Omnichannel

Advancing Digital Commerce by Empowering Internal Teams
February 23, 2017 at 8:50 am

As brands close hundreds of stores, retailers are investing in the digital experience and digital commerce to win customers over more than ever. However, it doesn’t come easy; a winning digital strategy must have the right combination of technology, content and features, all of which require an investment of time and resources. Those resources must…

The Retail Trends and Technology That Will Fizzle in 2017
February 22, 2017 at 3:20 pm

At the start of every year, there's a lot of talk about what the next big thing in the industry will be. Artificial intelligence being one example for 2017. However, there are a few trends and technologies that don't live up to the hype. Total Retail's editorial advisory board shares what specific trends retailers should be…

Kroger's E-Commerce Division Growing Brick-and-Mortar Jobs
February 21, 2017 at 1:01 pm

Since launching its ClickList service, which allows grocery shoppers to order online and have their purchases bagged and loaded when they arrive at stores to pick them up, Kroger has added 25 to 35 new jobs at each store offering the service, according to the company. The Cincinnati-based chain has started more than two dozen…

MC Sports to Close All 68 Stores After Liquidation Sales
February 20, 2017 at 11:37 am

Michigan Sporting Goods Distributors, which operates 68 sporting goods stores in seven Midwestern states, has begun store liquidation sales at its MC Sports, MC Sporting Goods, MC Sport Outdoors Centers and Traverse Bay Tackle stores. The company plans to close all of its stores after the liquidation sales. The sporting goods chain filed for Chapter 11…

Amazon Quietly Lowers its Free Shipping Minimum to $35
February 20, 2017 at 11:25 am

Over the weekend, Amazon.com quietly reduced its free two-day shipping minimum rate for non-Prime subscribers to $35. Amazon confirmed the change on its shipping guidelines and options page. Amazon's free shipping rate has gone up and down over the years. The free shipping minimum has been as low as $25 in the past, and was…

Markdown Mania: A Symptom of the Wrong Product at the Wrong Price
February 20, 2017 at 9:05 am

The retail industry is facing an epidemic. As retailers continue to use markdowns to entice shoppers and drive traffic into stores, consumers are becoming increasingly price sensitive, leading them to expect sales at every turn. A recent study by First Insight took a deeper dive into the expectations of consumers, finding that 70 percent need…

What Retailers and Brands Can Learn From 2016
February 17, 2017 at 11:27 am

2016 proved that digital is the way of life, which means mobile capabilities need to be incorporated into any brand or retailer’s sales strategy. Many brick-and-mortar stores are reaching for new ideas and new digital tactics to increase revenue. From blending online and offline brand experiences to finding new ways to engage with customers, there…

Retail Personalization Trends for 2017
February 17, 2017 at 11:22 am

Last year, personalized selling experiences were all the buzz and retailers tested new methods to make shopping more seamless for their customers. In 2017, we’ll see smart retailers focus on bridging the gap between the personalized in-store experience and shopping online. By borrowing the best of both worlds — online and brick-and-mortar — retailers can…

GNC Posts Woeful Q4 Results; Announces Store Closures
February 17, 2017 at 11:04 am

GNC announced Thursday a $433.4 million loss in its fiscal fourth quarter, marking the end of a rocky 2016. In total, the Pittsburgh-based health supplement retailer's share price declined 64 percent year-over-year. GNC recorded a net loss of $286.3 million, compared with a $219.3 million profit the year before, as sales declined 6.5 percent and…

The New Retail Ecosystem: From Disrupted to Disruptor
February 16, 2017 at 2:26 pm

GNC announced Thursday a $433.4 million loss in its fiscal fourth quarter, marking the end of a rocky 2016. In total, the Pittsburgh-based health supplement retailer’s share price declined 64 percent year-over-year. GNC recorded a net loss of $286.3 million, compared with a $219.3 million profit the year before, as sales declined 6.5 percent and […]