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Sometimes a store is just a store…and sometimes it’s a lot more. MAC Cosmetics ’ newly redesigned flagship at the Deji Plaza luxury shopping center in Nanjing, China definitely falls into the latter category. Reopened just in time to celebrate the 20 th anniversary of the brand’s entrance into China, the store now features a visually stunning, futuristic design meant not just to stop shoppers in their tracks (although it will certainly do that), but also to reflect the evolution of the brand and
Amidst growing consumer mistrust of sustainability certifications and green initiatives, Ikea stands out as a retailer making meaningful changes to its operating model and supply chain to achieve ‘real zero’ carbon emissions. Rather than relying on the well-worn ‘net zero’ rhetoric, which too often utilise carbon offsets, the global furniture giant is pursuing decarbonisation across every aspect of its business.
It is no secret that the retail industry needs to become more sustainable. While we have already seen significant movement in this area with the introduction of schemes such as paper-based bags and in-store clothing recycling, the onus is on retailers to do more to reduce their impact on the environment. Some often cite cost as the primary barrier when it comes to sustainability, with certain schemes requiring significant spend.
When managing retail inventory, grasping the crucial features of stock management systems can greatly improve your operations. Key elements like easy restocking alerts help prevent stockouts, whereas all-encompassing reporting facilitates sales performance analysis. Mobile access allows for management on-the-go, and seamless integration with other tools boosts efficiency.
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.
As you step into a retail environment, the colors that surround you are not merely aesthetic choices; they are carefully selected tools that influence your behavior and decision-making. Research has shown that colors can evoke specific emotions and reactions, which retailers leverage to create an atmosphere conducive to shopping. For instance, warm colors like red and orange can stimulate excitement and urgency, prompting you to make quicker purchasing decisions.
Custom fixtures transform retail spaces from ordinary to captivating by giving every display purpose and personality. They’re not simply shelves or stands—they’re crafted expressions of your brand that invite shoppers to engage, explore, and buy. Investing in well-designed, custom-built pieces helps create a consistent atmosphere that customers remember and trust.
Taking your retail brand to the next level and attracting an equity investment based on the value of your brand requires not only business acumen but strategies for brand protection. Protecting your trademarks by way of registration is only a first step. Brand identity and value must also be protected by complying with consumer protection, privacy and advertising laws.
Taking your retail brand to the next level and attracting an equity investment based on the value of your brand requires not only business acumen but strategies for brand protection. Protecting your trademarks by way of registration is only a first step. Brand identity and value must also be protected by complying with consumer protection, privacy and advertising laws.
Against a background of global headwinds including increased costs and supply chain pressure, a 10 per cent US tariff on Australian goods, AI becoming retailers’ top strategy, and the rising popularity of online marketplaces, the Online Retailer conference kicked off in Sydney on Wednesday. The cream of Australia’s online retail industry attended the first day of the event, at the ICC in Sydney’s Darling Harbour, to discuss the future of e-commerce, with a packed line-up of presenters.
Custom fixtures transform retail spaces from ordinary to captivating by giving every display purpose and personality. They’re not simply shelves or stands—they’re crafted expressions of your brand that invite shoppers to engage, explore, and buy. Investing in well-designed, custom-built pieces helps create a consistent atmosphere that customers remember and trust.
Key Takeaways Customer-Centric Focus: Successful eCommerce businesses prioritize understanding and addressing customer preferences to create personalized shopping experiences. Robust Branding: Establishing a distinctive and recognizable brand identity fosters trust, enhances customer loyalty, and sets businesses apart from competitors. Effective Marketing Strategies: Utilizing diverse digital marketing tactics, including SEO, email campaigns, and social media engagement, is crucial for attractin
A well-designed product layout is not merely an aesthetic choice; it is a fundamental aspect of retail strategy that can significantly influence customer behavior and sales. When you walk into a store, the layout guides your journey, subtly directing your attention to specific products and areas. A thoughtfully arranged space can create an inviting atmosphere that encourages exploration and engagement.
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.
Dalton Park Outlet, an outlet shopping destination in the North East, has bolstered its sustainability credentials, announcing three impactful initiatives that promote greener, low impact living. The outlet has partnered with Durham County Council as part of its Towns & Villages transformation programme to introduce a covered bike storage unit which includes a repair station and space for 10 bikes and 4 cargo cycles.
Even in our increasingly digital world, where almost everything is measurable, it can be hard to quantify the effectiveness of a TV ad spot. But with both brands’ and consumers’ wallets tightening in response to current economic turbulence, a high-quality TV spot that helps a company stand out from the noise can be invaluable. And so, as media fragmentation grows and performance pressure intensifies, TV measurement platform EDO has ranked the most effective TV ads from the first half of 2025.
Kevin Tulip’s first experience working in retail was attaching price tags to clothing in the stockroom of Topshop during two weeks’ school work experience in Newcastle, Scotland, where he grew up. From a young age, he had enjoyed shopping with his parents and friends, so it seemed a natural fit to see what it would be like working in a store when he had to choose where to fulfil his work experience.
Europe’s leading sofa retailer, Poltronesofà, is close to completing a £57 million transformation of 96 UK stores as the company offers UK customers an unmatched choice of ranges and fabrics and an enhanced in-store experience. The Poltronesofà group operates over 310 stores across Europe and is the market leader in both Italy and France, with a market presence in Belgium, Switzerland, Malta and Cyprus.
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.
