Fri.Jul 25, 2025

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7 Essential Tips for Designing an Effective Retail Shop Floor Plan

Small Biz Trends

Designing an effective retail shop floor plan is vital for enhancing customer experience and boosting sales. You need to take into account factors like customer flow, product placement , and the overall shopping environment. For instance, creating a decompression zone at the entrance helps customers adjust before they navigate the store. Furthermore, strategically positioning high-demand products can encourage exploration and increase visibility.

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Primark launches mannequin to represent wheelchair users

Retail Gazette

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

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Home & Gift 2025 sees huge growth in key visitor types and record rebooking

A1 Retail

Home & Gift 2025 concluded this Wednesday on a resounding note of success, having united thousands of buyers, brands, and creatives across four vibrant and inspiration-filled days, reaffirming its position as the UK’s essential summer showcase for the retail industry. Celebrating its 65th edition, this landmark show combined record-breaking attendance, standout creativity, and unmistakable feel-good energy across the Harrogate Convention Centre and the grounds of the DoubleTree by Hilton Har

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Retail’s Finest to Take Centre Stage at 2025 Creative Retail Awards in Spectacular New Theatre Venue

Retail Focus

The Creative Retail Awards has announced the 2025 shortlist, showcasing innovation and excellence across the global retail industry. This year’s ceremony will introduce a dramatic new setting, taking place at London’s newly opened Emerald Theatre on 25 September 2025. With over 20 categories spanning visual merchandising, store design, digital integration and sustainable design, the Awards continue to highlight the strength of the retail design sector.

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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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7 Essential Training Programs to Boost Your Retail Industry Career

Small Biz Trends

In the competitive retail industry, enhancing your skills through targeted training programs can greatly influence your career trajectory. For instance, perfecting selling strategies and comprehending workplace safety are crucial for creating a positive customer experience and maintaining a secure environment. Furthermore, programs focused on COVID-19 guidelines and crowd management are increasingly relevant.

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Sustainable Merchandising: Why Eco-Friendly Practices Are Good for the Planet and Your Profits

CJ Retail Solutions

In today’s world, the significance of sustainable merchandising cannot be overstated. As a consumer, you are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of your purchasing decisions. Sustainable merchandising goes beyond merely selling products; it encompasses a holistic approach that considers the entire lifecycle of a product, from sourcing materials to the final sale.

More Trending

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Innovative Fashion Business Ideas to Inspire Your Next Venture

Small Biz Trends

Key Takeaways Diverse Opportunities: The fashion industry offers various business ideas like sustainable clothing, personalized styling services, and online boutiques, allowing entrepreneurs to explore their passion and creativity. Market Research Importance: Thorough market research is essential for understanding consumer preferences, industry trends, and identifying gaps in the market to tailor your business offerings effectively.

Fashion 60
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Walmart bets big on AI with ‘super agent’ strategy

Retail Dive

Skip to main content CONTINUE TO SITE ➞ Dont miss tomorrows retail industry news Let Retail Dives free newsletter keep you informed, straight from your inbox. Daily Dive M-F DTC Weekly Every Tuesday Marketing Weekly Every Wednesday Tech Weekly Every Thursday Operations Weekly Every Monday By signing up to receive our newsletter, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

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‘Never trust, always validate’: The cyber mindset every retailer needs

Retail Gazette

With UK retailers under siege, Gamma’s security experts explain how they’re working with some of the UK’s largest retailers to move from protection to prediction, and why finding the right partner is vital in today’s threat landscape. In the wake of major cyber-attacks on the industry, Gamma’s experts feel that it’s time for UK retailers to treat network resilience and cyber maturity as non-negotiables.

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Why It’s Important to Have a Panic Alarm Button on Your POS System

National Retail Solutions

This guide breaks down the must-have POS features that independent retailers need to stay competitive. Learn how sales reporting, CRM tools, and reliable hardware can boost efficiency and profits. The post Why It’s Important to Have a Panic Alarm Button on Your POS System appeared first on National Retail Solutions.

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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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Retail sales rebound in June, boosted by warm weather and events, latest figures from the ONS reveal

Retail Times

Retail Times publishes international & UK retail news covering products, data, tech, packaging, people, research, comment and more besides! Retail sales volumes (quantity bought) are estimated to have risen by 0.9% in June 2025, following a fall of 2.8% in May 2025, the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics reveal. Food store sales rose following a fall in May 2025, with retailers reporting the warm weather had a positive effect.

