Sat.Nov 23, 2024 - Fri.Nov 29, 2024

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Influencer Overload? How to Navigate the World of Influencers in a £21 Billion Industry

Retail Focus

The influencer marketing industry was priced at £21 billion in 2024 and is projected to rise to £25 billion pounds by the close of 2024. Consumers commonly invest in the product recommendations of their chosen influencer; others are turned away by what they deem inauthentic content. In the run-up to Christmas and in the digital age of the investigative consumer, Somebody Digital reveals how brands and consumers alike can cut through the noise to uncover genuine, impactful influence.

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Zoom Reports Bold Q3 Earnings, Unveils New Name To Reflect AI Transformation

Retail Wire

Zoom also projects a strong earnings report at the end of the current fourth quarter.

ATS 243
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Walmart Joins Growing List of Brands Backtracking on DEI Initiatives

Retail TouchPoints

Walmart , the world’s largest retailer, is rolling back a number of its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, multiple sources report. The backtrack is wide-ranging and includes : A decision not to renew the operation of an equity racial center set up in 2020; Pulling out of the Human Rights Campaign’s LGBTQ+ rights index; No longer giving priority treatment to suppliers based on race or gender; Stopping the usage of the terms “DEI” and “LatinX” in its commun

Marketing 278
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Chatime Australia faces penalties for underpaying workers

Inside Retail

Chatime Australia and its executive is facing penalties due to the underpayment of employees at 19 stores across Sydney and Melbourne. The Federal Circuit and Family Court has imposed $120,960 penalty against Chatime Australia and $11,880 against the bubble tea chain franchisor’s MD Chen Zhao for the offence. The Fair Work Ombudsman said that the company paid its employees flat rates as low as $7.59 to $24.30 per hour.

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A Roadmap For Modernization: How To Break Free From Your Monolith Before July 31, 2026

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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Asda: Allan Leighton searches for new CEO and admits turnaround ‘could take 3-5 years’

Retail Gazette

Reviving Asda’s fortunes could take three to five years, according to Allan Leighton, the supermarket’s former CEO who has returned to drive its turnaround efforts. Speaking with The Guardian , Leighton, who took over the role from Lord Stuart Rose yesterday (25 November), said his initial priority would be to “restore Asda’s DNA”, including making improvements to price and availability, and hiring a new CEO.

Grocer 116
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Standing on solid ground with practical sustainable floorings

Retail Focus

There is no escaping the subject of sustainability, with retailers under increasing pressure to implement changes to make them into a more planet friendly operation. Of course, this is much easier said than done, with “going green” not something that can be done overnight and instead requires careful thought and planning. While there are some more obvious steps retailers can take to bolster sustainability such as switching plastic-based bags for paper alternatives and putting in place product re

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Toys ‘R’ Us posts higher sales in October quarter

Inside Retail

Toys ‘R’ Us said its sales grew in the October quarter and expects further growth in the holiday trading period. The toy retailer’s sales during the three months ended October surged 168 per cent, or by $329,000, from the previous quarter, driven by its e-commerce performance. It also noted that Riot continued to perform well and expects the brand’s revenue to accelerate in the coming quarters. “With our streamlined operations and strong inventory position heading

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Top 7 In-Store Retail Media Trends to Watch in 2025

Tokinomo

In-store retail media has evolved into a critical tool for engaging customers at the point of purchase. In today’s digital-first world, where e-commerce dominates, the physical store remains a vital touchpoint for brands to connect with shoppers in immersive and memorable ways. From dynamic digital displays to voice-activated promotions, in-store media bridges the gap between digital innovations and tangible experiences, offering a unique opportunity to influence purchasing decisions in real-tim

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Merry Hill hits its stride as Footasylum Opens upsized store

Retail Focus

Merry Hill has announced that Footasylum, the leading streetwear retailer, has launched its upsized store at the centre, tripling its footprint. Combining its existing unit with the adjacent space, Footasylum has expanded its presence at Merry Hill from 3,000 to 10,000 sq ft. The upsized store introduces innovative features, including a mobile payment system that speeds up checkout, new digital screens, and a refreshed fit-out.

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Lesson from APAC: Social Commerce is Not One-Size-Fits-All

Retail TouchPoints

For the last half decade, U.S. and European retailers have observed – and, often, participated in – the social-commerce explosion happening in China and elsewhere in the Asia-Pacific region (APAC) while wondering if, when, and to what extent the same thing would happen at home. The “if” and “when” are now clear. TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and others have enabled in-app purchasing during videos and livestreams (the most popular flavor of social commerce in APAC) that WeChat, Taobao, Douvin and ot

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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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Small retailers expect upcoming holiday trading to be ‘more essential than ever’

Inside Retail

Australian retailers forecast a $69.7 billion boost in the lead up to Christmas, expecting this coming trading season will be “more essential than ever.” The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and American Express Small Retail Index shows that 44 per cent of small retailers are expecting sales to be slightly up or significantly up from last year.

