Wed.Jan 29, 2025

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Why Brands Need to Get (More) Serious About Battling Counterfeit Products

Retail TouchPoints

The problem of counterfeit products remains, paradoxically, both enormous and under the radar. One big reason: given how widespread, global and (by necessity) publicity-averse its practitioners are, its difficult to put an exact price tag on the costs of counterfeiting. Difficult, but not impossible. John Ferdinand, who heads the anti-counterfeiting team at intellectual property (IP) management firm Marks & Clerk , said that in the European Union (EU) alone, the apparel industry loses approx

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Deal done: Sigma, Chemist Warehouse shareholders vote in favour of merger

Inside Retail

The shareholders of both Sigma Healthcare and Chemist Warehouse approved the two companies’ merger during separate meetings on Wednesday. The second meeting, of about 40 Chemist Warehouse shareholders and franchisees in Melbourne, ended at 6.16pm with overwhelming approval. At the earlier meeting, more than 97 per cent of Sigma proxies voted in favour of the deal, surpassing the regulatory requirement of at least a 75 per cent approval rate.

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A Pragmatic Guide to Building a Global Retail and Ecommerce Content Strategy

Retail TouchPoints

In the highly competitive world of retail and ecommerce, brands must deliver personalized and relevant customer experiences to stay ahead. Tailoring product descriptions, marketing campaigns and customer service to align with varying consumer preferences across regions and languages not only increases conversion rates but also drives trust and credibility, thereby building long-term customer loyalty.

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Morrisons full-year profit rise bolstered by ‘strongest’ quarter since 2021

Retail Gazette

Morrisons boss Rami Baitih said its been a year urgent reinvigoration as the supermarket reported its strongest quarter since the start of 2021. The chief executive noted that the grocer had made positive progressive against its turnaround strategy as it grew market share and made switching gains from its competitors. The supermarket reported a 4.1% rise in group like-for-like sales to 15.3bn in the year to 27 October, as fourth quarter sales climbed 4.9% to 3.8bn.

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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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Primark Expands Adaptive Apparel Lines to Menswear, Womenswear and Underwear

Retail TouchPoints

Following the debut of a line of adaptive womens underwear in 2024, Primark has expanded its offerings of clothing for disabled people into womenswear, menswear, underwear and nightwear. The retailer worked with designer Victoria Jenkins, founder of the Unhidden brand and a leading advocate for disability inclusion, to create 49 options that include features such as magnetic zips, pockets with tube access, belts attached at the side seam and extra-large pockets for devices.

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Caledonia Park celebrates best year ever alongside mass of renewals and openings

Retail Focus

Railpen, one of the largest pension managers in the UK, has announced Caledonia Park, its premium designer outlet village in Scotland, has experienced a record-breaking year for sales and performance. The destination introduced seven new brands and secured a series of long-term renewals, demonstrating the success of Railpens strategic asset management.

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ISE 2025 to Host Over 1,600 Exhibitors and Cutting-Edge Innovation Across 92,000m²

365 Retail

Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2025 is set to return to Fira de Barcelona Gran Via from 4-7 February, welcoming over 1,600 exhibitors and spanning a massive 92,000m. The event will bring together industry leaders, innovators, and tech enthusiasts to experience the latest advancements in audiovisual technology and systems integration. Attendees can expect immersive performances, interactive showcases, and networking opportunities, making ISE 2025 the ultimate platform for exploring groundbreakin

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Struggling Kohl’s to Close 27 Stores, Cut 10% of Corporate Workforce

Retail TouchPoints

Kohls will close 27 underperforming stores by April 2025 and shutter an ecommerce fulfillment center (EFC) in San Bernardino, Calif. when its lease expires in May 2025, according to documents the company filed with the SEC earlier this month. The San Bernardino facility is one of 15 EFCs and distribution centers, and the closing stores represent approximately 2.3% of Kohls 1,150 locations.

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El Departamento designs Fake Gods’ first flagship store

Retail Focus

El Departamento has created Fake Gods’ first flagship store in central Madrid. Inspired by a contemporary reinterpretation of the Garden of Eden, this store merges digital, physical, and symbolic elements. Technological materials, immersive design and biblical narrative transform the space into the brand’s new meeting point for its growing community.

