Today on Total Retail

Last year, global retail e-commerce sales surpassed $4.1 trillion, underscoring the continued growth of online shopping and the critical need for seamless, secure digital experiences. As e-commerce expands, retailers face the increasing challenge of managing returns. With more online purchases comes a higher volume of returns, often accompanied by greater risks of fraud and digital…

Nike has warned that sales will drop by a double-digit percentage in its current quarter as the sneaker giant contends with new tariffs, sliding consumer confidence, and a slower-than-expected turnaround. In a conference call with analysts, finance chief Matt Friend said Nike expects its sales decline in the fiscal fourth quarter, which is set to…

Conversational artificial intelligence is at a tipping point. Beyond customer support, these solutions are being embedded across marketing, sales, IT, and even on search platforms — hinting at a soon-to-be ubiquity. In 2023, conversational AI’s market share was valued at $5.8 billion. By 2028, it’s projected to hit $31.9 billion. These are not the stilted…

For decades, the upholstered furniture industry, like many others, has witnessed the U.S. manufacturing landscape shift toward cheaper labor markets abroad, driven by cost savings and profit margins. Beginning in the late 20th century, companies moved manufacturing to countries like China, Mexico, and Vietnam. While this globalization brought short-term benefits, the long-term impact has been…

Much has been written — including by me in this publication one year ago — about the National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB) 2023 attempt to make it easier for two companies to be considered joint employers. Instead of requiring one company to have direct and significant control over a worker, the new rule would have…

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just a buzzword; it’s a game-changer in customer service. Businesses are leveraging AI to transform contact centers from reactive support hubs into proactive, predictive engines that enhance customer experiences and streamline operations. With AI, companies don’t just respond to customer needs, they anticipate them. In this article, I explore…

Beyond, the parent company of Bed Bath & Beyond, buybuy Baby, Overstock, and Zulily, announced Tuesday it was selling off its Zulily brand to Lyons Trading Company for $5 million. Beyond will keep a 25 percent stake in the brand, according to a press release. The announcement comes one year after Beyond acquired Zulily. Lyons Trading…

Buyers today are demanding seamless, connected retail experiences that integrate online and offline channels. In fact, 73 percent of retail consumers are now categorized as omnichannel shoppers. Furthermore, these shoppers want brands to deliver highly customized, relevant interactions — with 60 percent saying they’ll become repeat customers after a personalized shopping experience. If they haven’t…

Big news came out of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) this year with the launch of Amazon Retail Ad Service, offering up the marketplace giant’s retail media technology to retailers in beta. At first glance, it sounds exciting to adopt the same technology that’s enabled Amazon to secure exceptional advertising profits over the years. But…

Just a few years ago, 73 percent of U.S. consumers believed brands should put a stake in the ground to represent their values. The rise of movements like Black Lives Matter played a key role in pushing brands to support social justice causes. Consumers would base entire shopping decisions on which brands aligned most with…