Today on Total Retail

99 Cents Only Stores Files for Bankruptcy Protection
April 8, 2024 at 2:00 pm

99 Cents Only Stores announced last week that it had filed for bankruptcy protection in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware, days after it said it was closing all of its 371 locations. Founded in 1982, 99 Cents Only Stores currently operates stores in California, Texas, Arizona and Nevada. Number Holdings, Inc., the parent company…

Sam's Club Leans Into Digital to Optimize CX
April 8, 2024 at 2:50 pm

In episode 447 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Sabrina Callahan, vice president, e-commerce at Sam's Club, a leading membership warehouse club offering superior products, savings and services, part of the Walmart portfolio. During the wide-ranging conversation, Callahan discusses her role at Sam's Club (1:15), collaborating with other departments within the company to…

2024 Retail Technology Report: We Need Your Insights
April 8, 2024 at 11:26 am

Total Retail values your insights as a retail executive. As such, we request your participation in a brief survey (less than 10 minutes to complete) about your organization's technology usage and needs, both current and future. All survey data will be reported on anonymously. The survey data collected will serve as the foundation for the…

The New Retail Reality: Embracing AI-Driven Dynamic Pricing
April 8, 2024 at 9:47 am

In an economic landscape filled with challenges, dynamic pricing emerges as a vital strategy for retailers aiming to maintain and enhance their market presence. According to McKinsey, optimizing pricing decisions could significantly impact profits, indicating that a minor 1 percent price increase might lead to an 8.7 percent profit boost. This modern approach to pricing,…

7 Key Habits of High-Performing Retailers That Don’t Include AI
April 8, 2024 at 8:35 am

I know you’re probably wondering if this article will be a blast on artificial intelligence based on the headline. You’ve come to the wrong place if you're looking for that. As you’ve probably witnessed, it seems every organization is looking at ways to bring in ChatGPT to improve processes and content — and retailers are…

Amazon Removing ‘Just Walk Out’ Tech From its Fresh Grocery Stores
April 4, 2024 at 12:44 pm

Amazon.com is removing “Just Walk Out” technology from its Amazon Fresh stores as part of an effort to revamp the grocery chain. The company’s well-known technology lets customers pay for items without standing in line and sends them receipts afterwards. Amazon says Just Walk Out will now be replaced by smart carts that allow customers…

Key Highlights and Trends From Shoptalk 2024
April 4, 2024 at 11:54 am

In this episode of Retail Right Now, Total Retail's Marie Albiges and Joe Keenan discuss the key themes and trends that emerged during Shoptalk Spring 2024 in Las Vegas. They touch upon highlights from discussions held at the Women in Retail Pavilion, hosted by Women in Retail Leadership Circle, sister brand of Total Retail.

Why Highlighting the Artistic Side of Luxury Fashion is the Key to Better Shopping Experiences
April 4, 2024 at 11:48 am

In November and December, U.S. retail industry sales rose 3.8 percent compared to the year before. Economists seemed surprised by retail results defying expectations throughout much of 2023. Unfortunately, 2024 didn’t start quite as well. Since then, retail sales have shrunk by 0.8 percent (worse than market forecasts of a 0.1 percent decline). U.S. retail…

Retail Leaders Will Embrace AI to Elevate CX
April 4, 2024 at 10:32 am

The retail industry is gearing up for an artificial intelligence-first revolution, with customer experience (CX) at the center of this massive shift. AI is poised to become an essential instrument for retailers, enabling them to outpace competitors, provide standout personalized services, and keep CX at the core of their business strategy, creating a flywheel effect…

Empowering Sustainable Shopping Through Technology: An Industry Perspective
April 4, 2024 at 9:21 am

As retailers across industries recognize the growing importance of sustainability, the role of technology in enabling eco-friendly shopping experiences has never been more critical. The shift towards sustainable shopping, driven by consumers' values and environmental consciousness, has reshaped the retail landscape. According to Statista, 60 percent of surveyed individuals made at least one second-hand purchase…