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The Container Store Goes Private Following Month-Long Bankruptcy

Retail TouchPoints

The Container Store has emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as a private company owned by its supportive lenders, according to a site the retailer has created. The move is part of a reorganization plan that was approved by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court on Jan. 24, 2025. The specialty retailer, which operates 100 stores nationwide, continued operating throughout the bankruptcy and also refinanced short-term debt, significantly reduced previous long-term debt obligations, accessed $40 millio

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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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Metrocentre Launches Living Map to Boost Shopper Experience

365 Retail

Recent studies show that nearly 70% of consumers still value the in-store shopping experience , with a strong emphasis on ease. As the retail landscape continues to evolve, enhancing the physical shopping experience remains a priority for both shoppers and retailers. Metrocentre is one of the UKs largest shopping and entertainment destinations, with an intricate layout that can overwhelm visitors and pose operational challenges.

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Abercrombie to Touch Down in New Orleans for Super Bowl Pop-Up

Retail TouchPoints

Following the success of its licensed product collection with the National Football League , Abercrombie & Fitch is planning a one-day Abercrombie House pop-up in New Orleans leading up to Super Bowl LIX. On Saturday, Feb. 8 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Abercrombie House will feature merchandise for Super Bowl LIX alongside apparel for the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs who will face off the next day, Feb. 9 as well as hometown team the New Orleans Saints.

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Inside the latest luxury and concept store openings in the US

Inside Retail

Easyplant New York City When it comes to buying plants or anything greenery-related, the first place that comes to mind is probably a humble nursery or small mom-and-pop shop, rather than a chic boutique. Easyplant aims to change that. The retailer opened its first bricks-and-mortar store at 15 Prince Street in New York Citys bustling Nolita neighbourhood.

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Lidl given green light to open first ever in-store pub

Retail Gazette

Lidl has been granted permission by a High Court to open its very first pub in Northern Ireland. The German grocery giant will be able to go ahead with its plans to launch the pub inside its Dundonald store, based near Belfast, after a judge dismissed an appeal raised by another trader. During the ruling on Monday (27 January), Mr Justice Colton said he saw “no good reason for refusing the application” The discounter’s proposals involve opening a pub, seating roughly 45 custome

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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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Caledonia Park celebrates best year ever alongside mass of renewals and openings

A1 Retail

Railpen, one of the largest pension managers in the UK, has announcedCaledonia Park, its premium designer outlet village in Scotland, has experienced a record-breaking year for sales and performance. The destination introduced seven new brands and secured a series of long-term renewals, demonstrating the success of Railpens strategic asset management.

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The UltimateShopper Sets New Standards: AI Theft Protection and Contactless Payment Integrated into the Shopping Trolley

365 Retail

As digital transformation continues to reshape food retail, innovative technologies are opening new opportunities for customer engagement and store efficiency. From 18 to 20 February, Geck will showcase solutions designed to help retailers stay ahead in an evolving market. At the heart of Gecks offering is the UltimateShopper Plus , a pioneering smart shopping trolley that enhances the shopping experience while giving retailers a competitive edge.

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Walmart, Starbucks, Nike: Making sense of China’s latest retail sales numbers

Inside Retail

At the Pang Dong Lai supermarket chain, based in Chinas north-central Henan Province, both customers and employees are treated like royalty. No deviation is allowed from the companys lofty standards of customer service, and the chain is equally famous for the way it puts its employees well-being and happiness at the centre of its business model. Pang Dong Lais founder and chair, Yu Donglai, says the companys philosophy is freedom and love.

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Americans Experience Happiness When Traveling to New Destinations

LS Retail

iStock/PeopleImages United Airlines reveals research showing 73% of Americans experience happiness when traveling to new destinations. The company partnered with cognitive scientist Dr. Laurie Santos to analyze the connection between happiness and vacation planning. The research indicates that 68% of people need something to look forward to in January, with travel purchases providing twice the happiness boost compared to buying material goods.

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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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Lidl first national supermarket to introduce Pennies, a digital micro-donation system

Retail Times

Retail Times publishes international & UK retail news covering products, data, tech, packaging, people, research, comment and more besides! A big change is coming to Lidl tills across the country next month as the supermarket announces it will become the first national retailer to introduce Pennies, a digital micro-donation system. The move follows a successful regional trial and will allow customers to donate up to 30p per transaction at the card reader.

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Adore Beauty to open first brick-and-mortar store

Inside Retail

Online beauty retailer Adore Beauty will open its first brick-and-mortar store in Westfield Southland in Melbourne this weekend. The new boutique will provide customers with a digital skin analysis, a curated range of Adores more than 300 beauty brands, and an in-store beauty service experience. Adore Beauty’s second store is set to open at Watergardens in early March, while additional locations will launch later this year.