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Spring Fair and Theo Paphitis announce 12 new #SBS winners for 2026 initiative

A1 Retail

Spring Fair , the UK’s definitive home, gift, and fashion trade show, is delighted to announce the 12 new winners of its continued partnership with retail entrepreneur Theo Paphitis and his #SBS Small Business Sunday initiative. Each winner will receive a free exhibition stand within the #SBS Village at Spring Fair, taking place on 1st – 4th February 2026 at the NEC Birmingham.

Fashion 69
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What Defines Brand Identity?

Small Biz Trends

Brand identity is vital for any business looking to stand out in a crowded market. It encompasses the visual and verbal elements that convey your company’s core values and personality. This includes logos, color schemes, and typography, which all play a role in how consumers recognize and trust your brand. Comprehending these components is fundamental, as they shape perceptions and experiences.

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Kizik Sues Skechers for Infringing on its Hands-Free Shoe Tech: ‘This is a Category we Created’

Retail TouchPoints

HandsFree Labs (HFL) , the company behind “hands-free” footwear brand Kizik , has sued Skechers for patent infringement, claiming that Skechers knowingly and willfully copied HFL’s patented technologies for its line of Hands Free Slip-ins footwear. HFL holds more than 200 issued and pending patents globally dating back more than 15 years, and has licensed that technology to brands including Nike , but Skechers is not one of them.

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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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Innovative Online Business Ideas to Boost Your Entrepreneurial Journey

Small Biz Trends

Key Takeaways Diverse Business Ideas: Numerous online business models exist, including e-commerce stores, affiliate marketing, online courses, subscription services, digital product sales, and virtual assistant services, catering to various skills and interests. Market Research is Essential: Conduct thorough market research to identify target audiences, assess demand, and understand competitors, which is crucial for validating business ideas and developing effective strategies.

Finance 60
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Backcountry Acquires Value Retailer Level Nine Sports

Retail TouchPoints

The article first appeared in our sister publication Shop Eat Surf Outdoor (SESO) Outdoor gear retailer Backcountry has acquired Utah-based Level Nine Sports , which will combine Backcountry’s digital expertise with Level Nine’s specialized and cost-conscious product portfolio, according to a news release. Both Level Nine Sports Utah retail locations, which are in Millcreek and Ogden, will remain open with ongoing support from Backcountry.

Outdoor 147
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House Small Business Committee Advances Key Legislation for Growth

Small Biz Trends

In a significant move aimed at bolstering small businesses across America, the House Committee on Small Business recently passed five new bills, setting the stage for what lawmakers describe as a “Golden Age of Main Street America.” As the committee endorsed these proposals, small business owners may find new opportunities on the horizon, bolstered by increased investments and enhanced support.

Finance 94
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Kinexio announces partnership with leading footfall providers to create bespoke global analytics platform for retail and mixed-use destinations

Retail Times

Retail Times publishes international & UK retail news covering products, data, tech, packaging, people, research, comment and more besides! Kinexio, the leading tech platform for the management of commercial property, has announced a pioneering partnership with footfall providers PFM Intelligence Group, Sensormaric (ShopperTrak) and Axper to enhance data and analytics for retail and mixed-use places.

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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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National Retail Solutions (NRS) Launches DoorDash Partnership Nationwide

National Retail Solutions

National Retail Solutions, Inc. (NRS) is proud to announce a partnership with DoorDash, leveraging DoorDash’s retail APIs to strengthen small […] The post National Retail Solutions (NRS) Launches DoorDash Partnership Nationwide appeared first on National Retail Solutions.

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Introducing Lola’s brand new Summer Cups: the sweetest way to cool off this season

Retail Times

Retail Times publishes international & UK retail news covering products, data, tech, packaging, people, research, comment and more besides! Whether we’re braving a heatwave or struggling through a warm, muggy day, we Londoners are always on the lookout for something cool and refreshing to get us through the summer. So what better time to welcome Lola’s latest creation?

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Pepco Group drafts in advisors to oversee Poundland handover

Retail Gazette

Poundland’s former owner Pepco Group has lined up FRP Advisory to supervise the handover of the discount chain to its new owner. Industry sources told Sky News FRP has been asked to act as an observer for it as Poundland looks to enter a court-sanctioned process that involves store closures and jobs losses. The retailer is looking to shut 68 of its stores and two distribution centres, as well as impose rent reductions on hundreds of sites under a radical restructuring plan.

