Technology

For all their virtues, a common complaint about customer data platforms (CDPs) and CRM systems is the prolonged training times that these technologies require in order to realize their benefits. The most valuable capabilities on these platforms are in many cases only accessible to those technicians that have acquired hard-won skills and mastered their complexities.…

According to Mastercard SpendingPulse, in-store sales are anticipated to increase 7.9 percent this holiday shopping season, with an estimated 4.2 percent increase in online sales. A survey by Deloitte predicts an even stronger e-commerce increase of between 12.8 percent and 14.3 percent. This growth points to an expected increase in shoppers contacting retailers for different…

In episode 378 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Nathan Sanders, CEO of Brook Furniture Rental, an industry leader in home and office furniture rentals. Sanders discusses Brook Furniture Rental's recent expansion from its core B-to-B business into direct-to-consumer selling (0:52), how both consumer and business customers can order from the company (4:13), and…

We're doing business in interesting times, with retailers navigating tidal wave and drought-like conditions. With the pandemic in the rear-view mirror, inflation underway, and the 2022 holiday season upon us, how are small and midsize business (SMB) retailers faring? According to Verizon Business’ Third Annual State of Small Business Survey, retailers remain upbeat regarding their…

While the metaverse may not be widespread in retail just yet, there’s clear excitement among industry marketers about the new business opportunities it presents. This sentiment was made clear during a panel discussion that took place at this year's Total Retail Tech event.

For decades, the topic of sustainability was on the back burner for brands and retailers across their business models, networks of manufacturers, and supply chains. But now, that’s starting to change. Retailers in every sector are boosting their commitment to sustainability. For some brands, being environmentally friendly has been a core element of their DNA…

What is big data? How does data help produce artificial intelligence (AI)? How can retailers utilize data and AI best to positively impact their business? Asha Saxena, CEO and founder of Women Leaders in Data and AI, delivered a keynote presentation during Total Retail Tech earlier this year in Nashville. In this video clip from her session, Saxena discusses…

There’s no way around it: The pandemic has permanently altered consumers’ shopping habits. Led by millennials, customers are leveraging more and more of their spending power online — especially for groceries and household goods. Live shopping and loyalty programs play a crucial role in unifying an increasingly fractured purchase journey. No matter where customers are…

In episode 375 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Samir Desai, chief digital and technology officer at Abercrombie Fitch & Co., a leading global, omnichannel specialty retailer of apparel and accessories for men, women and kids through five renowned brands, including Hollister Co. Listen in as Desai discusses the launch of its Share2Pay functionality…

Brands know that creating an optimal commerce experience is critical for generating revenue, building customer loyalty, and staying competitive against the experiences provided by leading retailers. However, customer experience (CX) quality has declined in 2022, reversing the progress made in 2021, according to Forrester’s latest U.S. Customer Experience Index™. And while marketers often look to…