Today on Total Retail

Picture this: You need a new pair of running shoes so you visit a website to do a little research. Your screen fills with page after page of options. Before long, it’s information overload and you’re paralyzed by choice. You end up clicking on a pair from a brand you recognize. But that logo alone…

Identification helps retailers create more informed marketing and customer experiences, from personalizing messages early in their journey to treating loyalists like loyalists. The more site visitors can be identified, the more retailers can provide relevant, timely experiences that drive other critical performance metrics. A retailer that does very little to increase its visitor identification typically…

Defined by rising prices and growing inflation, the last two years have been full of financial challenges for consumers. While all age groups have felt the pain, Gen Zers have faced particularly difficult headwinds. Research indicates that three-quarters of this generation — those born between 1996 and 2012 — have had to adopt new spending…

The theme for retail marketers in 2024 is push forward when others pull back. Amid continued budget consolidation, unpredictable consumer demand, and macroeconomic factors, marketers naturally tend to conserve their resources for a brighter day. Despite industry challenges, the retail landscape is ripe with opportunities. The strong holiday season shone a light on the way…

For retailers, the game has changed when it comes to returns. Pandemic-era purchase habits have pushed online sales higher than ever before, but the double-edged sword is that return rates are also through the roof. Still, with consumer habits shifting more online, returns can provide retailers with a rich opportunity to turn a negative into…

Valentine’s Day spending on significant others is expected to reach a record $14.2 billion this year, according to the annual survey released by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics. Overall, consumers plan to spend $25.8 billion to celebrate Valentine’s Day, on par with last year’s spending and the third highest in the…

While at NRF 2024: Retail's Big Show in New York City, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan spoke with Glenn Allison, vice president of IT applications development at Tractor Supply Company, and Shash Anand, senior vice president of product strategy at SOTI, an industry leader in simplifying business mobility solutions. Allison and Anand discuss the use of artificial…

In 2023, e-commerce witnessed unprecedented growth. Accelerated by evolving consumer habits and new tech, online sales surged across industries. The latest in social media integration, artificial intelligence-driven personalization, and seamless omnichannel experiences reshaped digital marketplaces. Furthermore, retailers embraced post-purchase engagement, recognizing its value in nurturing brand loyalty. With convenience and tailored experiences at the forefront,…

Imagine entering a store for the first time and encountering screens instantly customized to your preferences. As you browse the aisles, you receive tailored product recommendations precisely aligned with your tastes and needs. This scenario depicts the imminent future of on-premise personalization — where artificial intelligence lifts customer journeys to unprecedented levels. Nevertheless, the human…

From having their morning coffee waiting for them at the click of a button, to winding down with a personalized movie recommendation on Netflix, consumers are accustomed to personalized experiences at every touchpoint throughout their day. Their expectations while shopping are no different. And while retailers are clear on the need to tailor for individual…