Today on Total Retail

Today's retail landscape is no walk in the park. Communication has evolved unimaginably: endless forums and review sites sharing consumer opinions, expectations for highly personalized experiences, and digital giants like Google and Amazon.com, which have conditioned consumers to expect instant access and gratification. It's more demanding and competitive than ever, and meeting these expectations pushes…

The next big marketing communication channel is here — rich communications services (RCS). This messaging protocol has the potential to replace the SMS (short message service) format marketers have grown to know and love. Though many Android users already had access, Apple accelerated the transition by introducing RCS messaging support in its latest iOS update,…

It’s almost that time of year again ... NRF, one of the biggest retail shows, is back for 2025. Retail’s Big Show invites more than 6,200 brands from around the world to the Big Apple to unveil the latest trends and insights the retail sector can expect throughout the year. NRF 2025 is expected to…

One effect of the global pandemic was the elevation of supply chain management from a back-office business function to a C-level strategic priority. As we begin 2025, all indicators suggest that for most industries, including retail, optimizing the supply chain to meet the needs of a post-pandemic world is more than ever a priority. To…

Despite the rise of e-commerce, in-store shopping remains a vital part of the retail landscape. An analysis of omnichannel shoppers at Kroger stores shows this cohort still makes 83 percent of their visits in-store. Additionally, approximately 75 percent of omnichannel shoppers claim that they prefer to head to a store to purchase fresh produce, bakery…

Big Lots has concluded its sale agreement with investment firm Gordon Brothers Retail Partners, securing the brand's future and several jobs, reports Yahoo Finance. The two parties entered into agreement for the deal late in 2024. This strategic move allows privately owned retailer Variety Wholesalers to take over numerous store outlets, ranging from 200 to…

While friendly sales staff, top-notch products, and eye-catching visual merchandising draw consumers into your store, the checkout process is critical in converting them into paying customers. Research reveals retailers lose approximately $37.7 billion annually due to long checkout lines. That said, if your checkout experience isn’t up to par, it could significantly impact your bottom…

While the unprecedented supply chain disruptions of the past few years have slowed, several pressure points continue to impact industry leaders, including heightened inflationary costs, increased sustainability expectations, and emerging technologies that require strategic investments to remain competitive. But what do these influences look like across the supply chain? Here’s a breakdown of these challenges…

The experience a shopper has returning a product online or in-store can have a dramatic impact on loyalty. One bad experience can force a consumer to sever a relationship with a retailer, while a positive experience can motivate a consumer to buy more goods. New data supports the impact of returns on loyalty, showing that…

The COVID-19 pandemic has left a mark on nearly every aspect of life. The ways people shop, make purchasing decisions, and perceive value have fundamentally shifted over the past few years. When we emerged from the pandemic, it became clear that many of the changes in consumer habits were here to stay. Retailers that once…