Merchandising

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…

In episode 376 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Stacia Andersen, chief customer officer at PetSmart. In the wide-ranging conversation, Andersen discusses her current role and career background (0:41), why she was drawn to work in the pet category after a long stint at Target (2:48), and the genesis of PetSmart's new small…

A couple of years ago, retail store shelves were mostly empty. Today, as manufacturers, we face a much different problem: shelf space for household consumables is shrinking. To make their brick-and-mortar locations more appealing, retail outlets continue to expand the footprint of prepared foods, fresh offerings, and other ancillary offerings designed to deliver convenience, value…

With prolonged inflation, hiked interest rates, and an economic downturn, it's no wonder consumers are feeling an increased amount of stress when making purchases or buying services. And with the holiday season upon us, many are rethinking their spending habits even more than they already were. In fact, 60 percent of consumers say their priorities keep changing…

Disney+ announced the launch of a new test that will allow subscribers to shop exclusive merchandise from brands including Star Wars, Marvel, Disney Animation Studios, and Pixar directly from the detail pages of select movies, series and shorts on the streaming service. The shop will be available to Disney+ primary profiles in the U.S. with users…

Retail leaders experienced a wake-up call in 2020. While most had started considering increasing digital experiences, such as a zero-cookie approach to e-commerce and consumer personalization, the majority of retailers still considered it as “nice to have,” widening the gap between digital leaders and digital laggards. Customers today are omnichannel and there's no sign of…

Circle K, a Canada-based convenience store and gas station operator, announced it was partnering with Green Thumb, a leading national cannabis consumer packaged goods company, to sell its products at a handful of Circle K locations next year. About 10 "RISE Express"-branded dispensaries will open adjacent to Circle K stores in various Florida locations, Green…

Macy’s has launched its online marketplace, which was first announced in November 2021. The new digital marketplace on macys.com offers shoppers a curated assortment of new brands, merchandise categories, and products from third-party merchants and brand partners. The marketplace gives customers easy access to more than 20 product categories and 400 new brands. Macy's partnered with…

Today’s consumer is far more informed, far more discerning, and has far more choices than just 20 years ago. The rise of e-commerce, social media, and digital marketplaces lowered the barriers to entry for new, innovative and nimble direct-to-consumer (D-to-C) brands, which has made the competitive landscape increasingly crowded. With the ability to now buy…