ATS 277
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Domino’s Pizza Stake Purchased by Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Group

Retail Wire

Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Group has purchased a huge stake in Domino's Pizza, and the investor's reasons for the purchase may be surprising.

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Black Friday footfall expected to rise +2%, as discounts unlock pent-up spending from bargain-focused, post-payday shoppers – RetailNext

Retail Focus

UK retailers are expected to see a boost in footfall on Black Friday (29 Nov 2024), with the lure of discounts unlocking pent-up post-payday spending, after many shoppers held back on purchasing in October in order to bag Black Friday deals, according to the latest data from RetailNext , the leading analytics solution for bricks-and-mortar retailers.

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Click, Connect, Convert: How Live Events Integrate with Omnichannel Retail Strategies

Retail TouchPoints

With retail sales bouncing around as the UK economy chugs along, marketers in the sector are seeking the best way to keep their customers happy and prevent them from spending their money in another store. They have good reason to fear a fall in retention — savvy shoppers are scouting around for the best deals , so it’s no wonder building loyalty may seem harder than ever.

Consumer 277
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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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Koala Living penalised for misleading consumers

Inside Retail

Furniture and homewares retailer Koala Living has been fined $56,340 for misleading customers about their rights to remedies for faulty products. The ACCC previously issued Koala Living with three infringement notices after many consumers complained the company had wrongly stated their rights. The company said the remedies were limited to a 72-hour period or the period of the manufacturer’s warranty, and that it could choose the type of remedy for minor and major faults.

Consumer 264
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Asda CEO: Five runners and riders following Allan Leighton’s return

Retail Gazette

The longstanding, and so far unsuccessful search for Asda’s new CEO could receive a shot in the arm following the return of former chief Allan Leighton as its new executive chair this week. Leighton, who during his tenure as helmed the turnaround of Asda from the brink of insolvency to its £6.7bn sale to Walmart in in 1999, told The Guardian that one of his top priorities was filling the role.

Returns 116
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Foam Shadow Boards: The Secret to Time-Efficient Tool Organisation

Retail Focus

In busy work environments, time is often wasted searching for tools and equipment. Misplaced or disorganised tools can slow down productivity and lead to frustration among employees. Foam shadow boards offer a simple yet highly effective solution to this problem, enabling businesses to maintain order, reduce downtime, and enhance overall efficiency.

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Hanna Andersson’s Secret Digital Sauce: Personal Shoppers and a Relentless Focus on the Customer

Retail TouchPoints

The decision to close all its stores in 2020 could have been seen as a rare failure for beloved childrenswear brand Hanna Andersson. But instead, the 40 -year-old company turned its new digital-first status into an opportunity to enhance the customer experience by: Transitioning store managers into online personal shoppers who offer one-on-one shopping and styling advice; Leveraging its newly honed ecommerce chops to launch a resale marketplace that has made Hanna Andersson the most resold child

Boutique 289
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What Your Financial Statements Are Telling You—And How to Listen!

Speaker: David Worrell, CFO, Author & Speaker

Your financial statements hold powerful insights—but are you truly paying attention? Many finance professionals focus on the income statement while overlooking key signals hidden in the balance sheet and cash flow statement. Understanding these numbers can unlock smarter decision-making, uncover risks, and drive long-term success. Join David Worrell, accomplished CFO, finance expert, and author, for an engaging, nontraditional take on reading financial statements.

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How Amazon, Temu, and Shein are reshaping Australia’s retail landscape

Inside Retail

Recently, I have been examining what I call ‘The Invisible Enemy’ facing Australian and global retailers. This pervasive, almost intangible force is dismantling the traditional pillars of retail with alarming speed. Once, we knew our competitors. They were visible in malls, high streets, shopping centres, or online marketplaces. But today, the competitive landscape has dramatically shifted, and traditional retailers find themselves grappling with an enemy they can no longer see or predict.

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AO raises forecast following strong profit and sales growth

Retail Gazette

AO has raised its full-year forecast once again, driven by a significant increase in both profits and sales during the first half of the year. For the six months ending 30 September 2024, the electricals retailer saw a 30% rise in adjusted profit before tax, reaching £17m, while total revenues climbed 6% to £512m. Operating profits grew by 11%, and B2C retail revenues saw a 13% increase, totalling £382m.

