Metaverse

  1. Technology & Innovation
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 […]
  1. Data & Insights
America’s tech giants could reportedly spend more than $320 billion on artificial intelligence (AI) this year. AI investments by the four biggest tech firms — Amazon, Google, Meta and Microsoft — jumped 63% last year, and will jump again for 2025, the Financial Times (FT) reported Friday (Feb. 7). However, the report added, investors are […]
  1. Technology & Innovation
Artificial intelligence is among the most popular conversation topics in marketing today, and retailers are feeling intense pressure for a well-considered point of view and strategy around the technology. In recent roundtable discussions with more than 50 marketing leaders at a global conference, we found a vast range of experiences, organizational commitment to AI, and […]
  1. Technology & Innovation
With the holiday season just concluded, the challenge of managing merchandise returns is a reality for many retailers. According to the latest data from the National Retail Federation (NRF), merchandise returns are projected to reach an astounding $890 billion in 2024, accounting for approximately 16.9% of sales. While this underscores the inevitability of returns, it […]
  1. Media & Marketing
  As the Supreme Court prepares to hear arguments about the potential U.S. ban on TikTok, the food retail and restaurant industries face critical questions about their future advertising strategies. TikTok has proven itself as a dominant force in the digital marketing ecosystem, delivering unparalleled engagement and influencing consumer behavior according to Steven Johnson Grocerant […]
  1. Media & Marketing
By: Dave Slowik, EVP, CPG, Platforms, TV at Circana In the last few years, connected TVs (CTVs) and streaming devices have revolutionized how people consume content and how marketers track and collect data. This will continue to present opportunities and challenges for marketers in 2025 as they navigate new business models, harness the power of […]
  1. Technology & Innovation
The retail world is on the brink of a seismic shift. With 2025 fast approaching, it’s becoming increasingly clear that staying ahead of trends is not just a competitive edge—it’s a necessity. For product brands, adapting to these changes is crucial in navigating the future landscape. This blog post will walk you through the emerging […]
  1. Trends & External Forces
The traditional retail landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace. With the rise of e-commerce giants, brick-and-mortar stores are redefining their roles in the retail ecosystem. By 2025, the future of physical retail will hinge on its ability to blend with digital innovations while retaining its unique strengths. This blog will explore how brick-and-mortar stores […]
  1. Technology & Innovation
In today’s competitive retail landscape, customer satisfaction is more important than ever. With so many opportunities available, customers expect outstanding experiences based on what they are looking for. From a personalised shopping perspective to a seamless omnichannel experience, tech innovations are redefining the retail industry completely. That being said, let’s dive deeper into this article […]
  1. Technology & Innovation
In its broadest and most straightforward definition, a digital twin is “a virtual replica of a physical object, person or process that can be used to simulate its behavior to better understand how it works in real life,” according to McKinsey. Digital twins are often linked to a data source; in some cases, that means […]
  1. Technology & Innovation
Augmented reality (AR) is transforming the retail landscape by seamlessly merging the digital and physical worlds. This technological evolution mirrors innovations seen in industries like online betting, where advanced features are redefining user engagement and creating immersive experiences. Similarly, retailers are increasingly adopting AR to enhance customer engagement, improve shopping experiences, and drive sales. A […]
  1. Shopper & Customer
  For decades, Walmart has driven change by meeting consumers’ evolving needs in affordability and convenience. In 2024, the retailer’s embrace of automation, AI, and immersive technologies underscores one vital truth: staying consumer-relevant requires constant innovation. Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® thinks it’s time to examine Walmart’s tech-driven initiatives through […]
  1. Technology & Innovation
The Consumer Electronics Show, better known as CES, is the ultimate playground for technology enthusiasts, product manufacturers, and innovators. CES 2025 promises to be the most exciting iteration yet, offering a front-row seat to the tech revolution. From groundbreaking gadgets to industry-shaping innovations, CES is where the future comes to life. If you’re attending this […]
  1. Corporate Strategy
Five Below has named Winnie Park, currently CEO of Forever 21, to take the reins as its CEO, effective Dec. 16, 2024. Previous Five Below CEO Joel Anderson left the company to lead Petco in July 2024. In her new role, Park will work closely with COO Kenneth Bull, who has been serving as interim […]
  1. Retailer Media
In today’s digital world, the way we shop is constantly evolving, and so are the ways brands reach consumers. Enter stage right: retail media networks – data-driven advertising spaces within online shopping platforms that help brands reach consumers at the point of purchase.  But what exactly are retail media networks, and why are they becoming […]
