Trends & External Forces Best Buy, Hot Topic Upgrade Employee Educational Benefits Happy employees create a more successful retail environment, but one survey has found that nearly one in every two frontline employees are unhappy with their job due to low pay, inflexible hours, poor leadership and a lack of growth opportunities. As the retail industry continues to struggle with high employee turnover, Best Buy and Hot Topic are tackling […] Retail TouchPoints February 18, 2025February 18, 2025 3 min read AssociatesBest BuyUnileverPricing & PromotionsDept. NonfoodExecutivesEconomyCustomer ExperienceMarketing: Social MediaTechnology & InnovationBrick and MortarBrokersConsumersBOPISData & InsightsDept. AppliancesThick DataInclusivityMarketing: In StoreMarketing: TradeOperations & Supply ChainShoppers 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Trends & External Forces Crocs expects $11M hit to gross profit from tariffs The footwear retailer ended 2024 with ongoing strength at its namesake brand and hope for a turnaround at struggling Heydude. RetailDive February 18, 2025February 18, 2025 < 1 min read GovernmentDept. Apparel 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Trends & External Forces Vanishing Act: Why Small Pharmacies Exited Medicare Part D Networks for 2025 Abracadabra! Small pharmacies have ghosted Medicare Part D’s preferred networks—no farewell party, no breakup text, just a quiet exit. A few months ago , DCI highlighted how the largest pharmacy chains are participating as preferred cost sharing pharmacies in the 2025 stand-alone prescription drug plan (PDP) networks. Today, we update our exclusive analysis of how […] Drug Channels February 18, 2025February 18, 2025 2 min read Data & InsightsMarketing: Social MediaDept. PharmacyBrokersMeta (Facebook)Economy 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Trends & External Forces How Generative AI is Shaping the Digital Landscape Generative AI (GenAI) has rapidly gained popularity, especially with breakthroughs like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and DALL-E. This technology enhances work efficiency and could address labor shortages, with 44% of Dutch jobs highly exposed to GenAI. Education is also transforming, with students using ChatGPT for assignments, prompting universities to integrate the technology constructively. Interest in GenAI is […] BCC Research February 18, 2025February 18, 2025 < 1 min read AITechnology & InnovationPredictions and ForecastsChatGPTMarketing: Social MediaAssociates 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Trends & External Forces US restaurant industry forecast to reach $1.5 trillion in sales The sales forecast for 2025 comes from the National Restaurant Association. Food Business News February 18, 2025February 18, 2025 < 1 min read RestaurantsPredictions and Forecasts 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Trends & External Forces Crowdfunding Flop to Retail Rockstar – Why Your Product Deserves a Second Chance In the world of product startups, crowdfunding has become a popular way to finance and gauge interest in innovative products. Platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo have turned dreams into reality for countless inventors and entrepreneurs. But what happens when a crowdfunding campaign doesn’t hit its target? Is it the end of the road for your […] Retail Bound February 18, 2025February 18, 2025 6 min read ConsumersStrategyData & InsightsPartnershipsPackagingPredictions and ForecastsTechnology & InnovationTargetOperations & Supply ChainBrick and MortarShoppersDept. NonfoodMarketing: BrandInternational - North AmericaGovernmentPricing & PromotionsResults & InvestmentMarketing: In Store 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Trends & External Forces Crime still gets worse | Viewpoint: Pete Cheema Over the last two-and-a-half years, retailers have been forced to contend with a disturbing escalation in both the volume and seriousness of incidents happening in stores, and it is only getting worse. The Scottish government’s own statistics published in November last year highlighted a staggering… This story continues at Crime still gets worse | Viewpoint: […] Talking Retail February 18, 2025February 18, 2025 < 1 min read GovernmentBrick and Mortar 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Trends & External Forces North Carolina Amazon Warehouse Workers Reject Unionization In a vote last week, employees at an Amazon warehouse in Garner, N.C. voted 2,447 to 829 against joining an employee-led union, Carolina Amazonians United for Solidarity and Empowerment (CAUSE), according to The New York Times and multiple media outlets. CAUSE, formed in 2022, is