Planning 111
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Thanksgiving Spending Spree: US Consumers Set New Shopping Record in 2024

Retail Wire

Thanksgiving saw U.S. consumers spending freely.

Consumer 299
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Holiday Shopping Trends and Payments Innovations: Experience as Competitive Advantage

Retail TouchPoints

As the holiday shopping season approaches, retailers face increased pressure to facilitate a seamless and secure shopping experience. This is an opportunity to not only capture share of wallet but also build lasting customer loyalty and trust. Payments technology is central to the shopping experience. Innovations like biometrics and tap-to-pay have transformed how, when and where consumers shop.

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State of AI in Sales & Marketing 2025

AI adoption is reshaping sales and marketing. But is it delivering real results? We surveyed 1,000+ GTM professionals to find out. The data is clear: AI users report 47% higher productivity and an average of 12 hours saved per week. But leaders say mainstream AI tools still fall short on accuracy and business impact. Download the full report today to see how AI is being used — and where go-to-market professionals think there are gaps and opportunities.

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Webjet in legal battle over flight price misrepresentation

Inside Retail

Webjet is facing legal proceedings for allegedly misrepresenting the minimum price of airfares on its app, email marketing, and social media posts. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) launched the legal action in the Federal Court against Webjet for displaying “flights from $X” statements but omitting its compulsory service fee and booking price guarantee fee in the advertised prices between November 2018 and November 2023.

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Can Asda veteran Allan Leighton return the supermarket to its former glory?

Retail Gazette

Asda has brought back its former CEO Allan Leighton as its executive chair, succeeding Lord Stuart Rose, in a bid to turn around the struggling chain. Leighton helmed Asda from 1996 to 2001 and is credited with turning around the struggling chain, alongside current M&S chair Archie Norman – pulling the grocer from the brink of insolvency to orchestrating its bumper £6.7bn sale to Walmart in 1999.

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Dog Treats Recalled by FDA Due to Salmonella Risk

Retail Wire

The recalled dog treats are being sold in 19 states.

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Macy’s Delays Q3 Earnings to Investigate Financial Irregularity

Retail TouchPoints

Macy’s reported preliminary earnings for its Q3 2024, which ended Nov. 2, 2024, but has delayed the full release of results while it investigates an incident in which it appears an employee hid millions of dollars of expenses for nearly three years. The irregularity was uncovered as the retailer was preparing its financial statements for the current quarter.

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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.

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Clarins ANZ MD Jerome Bellony on the beauty brand’s new concept store in Sydney

Inside Retail

Privately held French luxury skincare brand Clarins has opened its first direct-to-consumer (DTC) store in Australia and New Zealand after 70 years in the game. Jerome Bellony, managing director of Clarins Australia and New Zealand, spoke with Inside Retail about entering a new era in how the business connects with customers. He explained how the brand’s new store in Sydney’s QVB building is a space where beauty meets innovation and the values that have defined Clarins for the past seven decades

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Data: UK shoppers to spend over £2bn on secondhand gifts this Christmas

Retail Gazette

UK shoppers plan to spend a total of £2.05bn on secondhand gifts over this festive season as pre-loved rises in popularity, new research from Vinted and Retail Economics has found. Sales of pre-loved gifts are forecast to make up 10.2% of the total nation’s Christmas gift market this year, with the category particularly popular among those aged 18-45.

Consumer 110
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Liverpool ONE prepares for busiest Christmas since 2019

A1 Retail

Liverpool ONE is set to have its busiest Christmas in five years, with record numbers of visitors predicted during the festive period. Europe’s leading retail and entertainment destination is expecting over four million visitors in the run up to Christmas, with the boost in visitors anticipated to top records since before the COVID-19 pandemic. Liverpool ONE is forecasting a 7% year-on-year increase in sales by the end of 2024, while footfall is expected to be 3% higher than 2023.

ATS 104
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Philadelphia Whole Foods Workers Vote to Unionize

Retail TouchPoints

An “overwhelming majority” of workers at a Whole Foods Market in Philadelphia have filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to hold a union election. A statement from the proposed union, the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 1776 , said: “No one should have to beg for fair compensation and better working conditions while working for one of the most profitable organic grocers in the world!

Grocer 267
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SEO vs. PPC: Which Strategy Is Best for Your Business?

When it comes to driving traffic and growing your online presence, businesses often ask: SEO or PPC—what’s the better choice? This guide breaks down the key differences between search engine optimization (SEO) and pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, highlighting their pros, cons, and best use cases. Whether you’re looking for long-term organic growth or immediate visibility through paid ads, we’ll help you determine which strategy—or combination of both—is right for your business.