Today on Total Retail

The 2024 holiday shopping season revealed significant shifts in consumer behavior and expectations that retailers must consider when planning for 2025. Recent research from Applause uncovered several critical insights about digital commerce performance during this crucial retail period. Mobile commerce solidified its dominance, with 72 percent of consumers preferring smartphones and tablets for holiday shopping.…

Innovation in the retail space has been greatly accelerated by the rise of digital technologies, though as Mark Twain said, "there's no such thing as a new idea." While livestream shopping channels may echo the 1980s Home Shopping Network era, today’s content-driven approach provides a unique shopping experience that allows brands to create new interactions…

The rise of artificial intelligence-on-device technology will fuel the next major growth spike in mobile e-commerce, driving innovative retail brands ahead of the laggards. In 2025, AI-on-device technology like Apple Intelligence on iOS and Google Gemini on Android will transform the mobile user and consumer experience with personalized shopping experiences, easier search and discovery, and…

President Trump on Saturday signed an executive order that imposes 25 percent tariffs on imports from Canada, while adding an additional 10 percent levy on goods from China. Canada responded hours later with retaliatory tariffs of its own. China's commerce secretary said that country would challenge the tariffs through the World Trade Organization, according to…

While at the 2025 National Retail Federation (NRF) Big Show in New York City from Jan. 12-14, Total Retail's Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan had the opportunity to interview Steve Dennis, president and founder of SageBerry Consulting, author and podcast host. In this video interview, Dennis shares the important trends and themes he saw emerge this past…

In episode 474 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Brad Santanna, head of omnichannel marketing at The Hershey Company, an industry-leading snacks company, and Steve Triplett, senior vice president of advertising sales at Vibenomics, an in-store digital advertising provider. Listen in as Santanna and Triplett provide insight into the benefits of in-store advertising…

For retail marketers, the transition from the holiday season to the new year presents opportunities and challenges. While many businesses see the holiday period as their finish line, forward-thinking marketers understand that the real victory lies in converting seasonal momentum into year-round success. The first quarter typically sets the tone for the entire year’s performance.…

In today’s cut-throat retail landscape, promotions, which account for 10 percent to 45 percent of total revenue, are a double-edged sword. On the one hand, they can potentially boost sales and significantly improve brand visibility. On the other hand, poorly executed promotions can lead to decreased margins, customer frustration, and even brand dilution. Traditional retail…

In today's world, mega-retailers have changed the way we shop. They offer same-day delivery and auto-shipment and sell cheaper versions of popular brands. Because of this, consumers now expect faster, easier transactions. Yet, they also want a personal touch. In fact, recent data tells us that of consumers who preferred to shop small this past…

Toothpaste, condoms, makeup and deodorants are among dozens of products under lock and key inside clear cabinets at drugstores like CVS in order to deter thieves from shoplifting. It's become a source of inconvenience — for both customers who have to wait for a salesperson to unlock the cabinet, and for employees to stop what…