  1. Data & Insights
Image by Joe Latimer using Midjourney. Work is central to the human experience. Thanks for reading The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. Along with our physical health and our family relationships, work is the other significant factor that impacts […]
  1. Data & Insights
  From the bustling dining rooms of the 1980s to today’s diverse array of foodservice options, the concepts of service and hospitality have been pivotal in shaping the restaurant industry. Now according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®, while often used interchangeably, these terms have distinct meanings, and their evolution […]
  1. Data & Insights
RTIH sits down with former Jisp Managing Director, Ilann Hepworth, to hear about his new venture, ShopAi. RTIH: Tell us about yourself and ShopAi Ilann Hepworth: I have worked in the marketing services sectors for over 30 years evolving skills, solutions, and products over time from analogue to digital across multiple platforms. Throughout my career […]
  1. Shopper & Customer
The decision to close all its stores in 2020 could have been seen as a rare failure for beloved childrenswear brand Hanna Andersson. But instead, the 40-year-old company turned its new digital-first status into an opportunity to enhance the customer experience by: Transitioning store managers into online personal shoppers who offer one-on-one shopping and styling […]
  1. Technology & Innovation
  Is your company, your brand keeping up with consumers? Steven Johnson the Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® believes that in the fast-paced world of the restaurant industry, the role of the corporate team—especially the C-suite—has transformed dramatically over the past few decades. From a historically straightforward focus on operations and product […]
  1. Technology & Innovation
This video features a panel discussing how three leading retailers are maximizing store performance, including supporting digital channels, in today’s omnichannel retail landscape from Total Retail Tech 2024 in Charlotte, NC. Speakers include Scott Devlin, chief information officer, The Vitamin Shoppe; Matthew Matorin, vice president, store digital products and field training, Signet Jewelers; Jim Forester, […]
  1. Technology & Innovation
The rapid growth of digital commerce coupled with increasing consumer expectations for omnichannel shopping experiences has forced traditional brick-and-mortar retailers to re-evaluate the role of their physical storefronts in their business models going forward. In this clip from a panel discussion at Total Retail Tech 2024, three technology executives at leading retailers shared their approach […]
  1. Technology & Innovation
In an age of digital connectivity, it might seem counterintuitive that a physical object like a business card could still hold relevance. Yet, this simple piece of paper has evolved into a powerful tool capable of making a lasting impression.    Today’s business cards are more than contact information; they’re a gateway to a new […]
  1. Shopper & Customer
By Doug Stephens I can still recall reading Joseph Pine and James Gilmore’s seminal 1999 book The Experience Economy. Like so many of my colleagues in business at the time I believed wholeheartedly in the book’s central thesis –that the consumer economy had, until then, been about the sale of goods and services but that […]
  1. Technology & Innovation
We’re pleased to announce the shortlist for the 2024 RTIH Awards Most Promising Innovation category. We received a record number of submissions this year across 20+ categories and many fantastic examples of the continued resilience and dynamism of the retail space during hugely challenging times. It’s now over to our judging panel who will decide […]
  1. Media & Marketing
By Darren Cremins, Senior Sales Director – Retail Media and Connected Store, UK and Ireland, Scala The evolution of retail marketing has taken on many forms, but one of the most dynamic developments is the rise of in-store retail media. Some might see it as a glorified version of digital out of home (DOOH) advertising […]
  1. Shopper & Customer
In 2024, digital photography reshapes retail spaces in surprising ways. Most of us notice this change as businesses enhance customer experiences. Interactive displays capture attention with personalised product visuals. Customers, drawn to vibrant imagery, feel more connected to brands. This shift leads retailers to rethink store layouts and marketing strategies. New trends mean opportunities for […]
  1. Shopper & Customer
When Jennifer Hyman and Jenny Fleiss started Rent the Runway, they wanted to disrupt the fashion industry. Now, as the company’s 15th birthday nears, Hyman has unveiled her plans to “reinvigorate” the business heading into 2025 and beyond. But that means first reflecting on how much the company has changed, how much she has changed […]

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  1. Data & Insights
  2. Partnerships & Alt Profit
  3. Media & Marketing
  4. Data & Insights
  5. Shopper & Customer
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 […]
  1. Holiday & Events
  2. Holiday & Events
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 […]
  1. Trends & External Forces
  2. Data & Insights
  3. Technology & Innovation
  4. Trends & External Forces
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 […]
  1. Data & Insights
  2. Technology & Innovation
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 […]

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