Today on Total Retail

Big Lots May Close Up to 315 Stores
August 5, 2024 at 6:53 pm

Discount retail chain Big Lots may close up to 315 stores under new credit and loan terms, according to an 8-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Friday. In a public SEC filing in June, the Ohio-based retailer, which has locations in 48 states, said it planned to close 35 to 40…

How AI is Impacting Electricity Demand and Energy Costs for Retailers
August 5, 2024 at 7:36 pm

While artificial intelligence isn’t new, it's certainly newsworthy. That’s largely thanks to almost daily headlines calling attention to just how much energy AI demands. Earlier this year, the International Energy Agency (IEA) released its forecast for global energy use through 2026, including, for the first time, projections for power consumption related to AI, data centers…

The Unstoppable Rise of AI in Modern Business: Driving ROI
August 5, 2024 at 10:25 am

Businesses are constantly on the lookout for the next technology that can be deployed in their operations to help give them an edge, and right now modern enterprises are turning to artificial intelligence to gain a strategic advantage and drive tangible return on investment. Reluctance to adopt AI and machine learning (ML) risks businesses lagging…

Measuring the Unmeasurable: A Deep Dive on Point of Sale ROI
August 5, 2024 at 9:42 am

To say measuring the return on investment at the point of sale (POS) is difficult in retail is an understatement. It's not as simple as counting how many units a brand sold from an in-store display. You also have to track factors like display engagement to gauge if consumers are noticing. You have to consider…

How to Build a Better Bundle
August 5, 2024 at 5:19 pm

While any sale is welcome to brands in today’s highly competitive e-commerce market, maximizing the sale to the consumer once you have their attention is obviously a more attractive proposition. Properly packaged and presented, product bundling is a standout tactic to give consumers the best possible value while selling them more of what you already…

Etsy Unveils New Buyer Loyalty Program
July 31, 2024 at 4:30 pm

Etsy announced Wednesday it was piloting a new buyer membership program called Etsy Insider to incentivize more consumers to shop the online marketplace. "One of our top priorities is encouraging buyers to think of Etsy first and shop with us more often, translating the joy Etsy inspires into more sales for our 7 million sellers,"…

How SMBs Can Rethink Their Digital Footprint With AI
July 31, 2024 at 6:15 pm

In the evolving landscape of business management for small and midsize businesses (SMBs), artificial intelligence tools have emerged as vital assets to streamline operations and optimize resources. Small business owners continually seek ways to bolster their competitive edge and increase efficiency, understanding that in today's technology-driven market, staying ahead of the competition is critical. The…

The Factors Driving U.S. Polo Assn.'s Strong Growth
July 31, 2024 at 5:10 pm

The U.S. Polo Assn. has climbed the retail ranks as one of the largest global licensed sports brands in the world, ranking consistently alongside the NFL, MLB, and NBA. J. Michael Prince, president and CEO of USPA Global Licensing (USPAGL), joined the Women in Retail and Total Retail Virtual Exchange on July 24 for an…

5 Ways Health and Wellness Brands Can Avoid Greenwashing
July 31, 2024 at 4:58 pm

Environmentalist Jay Westerveld coined the term "greenwashing" in 1986 while visiting Fiji. The hotel he was staying at had a policy that urged guests to reuse their towels to “save the environment,” but he ultimately uncovered it was to save on laundry expenses. Now, in the age of social media and information overload, brands even…

Enhancing Consumer Experiences by Connecting Gift and Loyalty
July 31, 2024 at 12:29 pm

Advances in digital technology continue to transform consumer journeys, evolving everything from the way brands engage with consumers to how shoppers complete their most basic purchases. Loyalty programs have long been a tried-and-true method for brands looking to engage, offering an opportunity to reward shoppers for repeat business and grow customer loyalty. To that end,…