Today on Total Retail

Artificial intelligence took center stage at the National Retail Federation's annual Big Show held in New York City last week. Some 40,000 attendees and retailers from across the globe swarmed the Javits Center to explore AI-focused technologies and other innovations tailored to their current requirements, opening doors to new possibilities. RFID Has Come a Long…

While at NRF 2024: Retail's Big Show in New York City last week, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan spoke with Karen Mitchell, senior vice president and chief marketing officer of Stop & Shop, a supermarket chain, to learn more about how the business is using robotics to improve the in-store customer experience as well as create engaging…

During the holidays, many retailers focused on demonstrating corporate responsibility through generous corporate giving programs primarily centered around donations. While donations are a wonderful start, there are many additional ways to show consumers you care, and holistic corporate responsibility is crucial year-round. Brands can be good social stewards throughout the year by focusing on inclusive…

Retail and economic experts who wondered how long consumers’ resiliency could last in the fourth quarter of a year marked by dwindling savings and stubbornly high prices got their answer in December. Online sales for the month increased by 11 percent over December 2022, according to Signifyd Holiday Season Pulse Tracker, to cap off a…

Retail layoffs are hitting especially hard recently. Macy’s is laying off about 3.5 percent of its total headcount, which amounts to roughly 2,350 employees, and the iconic department store is closing five locations. Also last week, online furniture seller Wayfair said it is cutting about 1,650 jobs, or 13 percent of its global workforce. The Wall…

Traditional delivery methods, once the norm in e-commerce, are rapidly being replaced by a standard that prioritizes immediacy. Retail giants and small businesses alike have recognized that today's consumers expect their online purchases to arrive not in days, but hours. This seismic shift is redefining logistics, compelling companies to innovate and adapt at breakneck speeds…

In episode 436 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Ciarán Long, interim CEO and chief financial officer of a.k.a. Brands, a brand accelerator of next-generation fashion brands, including Princess Polly, Culture Kings, Petal + Pup, and MNML. Listen in as Long gives an overview of the company (0:40), discusses the a.k.a. Brands' portfolio's…

With the holiday season in the rear-view mirror, shoppers may be looking for a break. However, retailers are primed to use this time to begin implementing a busy 2024 road map. Retail industry leaders are exploring ways to navigate the ripple effects of inflation and to integrate data-driven insights into digital transformation strategies. When previewing…

With over 40,000 people, 6,200 brands, 100 countries represented, and over 1,000 exhibitors, retail’s Big Show lived up to its name this year and artificial intelligence was the headlining topic. However, while AI dominated the content sessions at NRF, the real conversations were happening in the breakout rooms and on the expo floor, and attendees…

Let’s face it: The holidays were stressful, involving significant amounts of both travel and planning — whether that be for the aforementioned travel or for shopping, gifting, entertaining or giving thanks. But add to that list one more item imparting more than its fair share of stress this year: the rising cost of living. That…