Merchandising

Amid economic turbulence, many retailers are revamping their marketing strategies to try and bring in more customers. However, increasing advertising spend is not the end-all-be-all solution to boosting their bottom lines. Instead, they can increase their revenue by more effectively capitalizing on the customer interactions they already have on their e-commerce platforms and outperforming competitors.…

The economic downturn is dramatically impacting consumer budgets, making shoppers think twice about their spending. This puts pressure on e-commerce merchants to adapt their online shopping experiences to maximize profitable conversions. Meeting this challenge requires a focus on five key areas: 1. Enhance e-commerce site search with dynamic ranking and merchandising. With every cent counting…

As Total Retail reported last week, H&M launched a resale program in collaboration with thredUP. “H&M Pre-Loved” offers shoppers an easy way to find secondhand pieces for their wardrobes. The new shop also continues the retailer’s sustainability mission of establishing circular business models for itself and customers. To learn more about its new resale program, Total Retail connected with Abigail…

In episode 392 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews David Law, senior vice president and general manager of Allen Edmonds, a U.S.-based handmade luxury men’s footwear heritage brand. Listen in as Law provides an overview of the legacy brand (1:00), his professional background and role at Allen Edmonds (2:35), and the factors he believes…

The pandemic years were boom times for numerous sectors of the economy, including home and bedding, furniture, and home workout brands. In a short period of time, Americans spent $118 billion spiffing up their homes (some categories of home goods, such dishwashers, spiked 4000 percent). Home sales also spiked as people sought more space. But…

Target announced earlier this week that it would be stocking its shelves with more products priced under $10 as it tries to appeal to more cost-conscious consumers dealing with once-in-a-generation inflation. The retailer has shifted its focus to selling more food and lower-priced items under its higher-margin private-label brands including Favorite Day, Good & Gather,…

Nordstrom has teamed with The Folklore Group as part of the retailer’s commitment to build a more equitable marketplace and reduce barriers to access for diverse suppliers, reports Yahoo. Through The Folklore Connect platform, Nordstrom’s merchants will be better able to identify and engage with wholesale fashion and lifestyle brands founded by Black, Latinx, Asian and other people…

In episode 382 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Christina Chang, vice president, procurement and planning at Adore Me, a leading online women's intimates retailer and Certified B Corporation known for inclusive sizing. Chang discusses the Adore Me business and its products (0:45), her professional background and current role (1:40), and how inclusive…

Recent headlines make excess inventory at major retailers sound like an issue that leadership should’ve seen coming. The reality, as is often the case with the headlines, is far more nuanced. There are many reasons at play for the excess of inventory, ranging from diminishing customer demand as COVID-19 restrictions ended and people shifted their…

A differentiated merchandise assortment is one of the top ways retailers can remain competitive in an economic downturn. Retailers that offer unique, exclusive or sustainable products become differentiated shopping destinations unto themselves. However, as consumers demand more authentic, responsibly made products that either improve communities or better the planet, retailers need to expand their wholesale…