seeking longer lunch breaks, increased vacation time and starting wages […] Retail TouchPoints February 18, 2025February 18, 2025 < 1 min read AssociatesAmazonOperations & Supply ChainMarketing: Social MediaInternationalHoliday & EventsEconomyGovernment 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Trends & External Forces Hightouch bags $80m Series C at $1.2bn valuation as it brings AI decisioning to retail marketers Hightouch, a composable CDP and AI decisioning platform, has raised an $80 million Series C investment round at a valuation of $1.2 billion. This was led by Sapphire Ventures, with participation from NVC, Amplify Ventures, ICONIQ Growth, and Bain Capital Ventures. Sapphire Ventures Partner Rajeev Dham will join the Hightouch board. The investment will help […] Retail Technology Innovation Hub February 18, 2025February 18, 2025 3 min read Technology & InnovationAIData & InsightsShoppersStart UpsMarketing: Social MediaCustomer ExperienceInternational - UKOmnichannelResults & InvestmentExecutivesOperations & Supply ChainConsumersTwitterTrends: TechDept. NonfoodStreamingMarketing: BroadcastMarketing: Direct & PersonalizationMarketing: Loyalty & SubscriptionMarketing: TradeAssociatesPricing & PromotionsWeather 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Trends & External Forces MadeGood Granola Bar Recall Reclassified as Class II by FDA A recall for MadeGood granola bars has been reclassified out of abundance of caution. RetailWire February 18, 2025February 18, 2025 < 1 min read Government 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Trends & External Forces How AI Overviews are Reshaping the Consumer Journey in 2025 With the rise of generative AI, the top of the marketing funnel is getting more complex. The digital marketing funnel from search to consideration to purchase is fragmenting into exploration across more varied digital channels, making it more challenging to capture a consumer’s attention and lead them where we want them to go. More and […] Retail TouchPoints February 18, 2025February 18, 2025 7 min read AITechnology & InnovationConsumersGoogleMarketing: Social MediaStore LocationDept. NonfoodChatGPTMarketing: UGCMarketing: VoiceHoliday & EventsData & InsightsDept. ApparelDept. Natural / OrganicHealth & WellnessESG and CSRAssociatesData VisualizationShoppersSustainabilityConsultingHome Depot 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Trends & External Forces Hey Starbucks, Bet You Can’t Beat This! Wawa’s $5 Big Breakfast Deal Redefines Value, Speed & Convenience Steven Johnson, Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® knows a winning foodservice formula when he sees one, and Wawa’s latest move is set to shake up the breakfast game. From February 17 through March 24, Wawa is rolling out its unbeatable $5 […] Grocerant Guru February 18, 2025February 18, 2025 3 min read WaWaDept. GroceryData & InsightsConsumersShoppersRestaurantsDept. BeverageMarketing: Social MediaDept. FreshMarketing: In StoreCompetitionDept. Fresh PreparedDept. DairyMarketing: Direct & PersonalizationMeta (Facebook)Pricing & PromotionsStrategyTechnology & InnovationTwitterESG and CSR 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Trends & External Forces RaceTrac Foodservice at the Intersection of Yesterday and Today RaceTrac Inc. continues to expand its foodservice menu, but rather than leveraging its platform to propel the industry forward with fresh, consumer-relevant food trends, the retailer remains anchored in legacy offerings that reflect consumer familiarity according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®. The latest example? Taco Pizza—a fusion of […] Grocerant Guru February 18, 2025February 18, 2025 3 min read Dept. GroceryData & InsightsDept. FreshConsumersMarketing: Social MediaUnileverTrends: Food and BeveragePredictions and ForecastsCompetitionDept. DairyHealth & WellnessESG and CSRMerchandisingMeta (Facebook)PepsiCoDept. BeverageRestaurantsStrategyTechnology & InnovationTwitter 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Trends & External Forces Creating Extraordinary Retail Places: Our Interview with Kevin Kelley We’re joined by fellow Retail Voices by NRF honoree Kevin Ervin Kelley to unpack some of the key lessons from his remarkable book Irreplaceable: Creating Extraordinary Places That Bring People Together and his recent NRF “Big Show” talk. We discuss how physical retail must dramatically evolve in an ever more digital world, the “Bonfire Effect,” his […] Remarkable Retail Podcast February 18, 2025February 18, 2025 2 min read Technology & InnovationAIMarketing: Social MediaPodcastsInternational - North AmericaAmazonDept. GroceryMeta (Facebook)TikTokStreamingStrategyPredictions