When you think about shopping, it’s important to recognize the different types of stores available. Grocery stores and supermarkets provide crucial food and household items, as you shop. Convenience stores offer quick access to necessities, often at a premium. Discount retailers focus on affordability, and specialty stores cater to unique interests.
Primark has unveiled its first seated mannequin designed to represent a manual wheelchair user, as part of its commitment to inclusion and better representation on the high street. The mannequin, which is named “Sophie” was inspired by and co-created with British television presenter and wheelchair user Sophie Morgan. The mannequin will be launched in 22 of Primark’s flagship stores, including Oxford Street and Birmingham, and will be featured in displays showcasing the brand’s adaptive range a
Lidl is introducing a new self scanning function within its Lidl Plus loyalty app, marking a further step in the retailer’s ongoing efforts to enhance the in store customer experience through digital innovation. The feature will be trialled from September in four selected stores through a friends and family test phase, with a broader phased rollout planned for next year.
A new generation is quietly but steadily beginning to influence the future of retail, yet many merchants have yet to take notice. Born from 2010 onward, Gen Alpha has grown up surrounded by smartphones, voice assistants and digital wallets. As they move closer to adulthood and gain spending power, their expectations around payments will be higher, faster and more digitally integrated than anything retailers have encountered before.
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
For years, Sam’s Club sat quietly in the shadow of Walmart’s larger operations in China with six oversized stores, modest profits and little fanfare. It wasn’t failing. But it certainly wasn’t leading. Then came a quiet revolution. Under Andrew Miles’ leadership, Sam’s Club China transformed from a marginal business into one of the country’s leading omnichannel membership retailers, with more than 50 warehouse clubs, more than 500 local “cloud” delivery hubs and a reputation for exceptional prod
Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing many key industries, one of which is eCommerce. In recent years, business owners have started to rely more heavily upon various AI-powered tools to enhance the user/customer experience, reduce bounce rate, upgrade existing systems, enhance cyber security, boost conversions, and increase revenue. One such tool is the AI shopper or AI shopping assistant, which significantly helps consumers find what they’re looking for quicker than ever.
Achieving proficiency in retail inventory control requires a strategic approach to manage stock levels effectively. You need to understand demand forecasting , which helps predict customer needs, and implement advanced storage systems to optimize space. Furthermore, automated replenishment can streamline restocking processes. By regularly auditing your inventory and using techniques like ABC analysis , you can improve order accuracy and reduce costs.
Starting a product brand in the bustling world of retail is no small feat. With giants dominating the market and the fast pace of consumer trends, how do you make your mark? For startups aiming to boost brand awareness, the challenge often lies in standing out and connecting with the right audience. This blog post is tailored to guide budding product brands through proven strategies to thrive in the competitive retail landscape.
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.
We all know that good customer service is critical to the success of your business, but did you know that only 10% of unhappy customers will take the time to complain? These complainers are a gift because they like you enough to let you know when you mess up. After that it’s up to you to decide how to save the sale, and the customer. Saving the sale is instant gratification because you end up with money in your cash register, But if you do not save the customer too their business may be lost for
AI is transforming the way we shop – not just moving commerce to mobile or social platforms, but by letting digital agents do the work. Consumers now use AI assistants to search, compare, review, and buy products. Imagine an assistant that restocks your pantry automatically based on your preferences. That future is already arriving. Nearly one in three consumers used generative AI for shopping in the past six months.
Retailers in Australia are scaling back on free delivery and returns amid the continued increase in delivery costs, according to a report from delivery platform Shippit. The State of Shipping 2025 report finds that retailers are grappling with rising delivery costs, with standard delivery up from $10.26 last year to $10.39 this year and express delivery up from $14.24 to $14.69.
Visionarea, a company specialising in People Counting and Retail Analytics Solutions, announces the launch of a new line of AI Sensors for stores, smart offices, and high-traffic public spaces. These new solutions address the increasing demand for efficiency and optimisation in monitoring visitors accessing commercial spaces. In a “phygital” world where the physical and digital realms are increasingly intertwined, making it essential for organisations to employ data-driven approaches to manage t
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.
Key Takeaways Store Layout Significance: The design of a store layout is crucial for shaping the customer shopping experience and influencing purchasing decisions. Types of Layouts: Different layouts, such as Grid, Free-Flow, Racetrack, and Boutique, cater to varying retail strategies and target customer behaviors. Enhancing Customer Experience: A well-planned layout guides shoppers effortlessly through the store, encouraging exploration and engagement, ultimately leading to a more enjoyable sho
Finding ways to deal with all the economic uncertainty in the first half of this year served a reminder that “retail success is not about predicting the future – it’s about being prepared for the future,” says Jamie Elden, Chief Revenue Officer at Listrak, which describes itself as a person-first marketing automation platform. In keeping with that thought, Elden’s firm has compiled the following three trends retailers should focus on in the second half of the year: Price continues to be paramoun
In a world increasingly shaped by digital innovation, the AR retail experience is emerging as a revolutionary force, blurring the boundaries between physical stores and digital engagement. From trying on clothes without stepping into a fitting room to visualizing how a new sofa fits into your living room before you buy, augmented reality (AR) is rewriting the rules of retail in real-time—and both consumers and brands are paying attention.
In today’s competitive retail ecommerce landscape, where consumer expectations are shaped by experiences from major retailers and marketplaces, brands must go beyond attractive design to deliver experiences that truly convert and retain customers. Success lies in designing digital journeys that do more than look good. They must guide users effortlessly from discovery to checkout, while fostering trust, loyalty and long-term engagement along the way.
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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