Returns 52
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Retail set for £113m cash injection from England’s Women’s Euros Final, according to VoucherCodes.co.uk

A1 Retail

9.5m shoppers to make a purchase for the Women’s Euros Final Grocery retailers to enjoy £97.2m boost from food and drink sales Retailers to see £566.4m spent across the whole Women’s Euros tournament The Women’s Euros Final is expected to give the UK economy an additional £183.7m as football fans across the nation tune in to watch England against Spain – more than any other game in the tournament.

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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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Usdaw boss Paddy Lillis departs after over 30 years

Retail Gazette

Trade union Usdaw has seen a major leadership shift today (25 July), with three of its central officials stepping down. General secretary Paddy Lillis, deputy general secretary Dave McCrossen, and executive and administrative officer Brendan Duggan have retired from the organisation. They are set to be replaced by former North East regional secretary Joanne Thomas, former Southern regional secretary Rab Donnelly, and former head of the legal services department Darren Miller, respectively.

Returns 52
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Mattel to keep roughly half of US toys below $20

Retail Dive

Skip to main content CONTINUE TO SITE ➞ Dont miss tomorrows retail industry news Let Retail Dives free newsletter keep you informed, straight from your inbox. Daily Dive M-F DTC Weekly Every Tuesday Marketing Weekly Every Wednesday Tech Weekly Every Thursday Operations Weekly Every Monday By signing up to receive our newsletter, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

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Protect Your Store, Have Your Say campaign: more than 1,000 letters sent to Business Secretary, urging Government to reconsider risks posed by the Tobacco and Vapes Bill

Retail Times

Retail Times publishes international & UK retail news covering products, data, tech, packaging, people, research, comment and more besides! ‘Protect Your Store, Have Your Say’ – a nationwide letter-writing campaign calling out the dangers of the proposed Tobacco and Vapes Bill for the convenience sector – has reached a major milestone. More than 1,000 letters have now been sent to Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds urging him to support small businesses, as they fight against […

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How to Define Goal Setting Theory to Achieve Objectives

Small Biz Trends

Goal-Setting Theory, developed by Edwin A. Locke, outlines a structured approach to achieving objectives through the formulation of specific and challenging goals. By applying the SMART criteria , you can improve clarity and motivation in your pursuits. Comprehending the key principles , such as the importance of feedback and managing task complexity , is crucial.

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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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Mondelēz International kicks off 2025 Halloween season with its line-up of seasonal product

Retail Times

Retail Times publishes international & UK retail news covering products, data, tech, packaging, people, research, comment and more besides! Mondelēz International is excited to announce its Halloween seasonal offering for 2025, with a stellar line-up of sweet treats perfectly suited for the spooky season. With more than half of the UK population celebrating Halloween, it’s a key time for retailers to maximise their chocolate and confectionery sales.

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10 Free Content Calendar Templates to Streamline Planning

Small Biz Trends

If you’re looking to improve your content planning process, exploring free content calendar templates can be a practical solution. These templates can help you organize your posting schedules and track performance metrics effectively. Whether you prefer ClickUp or Google Docs, there are options customized to various needs. Using these tools can streamline your workflow, but it’s crucial to choose the right one for your objectives.

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Brits are set to splurge a whopping £113m at retail stores as England goes head-to-head against Spain

Retail Times

Retail Times publishes international & UK retail news covering products, data, tech, packaging, people, research, comment and more besides! The Women’s Euros Final is expected to give the UK economy an additional £183.7m as football fans across the nation tune in to watch England against Spain – more than any other game in the tournament. The Women’s UEFA Euro 2025 Spending Report, by VoucherCodes.co.uk, forecasts football fans will spend £113m with retailers on food, drink and other [

ATS 40
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Intuit Unveils AI-Powered Updates to Boost Productivity for Mid-Market Firms

Small Biz Trends

In a landscape where small and mid-sized businesses face increasing complexity, Intuit Inc. has rolled out significant upgrades to its Enterprise Suite, aimed at enhancing productivity and profitability for growing companies. The new features, powered by AI and integrated automation, promise to streamline operations and simplify financial management, allowing business owners to focus on strategic growth rather than administrative tasks.

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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.