Today on Total Retail

The holiday season is always marked by a shopping spree. The challenge retailers face with this surge is making shopping experiences exceptional despite the chaos. Even with all of the variety of ways consumers shop, retailers must be able to understand what they seek and prefer. This is where advanced technologies like artificial intelligence come…

Amazon.com is slashing its merchant fees for clothing vendors in an attempt to compete with Chinese fast-fashion retail site Shein, which may be on the docket to IPO in 2024. The online retail giant announced Tuesday that referral fees for items priced under $15 will drop from 17 percent to 5 percent. The fees for…

As the holiday season nears, artificial intelligence is transforming retail marketing in the beauty sector. However, responsible AI usage is crucial to maintaining trust with wary consumers. Our VisualGPS research revealed that in 2023, AI makes 63 percent of Americans very nervous, rising from 53 percent in 2022. So, as AI-generated visual content enters the…

The peak holiday season usually brings a welcome boost in sales and festive cheer for merchants. Known shopping events such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Thanksgiving, and Christmas pique consumer interest and lead to increased customer traffic. But while you might support year-end customer activities with festive purchase options, there's a potential threat to all…

Peer recommendations have been a trusted endorsement for products and services since the earliest days of commerce. However, in the “age of influence,” brands maximize this word-of-mouth endorsement and spread it far and wide through authentic and paid channels. This age-old practice of sharing advice transcends consumer markets. It's taking hold in the B2B space…

Video shopping has emerged as an interactive digital experience allowing shoppers to connect with knowledgeable experts in real time. However, brands seeking to capitalize on its potential are realizing that seamlessly executing video shopping poses intricate challenges. In my experience leading retail experience strategy for brands across 10 countries, I've seen firsthand the stumbling blocks…

The recently released 2023 Merchant Gift Card Omnicommerce Evaluation, Australia Edition, a comprehensive report produced by NAPCO Research in conjunction with sponsor partner Blackhawk Network, features an assessment of retailers’ e-commerce/digital, mobile, and in-store gift card offerings. The report seeks to provide an omnicommerce view into the consumer gift card purchase and recipient experience. The full report can…

Few industries have experienced the turbulence that retail has in the last few years, but fortunately the latest forecasts show signs of a rebound. This may be good news for retail leaders, but that positivity isn’t necessarily trickling down to frontline employees. In fact, a concerning trend has emerged — 40 percent of full-time retail…

For small businesses, the holidays aren’t just the most wonderful time of year, they’re the most critical for driving sales and gaining new customers. While independent shops are popular for those who want unique and meaningful gifts for their loved ones, big-box retailers look to dominate the space through advertising and can’t-miss offers. With powerful…

My grandchildren love participating in water sports at our cottage, and recently I needed to order two different parts for them to replace items that were broken on equipment they use that I’d purchased at a retail store. Since the store didn't sell parts, I called one company and was greeted by a pleasant and…