and ForecastsMetaverseEconomyBrick and MortarData & InsightsDept. PharmacyESG and CSRGoogleGovernmentMarketing: BroadcastWalmart 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Trends & External Forces Top 5 Problems Distributors Face with Their Product Vendors In the complex world of product distribution, maintaining a harmonious relationship between distributors and manufacturers is essential for business success. However, this partnership is not without its challenges. From inconsistent product quality to communication gaps, distributors often face hurdles that can impact their operations and reputation. Understanding these challenges is crucial for manufacturers who strive […] Retail Bound February 18, 2025February 18, 2025 4 min read Operations & Supply ChainShoppersVendorsData & InsightsStrategyAssociatesTechnology & InnovationResults & InvestmentPricing & PromotionsPartnershipsMarketing: UGCMarketing: In StoreInternational - North AmericaGovernmentDept. NonfoodConsumers 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Trends & External Forces Retail technology tie up as Pricer and Focal Systems announce in-store digitalisation strategic collaboration Pricer and Focal Systems have annnounced a partnership focused on accelerating the digitisation and optimisation of physical retail stores. This brings together Pricer’s dynamic pricing and shelf-edge communication expertise with 2024 RTIH Innovation Awards winner Focal Systems’ computer vision and product availability solutions. By integrating Focal Systems’ AI powered shelf vision cameras with Pricer’s […] Retail Technology Innovation Hub February 17, 2025February 17, 2025 2 min read Technology & InnovationAIData & InsightsMerchandisingMarketing: In StoreInternational - UKOmnichannelAssociatesMarketing: Social MediaShoppersBrick and MortarConsumersExecutivesDept. NonfoodGoogleOperations & Supply ChainTrends: TechTwitter 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Trends & External Forces Leveraging Voice-Directed Picking to Optimize Multichannel Fulfillment The pressures on retailers to seamlessly fulfill orders across physical stores, online platforms and mobile apps continue to intensify. Whether shipping directly to customers’ homes, enabling curbside pickup or restocking store shelves, consistently improving speed, accuracy and adaptability is crucial for meeting shopper expectations and maintaining market share. As digital commerce expands and consumers increasingly […] Retail TouchPoints February 17, 2025February 17, 2025 5 min read Operations & Supply ChainAssociatesShoppersConsumersTechnology & InnovationDeliveryBrick and MortarDept. ApparelData & InsightsReturnsMarketing: Social MediaPredictions and ForecastsBOPISSustainabilityStore LocationDept. BeverageResults & InvestmentDept. NonfoodTech: RoboticsTrends: TechStrategyMobile commerceMarketing: In StoreHoliday & Events 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Trends & External Forces BAT to discuss future on nicotine products at Talking Retail Live BAT UK’s London regional manager will be among the speakers at next month’s Talking Retail Live. Warren Scanlan will talk during the session What’s Next for Nicotine Products? at the event taking place at London’s Kia Oval on 27 March. This session will explore the evolving… This story continues at BAT to discuss future on nicotine […] Talking Retail February 17, 2025February 17, 2025 < 1 min read Predictions and ForecastsInternational - UK 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Trends & External Forces Scottish govt urges NI hike reconsideration while M&S CEO’s phased approach is dismissed The Scottish government has called on Westminster to reconsider the increase to employers’ National Insurance contributions, warning that it would seriously hinder plans for growth. Employment and investment minister Tom Arthur believes the move will negatively impact consumers and Scotland’s economy. It’s claimed that the measure, announced by chancellor… This story continues at Scottish govt urges NI hike reconsideration […] Talking Retail February 17, 2025February 17, 2025 < 1 min read ExecutivesGovernmentEconomyConsumersResults & InvestmentAssociates 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Trends & External Forces London calling as Landsec extends its long-term Piccadilly Lights partnership with Ocean Outdoor Landsec has extended its partnership with Ocean Outdoor which manages the digital out of home (DOOH) contract for Piccadilly Lights in London. Under the terms of the agreement, Ocean will continue to manage content for the advertising DOOH screen well into the next decade, and work with Landsec on The Venue which sits beneath the […] Retail Technology Innovation Hub February 17, 2025February 17, 2025 3 min read Technology & InnovationAIInternational - UKMarketing: OOHData & InsightsMarketing: Social MediaCoca ColaOmnichannelHoliday & EventsTescoTech: CashierlessPepsiCoPredictions and ForecastsTikTokPricing & PromotionsTrends: TechOperations & Supply ChainDeliveryTwitterBrick and MortarCOVID19Dept. ApparelExecutivesDept. HBCInclusivityMarketing: Loyalty & SubscriptionAgencies 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Trends & External Forces Top 10 Wire & Cable Giants Transforming Global Industries Introduction: The wire and cable industry is not just about connecting devices or transferring electricity; it’s about powering economies and shaping a sustainable future. With innovations transforming the landscape, the market for wires and cables is witnessing rapid growth, thanks to cutting-edge materials, advanced technologies, and evolving global demands. In this article, we’ll explore the […] BCC Research February 16, 2025February 16, 2025 < 1 min read Technology & InnovationPredictions and ForecastsSustainabilityMarketing: Social Media 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Trends & External Forces Mattel Stock Jumps 15% On Positive Outlook, Despite Tariff Concerns Mattel delivered a winning fourth quarter, and issued an upbeat outlook for this year, and said it has a strategy for easing the impact of tariffs. Joan Verdon - Forbes February 16, 2025February 16, 2025 < 1 min read GovernmentDept. Toys & GamesStrategy 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Trends & External Forces Restaurants Will Outshine Retail Food Competitors in 2025 The restaurant industry is set to maintain its upward trajectory, outpacing other food retail sectors and solidifying its role as a dominant force in the U.S. economy. After surpassing $1 trillion in sales for the first time in 2024, the National Restaurant Association projects an even stronger 2025, with sales expected to hit $1.5 […] Grocerant Guru February 16, 2025February 16, 2025 4 min read RestaurantsTechnology & InnovationConsumersAIDept. GroceryData & InsightsEconomyMarketing: Loyalty & SubscriptionMarketing: Social MediaESG and CSRAssociatesCompetitionDeliveryExecutivesDept. FreshStore LocationResults & InvestmentMarketing: TradeOperations & Supply ChainStrategyShoppersPricing & PromotionsBrick and MortarMeta (Facebook)GovernmentDept. NonfoodCOVID19Twitter 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Trends & External Forces The 4 Keys to Leading Today. Illustration by Lemmywinks via Midjourney. We have entered an age of de-Bossification. In many industries, particularly “White-collar” ones, the era of “bosses” is in decline. Less of a clamoring for boss like traits of controlling, managing, measuring, allocating, evaluating and checking in. There is a rise in the need for leaders and their traits of […] Rishad Tobaccowala February 16, 2025February 16, 2025 4 min read Data & InsightsTechnology & InnovationResults & InvestmentAIPredictions and ForecastsDept. FuelAssociates 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Trends & External Forces Retail Sales Dip Nearly 1% in January, Weather and Consumer Pessimism Blamed With retail sales dipping by 0.9% in January, American consumers may be clutching their wallets and purses tighter as of late. RetailWire February 16, 2025February 16, 2025 < 1 min read ConsumersWeather 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Trends & External Forces The Booming Thermal Interface Materials Market: Future of Cooling Introduction As technology advances, devices are becoming more powerful, compact, and energy efficient. However, this increase in performance comes with a major challenge—heat management. Overheating can degrade device performance, reduce lifespan, and even lead to system failures. This is where Thermal Interface Materials (TIMs) play a crucial role. TIMs are designed to enhance heat dissipation […] BCC Research February 15, 2025February 15, 2025 < 1 min read Predictions and ForecastsTechnology & InnovationMarketing: Social Media 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Trends & External Forces Digital PR: Where Beauty Challengers can Steal the Spotlight from Established Brands Whether big or small in scale, influencer campaigns have had proven success in raising a beauty brand’s profile and driving sales, especially among younger generations scrolling through TikTok for the lowdown on the latest aesthetic. However, for challenger brands, these ‘pay-to-play’ spaces are dominated by household names with bigger budgets that ensure them (and their […] Retail TouchPoints February 15, 2025February 15, 2025 4 min read