Today on Total Retail

Walmart is seeking to acquire more members for its premium loyalty program, Walmart+, with a 50 percent off deal for a year. The half-off deal lasts through July 18. The timing of the offer strategically leads up to Amazon.com's Prime Day event, which is scheduled for July 16 and 17. Walmart+ subscribers gain early access to major…

Quantum computers are perceived by the public as sophisticated computers designed to solve complex problems more rapidly than conventional computers. It’s thought that these types of computers can only be found in a handful of IT companies outside of universities. However, variations have been developed in the last year to two years. There are now…

The three use cases where the convergence of artificial intelligence and Internet of Things underpinned by event streaming is making a real difference to retailers and their customers are as follows. Enhancing Every Customer Journey Within the Store AIoT enables retailers to intelligently take advantage of in-store and customer data to offer highly customized shopping…

The implementation of transformative artificial intelligence-enabled technology investments is shifting the paradigm for how e-commerce businesses operate. Experts estimate that two-thirds of service providers are already forming cross-functional initiatives to manage generative AI projects. By 2026, 75 percent will be using GenAI to create synthetic customer data, which will be generated by algorithms that mimic real-world…

I have a confession to make: A few weeks ago I found myself buying toys for my kids — toys that they really don’t need. I hadn’t planned the splurge, but as I strolled the charming streets of San Diego, my eyes fell upon an incredible feat of store design: a gigantic wooden puppet, its…

The parent of Saks Fifth Avenue sealed a $2.65 billion deal to buy rival Neiman Marcus, according to people familiar with the matter, creating a powerhouse in luxury retailing that seeks to hang onto wealthy shoppers — all with a little help from Amazon.com. Amazon and Salesforce will take minority stakes in the combined company, to…

The retail sector in 2024 faces a confluence of transformative forces. Geopolitical tensions, intricate supply chains and economic fluctuations have created a complex landscape. Challenges like inflation, rising interest rates, and escalating living costs directly influence consumer purchasing power. The e-commerce boom and evolving post-pandemic consumer behavior further reshape market dynamics, presenting both opportunities and…

“Hello Mr Yakomoto, welcome back to The Gap. How did those assorted tank tops work out for you?” Ever since Tom Cruise walked into The Gap as pre-crime chief John Anderton and was greeted by a 3D hologram asking him about his purchase from an eye scan, the "Minority Report" became an instant "future of…

Subscription programs are everywhere. From entertainment and groceries, to fashion, wellbeing, education, and certainly in retail. Amazon Prime boasts approximately 150 million subscribers and Costco has 128 million. Walmart+ hovers around 25 million and could bring in an extra $160 billion in revenue by 2027 if it maintains its current growth. And Target has entered…

If small business owners could clone themselves to be in multiple locations executing five critical tasks at once, most probably would. Especially if that meant they could spend more face time with customers. Carson Searcy, owner of CBS Sports, an outdoor and sporting goods independent retailer in Morganton, NC, is no exception. From kayaks and…