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Pret announces opening of its first shop in Africa

Retail Times

Retail Times publishes international & UK retail news covering products, data, tech, packaging, people, research, comment and more besides! Pret A Manger has today announced the upcoming opening of its first shop in South Africa at Johannesburgs bustling Melrose Arch precinct on 14th February 2025. The opening will be Prets first in Africa, making South Africa Prets 20th international market outside of the UK.

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Tipalea sells Hobart’s Glebe Hill Village to Charter Hall

Inside Retail

Tipalea has sold Tasmanian retail centre Glebe Hill Village to Charter Hall for $50.25 million. Established in 2022 in Howrah, the retail centre spans 6002sqm and is anchored by a Coles supermarket, a full-line Priceline, a 24-hour drive-thru McDonald’s Liquorland, and 16 other specialty stores. JLL’s Jacob Swan, Stuart Taylor and Tom Noonan managed the sale process.

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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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Nisa’s Making a Difference Locally supports over 360,000 people in 2024

Retail Times

Retail Times publishes international & UK retail news covering products, data, tech, packaging, people, research, comment and more besides! Nisas charity, Making a Difference Locally (MADL), has cemented its role as a cornerstone of community support across the UK in 2024, achieving incredible milestones and touching the lives of over 360,000 people.

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The North Face, Timberland fuel VF’s better-than-expected sales

Inside Retail

VF Corps sales beat guidance in the third quarter, driven by growth at The North Face and Timberland businesses. The companys revenue for the quarter ended December 31 rose 2 per cent to US$2.8 billion, surpassing previous guidance of a 1-3 per cent decline. The growth was driven by a 5 per cent sales increase at The North Face and an 11 per cent uplift at Timberland.

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Livingston Designer Outlet celebrates record breaking year in 2024

Retail Times

Retail Times publishes international & UK retail news covering products, data, tech, packaging, people, research, comment and more besides! Livingston Designer Outlet, Scotlands largest outlet shopping destination, has marked a record-breaking 2024, celebrating its highest annual sales to date. Across the year, sales across all categories saw significant growth, with Outdoor and Catering emerging as top-performing categories, recording impressive increases in sales by +35% and +14% respectiv

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Future Retail Innovations Shaping the Industry in 2025

365 Retail

The retail sector is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by technological advancements that are redefining interactions between businesses and consumers. Innovations in artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and digital currencies are establishing new benchmarks for the industry. As retailers adapt to these changes, they must focus on enhancing customer experience and adopting sustainable practices.

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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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Goodfella’s launches campaign with TBWAMCR celebrating uncompromisingly “Goooood” pizza

Retail Times

Retail Times publishes international & UK retail news covering products, data, tech, packaging, people, research, comment and more besides! Goodfellas Pizza today unveiled a new campaign to tap into everyones inner Italian-American by bringing a slice of goooood to dinner tables. Partnering with TBWAMCR, the campaign reveals what happens when a single bite of a Goodfellas pizza is so delicious that you instinctively shout Goooood!

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Abbe’s Sophisticated Packaging Solutions helps debut skincare brand, ST.SAJ

Inside Retail

Australia’s newest skincare brand, ST.SAJ made its debut in September 2024, set up by entrepreneur, TV personality, author, and now skincare innovator Emmylou MacCarthy. I founded ST.SAJ because I really wanted salon-quality skincare that was super hydrating and super efficacious, but then also had this inspiration for fashion, so when you looked at it, you felt inspired and elevated when you picked up the bottle, but you also know its working on your skin,” said MacCarthy. “ST

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WRAP and International Food Waste Coalition form WRAP EU to drive circular living across the Union

Retail Times

Retail Times publishes international & UK retail news covering products, data, tech, packaging, people, research, comment and more besides! In a significant advancement for its circular living programmes, the global environmental action NGO WRAP has joined forces with the International Food Waste Coalition (IFWC) to formWRAP EU. From the heart of the European Union, this new organisation will transform global food systems, and address unsustainable production and consumption in fashion, text

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Burger King Is Selling Cheeseburgers for $1 & Breakfast Sandwiches for 1 Penny This Week

Retail Wire

Burger King is offering a steep discount on its fan-favorite goodies.

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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.