Today on Total Retail

The Biden administration announced new steps on Friday to curtail what it calls the “overuse and abuse” of a longstanding trade law that permits low-value shipments to enter the United States without paying import duties and processing fees. The steps include a new rule proposal which would bar overseas shipments of products that are subject…

Adoption of artificial intelligence across the retail sector is on the rise, with over half (54 percent) of businesses reporting plans to invest major amounts in the technology over the next five years, mainly to aid in marketing operations (58 percent), according to a new report from BSI. However, the report found the healthcare industry…

At its inception, digital for retail and commerce promised total visibility, reporting and optimization of each customer’s interactions with a brand across their lifetime. That promise is the foundation of online marketing. But while companies that invest in digital experience generate an incredible quantity of data, they often feel burdened by its volume. And they…

Back-to-school shopping, like other large retail events, demands careful supply chain planning to avoid bottlenecks and delays from large orders. With this year's projected spending lower than last year's, retailers need to accurately forecast demand to prevent overstocking while meeting consumers’ needs. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Optimizes Inventory Purchase Decisions AI is capable of analyzing consumer…

What do Uber, T-Mobile, and Starbucks have in common? Aside from being household names, these consumer brands are all tapping into the power of travel to drive customer engagement and foster long-term loyalty — and they're using membership programs to do so. T-Mobile customers can save up to 40 percent on hotels when booking through…

After securing a last-minute buyer, LL Flooring is reversing course on shutting down all of its stores. The hardwood flooring retailer formerly known as Lumber Liquidators signed an agreement with private equity firm F9 Investments for a sale of its business on Friday afternoon. Under terms of the deal, expected to close by the end of September,…

In the competitive world of retail, early planning is your secret weapon for a standout holiday season. Preparation makes all the difference between a successful holiday season and a disastrous one. Putting off these efforts can put your business at a serious disadvantage. So why wait? Start planning now. Importance of E-Commerce The retail world…

Gift card fraud is a pervasive challenge. In 2023, gift card-related fraud comprised $217 million of the record-high $10 billion in funds lost from scams nationwide. In 2023, gift card sales topped nearly $200 billion in the U.S., and about 50 percent of U.S. consumers said they planned to buy gift cards due to their…

In episode 464 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Anne Mezzenga and Chris Walton, co-CEOs of Omni Talk Retail, a fast-growing blog and podcast channel providing news, analysis and commentary on the latest trends and issues in the retail industry. Mezzenga is also a speaker at Total Retail Tech 2024, the summit for…

The retail landscape is on the brink of one of the most transformative eras in decades. With new emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and consumer behaviors always evolving, the retail industry must not only be able to keep up, but must be able to stay one step ahead as these trends reshape how and where…