Today on Total Retail

Customer Experience (CX) Day, which is marked on Oct. 1st, comes at a time when retailers are busy preparing for the festive period. They have limited time to oil their proverbial machines and ensure a seamless and positive shopping experience, especially as customers navigate the often panic-inducing task of holiday gift buying. To mark CX…

Retailers face immense opportunities and significant challenges heading into the holiday season. Put simply, the sales volume retailers see is typically far greater than the rest of the year, so preparations must be tight. A successful holiday sales season requires thoughtful planning and strategic use of technology to optimize operations, manage inventory, and protect against…

A surge of new online shoppers, artificial intelligence and omnichannel retailing have upended retail in only a few years. As the industry continues to evolve, the demand for innovative technologies grows with it, and one tool that’s become increasingly popular is electronic shelf labels (ESLs) — especially in the grocery sector, where the need for…

Tractor Supply Company announced last week it would acquire the specialty online pet pharmacy Allivet, adding to its portfolio and expanding its benefits to its loyalty customers. The retailer, which specializes in farm, home improvement, and animals and includes products and services related to pets, horses and livestock, had already partnered with Allivet to offer…

In this bonus episode of Total Retail Talks, Total Retail's Kristina Stidham and Joe Keenan discuss the brand's recently released 2024 Retail Technology Report. Listen in to learn about this annual report, including how data is collected, key findings to emerge from this year’s survey of technology decision-makers from across the industry, and implications for…

Artificial intelligence (AI) is seemingly disrupting everything in today’s world, including retail businesses. At Total Retail Tech last month, retail martech leaders shared their experiences using AI, from implementation to execution to measurement. Lauri Joffe Turjeman, chief marketing officer at American Freight, spoke with Ron Offir, managing director of retail and consumer products at Deloitte…

In today's fast-paced retail environment, data is the lifeblood of successful operations. Key functions like competitive analysis, pricing strategies, product decisions, and understanding customer trends all depend on having lots of relevant data that’s clean and current. However, not all data is created equal, and processing bad data is often worse than processing no data…

As we head towards a pivotal U.S. presidential election for retailers, it’s paramount that leaders in our industry pay attention to the impact it can have on their operations. The convergence of economic, political and regulatory risks presents a volatile landscape, demanding that retail leaders act swiftly to mitigate unprecedented challenges that will likely materialize…

Personal shoppers are no longer reserved for the luxury consumer thanks to artificial intelligence. What was once the realm of exclusivity is now entering the everyday shopping experience — with AI assistants poised to transform industries and create new opportunities for businesses and consumers alike. AI can manage your schedule, make appointments, write emails and…

Boot Barn's current president and CEO Jim Conroy plans to step down effective Nov. 22. Conroy, 54, is leaving the retailer to become CEO of Ross Stores, effective Feb. 2, 2025. He succeeds Barbara Rentler, who has served as CEO at the off-price retailer for the last 10 years. Conroy has served as president and…