Personalization

The global pandemic at the start of the decade reshaped consumer behavior, driving a surge in digital connectivity and dependence. Online shopping didn’t just grow; it became the norm. Today, about 59 percent of consumers prefer to shop online, where they’re met with tailored product recommendations, curated promotions, and predictive reminders to restock their favorites.…

In today’s digital-first retail environment, one thing is clear: shoppers expect hyperpersonalized experiences. From curated product recommendations to timely emails and in-app suggestions, consumers want brands to understand their preferences, predict their needs, and adapt to those needs quickly. The catch is, the more personalized the experience, the more personal data it requires. In a…

Laura Bollier, CEO of VENUS Fashion, discusses the modernization of the VENUS brand, focusing on honoring its strong legacy while evolving it to meet contemporary needs. Drawing on her 25-plus years of experience in the retail industry, Bollier highlights the importance of elevated quality, intentional fit, and a curated assortment for the modern woman. In…

In the age of hyperpersonalization, delivering seamless, secure digital retail experiences is no longer a competitive edge. It’s now becoming a consumer expectation. As retailers race to tailor every interaction, the need for a modern, adaptive customer identity and access management (CIAM) strategy has never been greater. Today’s consumers want personalized experiences, but they also…

With inflation and rising prices looming, U.S. consumers are gearing up for the 2025 holiday season with a sharp focus on value and convenience. A recent Holiday Survey report from Monetate of 1,500 shoppers reveals that more than two-thirds (67 percent) are worried about costs, and 76 percent are hunting for deals to stretch their…

Retailers everywhere are trying to prepare for a host of unknowns this holiday season, not least of which is how tariffs may impact consumer spending. Deloitte predicts that peak-season sales will grow only about 3 percent this year, the slowest pace since the pandemic. Yet within those muted expectations lies a bright spot: e-commerce is…

October used to be the quiet before the chaos, the month where retailers finalized promotions, smoothed supply chains, and crossed fingers. Not anymore. The game has shifted. Holiday 2025 is already underway, and the brands that still treat October as a prep month are about to lose share before the season gets into full swing.…

In 2025, personalization remained the key marketing trend. However, it evolved far beyond simple "Dear [First Name]" emails. With artificial intelligence, brands can create experiences where each customer feels like they're talking directly with the brand. Instead of generic email blasts, customers get personalized offers delivered through their preferred platform, whether that's Instagram, email, or…

In episode 492 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Debbie Woloshin, chief marketing officer at Stitch Fix, the leading online personal styling service. The interview was recorded at at Shoptalk Fall in Chicago last month. Listen in as Woloshin discusses innovating the product discovery process (1:40) as well as Stitch Fix's "Retail Therapy"…

Wondering what your customers really want? Right now? In 2025? Here it is: Customers want brands to meet them where they are, in real time, with made-for-them messaging that’s genuinely helpful given their unique context. Now, obviously, that’s a tall order. And it’s an order that traditional tactics, like generalized audience segmentation, won’t be able…