Technology

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…

This video features a clip from a panel discussion focused on effective collaboration between marketing and IT departments. It was recorded at Total Retail Tech in Nashville last month. Kristen Gasior, chief transformation officer at Balsam Brands, shares the lessons she's learned from working effectively with IT teams, including establishing better cross-department alignment around business goals.…

Rising prices, ballooning interest rates, and fresh memories of last year’s supply chain shortages — these are a few of the factors pushing holiday retail spending earlier than ever before. In fact, a recent Bankrate survey showed that half of consumers planned on starting their holiday shopping by Oct. 31. This stands in stark contrast…

As brands are urged to do more with less in challenging economic conditions, generative AI opens up new opportunities for growth.