer Castlery will unveil its Brisbane showroom at the end of next month following the success of its first Australian store in Sydney. The direct-to-customer brand will open its second brick-and-mortar showroom in Fortitude Valley. It will feature 22 curated room sets for customers to explore. “Fortitude Valley has transformed over the past decade – from an industrial fringe to one of Brisbane’s most vibrant design and lifestyle districts,” said Declan Ee, co-founder
H&M Group has entered a multi-year partnership with Circulose , a manufacturer of next-generation material made entirely from discarded textiles, to become one of the company’s first “scaling partners.” H&M, which has been using Circulose materials since February 2020 , is seeking to transition a substantial share of its man-made cellulosic fiber (MMCF) to fiber made with Circulose.
Not many brands can claim to offer as diverse a range of products as a US$795 ruffled silk dress, a US$249 Rococo-inspired duvet cover and a US$50 bottle of rosé. For cult-favourite apparel and lifestyle brand LoveShackFancy, however, there seems to be no limit to the retail categories it can enter, nor to the ones its customers will line up to purchase.
The Home Depot ’s SRS Distribution division will purchase GMS , a leading North American specialty building products distributor, for a cash tender offer of $110 per share of common stock, reflecting a total equity value of $4.3 billion. The acquisition is projected to be completed by February 2026. At that time, SRS, which The Home Depot acquired in March 2024 for $18.25 billion , will merge with GMS.
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.
In a retail world where standing out is everything, independent retailers are constantly on the hunt for ways to captivate customers and keep pace with evolving trends. Reed Gift Fairs Melbourne has become the destination of choice for those seeking the spark of new ideas – offering fresh product discovery, emerging brands, and game-changing supplier connections that help retailers stay ahead.
This article first appeared in our sister publication Shop Eat Surf Outdoor (SESO) Nike is continuing to reengage with the wholesale channel and add even more points of distribution as it works to turn around its business after previous CEO John Donahoe’ s failed strategies, which included cutting many retail partners around the world in favor of a DTC-centric business model.
Louis Vuitton’s latest Shanghai store is not your average luxury flagship. The 30-meter-high, ship-shaped store, “The Louis” , is billed as an experience, and houses an exhibition space and cafe in Shanghai’s downtown Nanjing Road shopping strip. “The Louis”, which had a grand opening on Thursday, will undoubtedly draw crowds eager to post pictures to social media of its gleaming facade and the photo-ready exhibits inside.
Sainsbury’s has reported its strongest start to the year with grocery sales up 5% in the 16 weeks to 21 June 2025, driving its highest market share since 2016. The supermarket’ s growth is fuelled by “consistently great value, outstanding quality and excellent availability,” according to CEO Simon Roberts, who highlighted the retailer’s expanded Aldi Price Match campaign which covers around 800 everyday essentials.
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.
While awareness of the need for ‘adaptive’ products is growing, the reality is that few legacy retailers offer products that all consumers, with a variety of physical, visual and neurological needs, can use. This makes it even more important for adaptive brands to partner with large-scale retailers to make their products as accessible as possible. One brand founder who has taken this approach with not one but two big-box retailers is Helya Mohammadian, CEO of the adaptive underwear and loungewea
Food price inflation surged to 3.7% in June, the sharpest rise in more than a year, as British retailers warned of the combined impact of climate pressures and rising operational costs. Figures from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and NielsenIQ show food costs jumped from 2.8% in May, helping to push overall shop price inflation back into positive territory for the first time since July 2024.
Google Gemini has launched a new feature that promises to reshape how businesses access and leverage artificial intelligence. With an increasing number of small businesses looking for efficient solutions, this tool is set to streamline workflows and improve decision-making processes. Gemini leverages generative AI to deliver precise data insights and predictive analytics, giving small business owners a competitive edge.
WHSmith has completed the sale of its high street business to private equity firm Modella Capital — but at a reduced price after weaker trading conditions led to a last-minute renegotiation. The retailer will now receive up to £40m from the deal, down from the £52m originally agreed when the sale was first announced in March. WHSmith confirmed it has received £10m upfront, with a further £20m in deferred consideration tied to the future cash flow of the business through to August 2026.
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.
Key Takeaways Real-Time Tracking: UPS offers real-time delivery progress updates, allowing both businesses and customers to stay informed about package locations and estimated arrival times. Enhanced Customer Experience: By utilizing UPS’s tracking features, small businesses can improve customer satisfaction through better communication and expectation management regarding delivery times.
Shopworkers at the Co-op have taken a significant step forward in their long-running warehouse and shop floor equal pay battle, after a tribunal recognised the tough realities of their roles including regular exposure to verbal abuse and physical risks.
Key Takeaways Streamlined Sponsorship Search: Zipsprout Sprout Seeker simplifies the process of finding local sponsorships, saving time and effort for small businesses seeking community engagement. User-Friendly Interface: The intuitive design allows users to quickly filter sponsorship opportunities by zip code, city, or metro area, ensuring a targeted search that aligns with their marketing objectives.
On Thursday 26 June, Eldon Square, Newcastle’s premier shopping and leisure destination, celebrated its vibrant retail community at the hotly anticipated Eldon Square Awards 2025, honouring the exceptional brands and individuals that bring to life the vibrancy and dynamics of the retail destination. Now in its seventh year, the awards gave the public the chance to vote for their favourite retailers across a variety of categories.
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
RH (Corte Madera, Calif.) has opened RH Oklahoma City, The Gallery at OAK, which it describes in a news release as “an immersive retail experience seamlessly integrating luxury home furnishings collections from RH Interiors, Modern and Outdoor with rare art, antiques and artifacts from across the globe.” The store has 45,000 square feet of space spread over three levels, with its top level being home to both a rooftop restaurant and a park.
Key Takeaways Digital Natives: Millennial women integrate online and in-store shopping and expect seamless, personalized experiences from brands. Conscious Consumption: This demographic favors sustainable and ethical brands, valuing transparency and quality in their purchasing decisions. Social Media Engagement: Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are critical for product discovery, driving interest in visually appealing and informative content.
Foot Locker has opened its biggest UK store in the Bullring shopping centre in Birmingham. The store, which opened on 27 June, is now the brand’s UK flagship and introduces its new “re-imagined” store concept, which it says “includes and celebrates the best product and experiences for all sneakerheads” The shop houses three new permanent areas designed to create an “immersive sneaker experience,” including a new sneaker hub which offers a range of custom
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.
Key Takeaways Understanding the Impact: Fake negative reviews can severely harm your business reputation, leading to decreased consumer trust and lower sales. Identifying Characteristics: Key signs of fake reviews include overly emotional language, vague content, suspicious reviewer profiles, and inconsistencies with your brand’s standard practices.
Foot Locker has officially opened its largest store in the UK, located at the heart of Birmingham’s Bullring shopping centre. Now serving as the brand’s UK flagship, the site introduces the retailer’s latest ‘Re-imagined’ concept, aimed at creating a next-level experience for sneaker enthusiasts through exclusive product offerings and immersive services.
Key Takeaways Automation Enhances Productivity: Implementing automation tools can significantly streamline processes, allowing small businesses to focus on growth and customer satisfaction. Utilize Free Tools: A variety of free tools, such as Zapier, Smartsheet, and Trello, offer automation capabilities that can help manage tasks without incurring costs.
Chuck E. Cheese (Irving, Texas) has launched Chuck’s Arcade in 10 U.S. cities, with more in the works. This new concept combines classic games and the latest new ones, along with the brand’s animatronic characters, the company said in a news release. “Chuck E. Cheese has spent decades mastering the arcade experience — it’s in our DNA,” said CEO David McKillips.
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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