Omnichannel

In last year's fourth quarter, the U.S. Postal Service proposed a 9 percent to 12 percent increase in shipping fees for all shippers (including FedEx, UPS, Amazon.com), which could impact retailers in a big way. Consumers expect free shipping, but it’s getting harder for retailers to offer. And it’s already tough enough to compete with…

The start of a new year brings with it consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry trends, as well as the continuation of several 2018 developments. With e-commerce, we’ve started to see brands typically available exclusively online, like meal kit services, begin to move selectively into brick-and-mortar spaces or partner with established retailers to grow the reach…

In this episode of Retail Right Now, Total Retail’s Joe Keenan discusses Amazon’s plan to expand the reach of its Whole Foods stores.

Fifteen years ago, when Nike launched a shoe, every retailer received the same kit that included an end-cap, a pedestal, and a banner to market the shoe. Today, a shoe release is augmented by pre-seeded influencer kits, hyperlocal and immersive in-store experiences, and pop-up events that target social celebrities and fans. This example begs the…

Lowe's said last week that it plans to hire more than 65,000 associates this year to improve customer service and product availability. Roles are focused on enhancing customer service and include seasonal associate, merchandising support, store leadership and technology careers. According to a press release from the company, Lowe's hiring investments include: More than 50,000 seasonal…

To create, implement and execute an omnichannel strategy, companies must focus on three things: people, processes and technology.

Let’s look at three major trends merchants should be aware of when determining how to approach omnichannel for the holidays.

Moving into the critical holiday sales period, shoppers will continue using technology and online shopping to make gift purchases.

With only a few weeks left until the end of the holiday shopping season, retailers are looking forward to closing the season on a strong note. The National Retail Federation (NRF) is forecasting holiday sales to increase to $720.9 billion for November and December. Compared to recent years, 2018 brings a consumer set with more…

So, what should retailers do to maximize holiday sales? It all starts by attacking those long lines and out-of-stock complaints.