Today on Total Retail
January 22, 2025 at 3:45 pm
In a move meant to create an integrated, automated supply chain, Walmart has struck a deal with artificial intelligence-enabled robotics technology company Symbotic. Walmart said in a press release it would invest $520 million in Symbotic's AI-powered robotics platform, which will accelerate online pickup and delivery options and develop new pickup and delivery fulfillment systems.…
January 22, 2025 at 7:03 pm
As we begin 2025, e-commerce continues to be a significant cornerstone in retail with trends driven by evolving consumer habits and rapid technological advancements. Customers continue to discover more online, and opportunities to purchase quickly follow. Recent retail reports show continued growth in e-commerce sales. This is a trend I believe will persist through the…
January 22, 2025 at 6:26 pm
As retailers approach 2025, the political season has brought into focus significant opportunities to learn from consumers based on their tendencies exhibited throughout the election cycle and its outcomes. The brands that perform best in 2025 and the following years will make powerful use of four major strategies. Define Your Brand’s Version of Americanism There…
January 22, 2025 at 5:57 pm
At a growth rate of 21.8 percent for 2024, retail media is the fastest-growing form of ad spend in the U.S., according to data from eMarketer. As impressive as that growth rate is, retail media faces challenges hampering its growth. Dominance in Retail Media For one, data from eMarketer shows that Amazon.com will account for…
January 22, 2025 at 4:57 pm
In this episode of Retail Right Now, Total Retail's Joe Keenan and Kristina Stidham discuss trends and insights from the 2025 National Retail Federation Big Show, held in New York City from Jan. 12-14. Keenan shares the key themes discussed during the event; the growing implementation of artificial intelligence in retail; concerns over potential new…
January 22, 2025 at 10:51 am
Retailers are under constant pressure to balance maintaining adequate stock levels with minimizing the financial burden of unsold inventory. This challenge has become even more critical in a fast-paced retail environment shaped by omnichannel demand and fluctuating customer preferences. To navigate this complexity, many retailers, including Walmart, Target, and Walgreens, are turning more to scan-based…
January 21, 2025 at 6:14 pm
A union representing thousands of Costco employees voted to authorize a strike, paving the way for a work stoppage if the labor group and retailer do not reach an agreement, reports CNBC. Costco Teamsters, the union with 18,000 employees for the retailer nationwide, said 85 percent of members voted to approve the action. The current…
January 21, 2025 at 9:22 pm
In November, REI reached out to 4,800 people with an email to let them know they would never be able to make another return due to past abuse. Other brands including Saks Fifth Avenue and Target have updated their policies to refuse returns and send items back if they suspect fraud or if a product…
January 21, 2025 at 6:55 pm
As holiday campaigns dominated the social media landscape, retail businesses look forward to 2025 for cutting-edge strategies and approaches to stand out amongst competitors. E-commerce and retail businesses face increasing competition due to in-app shopping features and targeted retail ads across platforms such as Google, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, X, and Pinterest. We expect more…
January 21, 2025 at 6:40 pm
The monetization of customer data is a significant trend in retail, but today’s shoppers are as tech-savvy as they are sensible and acutely aware of how their personal data is used. This poses a unique set of challenges and opportunities for retailers, as customers expect exceptional shopping experiences while remaining vigilant about their privacy. In…