ConsumersDept. HBCMarketing: Social MediaData & InsightsHealth & WellnessDept. Natural / OrganicStrategyTargetESG and CSRThick DataPredictions and ForecastsSustainabilityShoppersResults & InvestmentDept. NonfoodMergersMarketing: UGCMarketing: TradeTikTokDeliveryBig Data 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Trends & External Forces Topgolf: Interactive, Participatory, and Fresh Fun Interactive, participatory fresh food experiences—particularly those featuring hand-held food for immediate consumption—continue to captivate consumers across all demographics, especially Millennials seeking discovery. According to Steven Johnson, Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA-based Foodservice Solutions®, brands that fuse dining with immersive entertainment are driving innovation and securing long-term consumer engagement. Topgolf is a prime example of […] Grocerant Guru February 15, 2025February 15, 2025 4 min read Dept. GroceryGamingData & InsightsMarketing: Social MediaDept. FreshConsumersPartnershipsTechnology & InnovationDept. BeverageOperations & Supply ChainAIDept. NonfoodShoppersMeta (Facebook)Dept. PerimeterTwitterDeliveryDept. Adult BevDept. Toys & GamesESG and CSRPepsiCoRestaurantsTrends: Tech 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Trends & External Forces Sociable: TikTok reinstated in US app stores after assurance from attorney general Amid ongoing discussions about its future in the U.S., the app has now been reinstated for download in both the Google Play and Apple app stores. MarketingDive February 14, 2025February 14, 2025 < 1 min read Brick and MortarTikTokMarketing: Social MediaPredictions and ForecastsGoogle 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Trends & External Forces Retail sales slumped 0.9% in January, down much more than expected Excluding autos, prices fell 0.4%, also far off the consensus forecast for a 0.3% increase. CNBC February 14, 2025February 14, 2025 < 1 min read Predictions and Forecasts 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Trends & External Forces Valentine’s Day flower sales could shift to FTD, other brands in 2025 1-800-Flowers still leads in US, FTD is gaining share 1-800-Flowers is the largest flower service by sales headed into Valentine’s Day 2025, according to Earnest credit card data. However, the industry stalwart is likely to lose share this season if recent trends continue. Access chart in Dash. 1-800-Flowers commanded 37.0% of Valentine’s Day flower sales […] Written by Earnest Research February 11, 2025February 11, 2025 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Trends & External Forces Shoppers believe best holiday deals are after holidays A good number of consumers, over 77%, believe there are better deals available after the holidays, and nearly 51% plan to take advantage by making a large purchase in late December and January. Those are top findings from a Holiday Green survey, from CouponCabin, regarding consumer habits in the post-holiday time frame. When it comes to post-holiday […] Written by Retail Customer Experience January 17, 2025January 17, 2025 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Trends & External Forces 2025 Outlook: A Snapshot into Ad Spend, Opportunities, and Strategies for Growth IAB’s 2025 Outlook: A Snapshot into Ad Spend, Opportunities, and Strategies for Growth offering an early glimpse into ad spending trends for the coming year. The report is a must-read to gain and understanding of brand and agency buyers’ growth strategies and the challenges they foresee. The report covers: 2025 projections for the market overall […] Written by IAB January 16, 2025January 17, 2025 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Trends & External Forces A major shift in North American grocery retail Spending is migrating away from traditional supermarkets and hypermarkets to channels that better align with busy lifestyles. The post A major shift in North American grocery retail appeared first on Retail Insight Network. Written by Retail Insights Network January 14, 2025January 14, 2025 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Trends & External Forces AI at the retail edge: What’s possible now There’s been a lot of talk lately about artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI (GenAI) and how these technologies are going to revolutionize retail. But the retail revolution can’t be accomplished with sweeping generalizations about putting more technology into stores. Successful retail outcomes are built using technology to solve specific challenges, expanding on wins and […] Written by RetailDive January 13, 2025January 13, 2025 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked