Retail
The current landscape of the retail supply chain has been in turmoil in recent years, with unexpected and disruptive challenges like the Suez and Panama Canal incidents, alongside the ongoing digitization struggles. Now, this volatile environment turns up critical questions about the resilience and adaptability of supply chains given unanticipated disruptions. With the retail […]
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Forever 21 Benefits From its Shein Strategic Partnership, But Shein Gets the Bigger Slice. Here’s Why.
In the retail fashion industry, strategic partnerships are key, especially in the fast fashion sector. A recent alliance between Shein, an emerging e-fashion giant, and Forever 21, a well-established brand, exemplifies this trend. This strategic partnership represents a significant shift in the global fashion industry. Shein, which began as a modest Chinese apparel merchant, […]
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Forever 21 & Shein Might Pull in Profits, But Their Business Models Are Incompatible in the Long-Term
The recent partnership between Forever 21 & Shein, a key event in retail fashion strategy, marks a pivotal moment in the industry, merging the traditional brick-and-mortar approach of Forever 21 with Shein’s fast-paced online retail model. This collaboration offers consumers an unprecedented blend of in-store experience and online variety, but it also raises significant questions […]
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The Forever 21 & Shein Partnership Makes Strategic Sense. It’s Still an Environmental Blight on the Retail Fashion Supply Chain.
The recent collaboration between Forever 21 and Shein marks a significant juncture in retail fashion, merging Forever 21’s established retail presence with Shein’s innovative direct-to-consumer model. This partnership, however, raises serious concerns about sustainable development and the environmental impact of fast fashion, known for its high carbon emissions and contribution to environmental degradation. The […]
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Retailers Should Reduce Their SKUs for a Healthier Supply Chain. Here’s Why.
In the current retail and consumer packaged goods (CPG) landscape, the industry faces significant challenges in maintaining a healthier supply chain. A 2023 Consumer Survey by O9 Solutions underscores this, revealing that over half of consumers have encountered product shortages, leading to a shift towards price-based purchasing over brand loyalty and reduced shopping due […]
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AI and Analytics are the Key to Supply Chain Resilience in B2B
In the ever-evolving realm of B2B commerce, a recent survey by o9 Solutions casts a revealing light on the fragility of supply chains in the face of global disruptions. With over half of consumers experiencing supply chain issues in the past year, leading to significant shifts in purchasing behaviors, B2B companies in the middle […]
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Are Supply Chain Disruptions Impacting Consumer Behavior? Inflation Could be the Bigger Culprit.
A recent survey by o9 Solutions reveals significant shifts in consumer behavior due to supply chain disruptions, with over half reporting direct impacts on purchasing habits. Amidst rising costs, many are halting purchases or seeking more cost-effective alternatives, signaling a critical moment for industries to reassess and innovate their supply chain strategies. In the […]
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Segmentation in Healthcare Cybersecurity Boils Down to Securing the Network and Protecting Patients
As healthcare institutions increasingly digitize their operations, the vulnerability of their networks to cyber breaches has highlighted the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures. A recent Experts Talk discussion on cybersecurity risks in healthcare explores the pivotal role of network segmentation in fortifying these efforts. With patient data and healthcare service continuity at stake, […]
Global Collaboration Drives Sustainable Maritime ESG Practices
Amidst the vast expanse of the maritime industry, a new wave is cresting—the wave of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) imperatives. From reducing carbon footprints to fostering social equity, maritime entities are grappling with the complexities of sustainability like never before. As the global focus sharpens on ESG practices, the maritime sector finds itself […]
Network Segmentation: The First Line of Defense in Healthcare’s Cybersecurity Battle
Recent cyberattacks, including a major incident at Change Healthcare, have highlighted severe vulnerabilities in healthcare systems, propelling cybersecurity to a critical concern across the industry. In particular, the lack of network segmentation has exposed healthcare infrastructure to increased risk, affecting essential services and compromising patient care. As healthcare institutions continue to integrate more digital […]
Investing in Water Quality: Florida Takes a Proactive Strategy for Sustainable Infrastructure
Amid a national conversation on infrastructure and environmental sustainability, Florida positions itself at the forefront with a significant financial commitment to investing in water quality. Governor Ron DeSantis’s recent announcement of a $1.5 billion investment, focusing heavily on the iconic Everglades Restoration Project, comes at a critical time. As Florida’s population continues to swell, […]
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Big Box Stores Redefine Retail with Spaces Blending Personalization, Technology, and Community Engagement
As the retail landscape continues to evolve, big box retailers are increasingly focusing on transforming their spaces to cater to the experience economy. This shift comes as studies reveal that consumers are seeking more than just products; they desire immersive experiences that enhance their shopping journeys. The integration of advanced technologies such as virtual […]
The Resurgence of Brick-and-Mortar Stores: One-of-a-kind Shopping Experiences Are Turning Customers into Brand Ambassadors
In the convenient world of e-commerce, big box stores are seeing a resurgence. Chains like Dick’s Sporting Goods, Walmart, and Target are experimenting with one-of-a-kind shopping experiences that can turn casual shoppers into loyal fans. In a recent Experts Talk roundtable, Allen Adamson, Co-Founder at Metaforce, highlighted how one-of-a-kind shopping experiences make for exciting […]
Revolutionize Customer Engagement Through Digital Augmentations in Physical Retail
The digital transformation of retail experiences in physical stores has become crucial as big-box retailers strive to maintain their relevance and competitive edge in a digital era. These retailers are embedding interactive features and digital augmentations in their physical locations to offer unique, engaging customer experiences. This approach merges the tactile allure of in-store […]
Enthusiastic and Trained Employees can Enhance Experiences and Drive Success in Physical Retail
In today’s retail landscape, big-box retailers are emphasizing the importance of their physical locations, even as the digital marketplace continues to expand. Stores like Dick’s Sporting Goods and Walmart are not just maintaining their brick-and-mortar presence but are actively enhancing it with features like interactive elements and new store openings. This reassertion of the […]
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Small Retailers are at the Forefront of Economic and Community Revival
As big-box retailers like Walmart and Target continue to expand their physical storefronts, small business retailers are carving out a niche by integrating deeply with their local communities. These local shops, unlike their gigantic counterparts, are leveraging their brick-and-mortar presence to enhance community ties and foster local economies. While large retailers invest in blending […]
American Freight’s Open-Box Approach Sets a New Standard in Retail Where Quality and Affordability Go Hand-in-Hand
As consumers increasingly seek out sustainable and value-driven shopping options, American Freight stands out with its distinctive approach to the retail market. By capitalizing on the trend towards open-box purchases and the demand for high-quality products at lower prices, this retailer is leading the charge. American Freight’s model of selling recertified returns at steep […]
Major Brands Are Investing in Generative AI for Digital Commerce. They Need to Prioritize Data Transparency to Build Consumer Trust.
In the rapidly evolving world of digital commerce, how can businesses harness the power of generative AI without crossing the ethical line of consumer privacy? Making best use of generative AI in digital commerce is proving a more difficult balancing act than the initial hype around tools like ChatGPT may have signaled. A […]
Creating Immersive Retail Experiences at SXSW: What’s the Future of Brand Engagement?
How can brands leverage theater-driven design to create immersive retail experiences that resonate with consumers? Melissa Gonzalez, Principal and Shareholder at MG2 Design and the host of Retail Refined, has illuminated this topic at SXSW (South by Southwest) 2024, highlighting the significance of engaging consumers through multiple touchpoints. “What do you stand for? Why […]
2024 Retail Refined
Loyalty in Retail: Mastercard is Shaping the Future of Retail by Creating Meaningful Connections with Customers
The retail space is heating up with innovation. Consumers are increasingly seeking personalized experiences and brands are harnessing the powers of new technologies and data to fulfill these demands like never before. In today’s episode of Retail Refined, host Melissa Gonzalez has partnered with Mastercard, a global leader in the solutions at the forefront […]
Stepping into the Future at Shoptalk 2024: Creating a Flagship Brand Experience with APL
The customers of today are no longer satisfied with mere products; they crave brands that provide immersive, distinctive, and tailored brand experiences. Athletic Propulsion Labs (APL) epitomizes this shift, setting a new standard in the luxury performance market with its innovative athletic footwear. APL’s newly opened flagship boutique in Soho, with its artisan plaster walls […]
Domino’s Leads the Pack in Digital Innovation by Embracing AI Across All Operations for Unmatched Efficiency
As technology continues to reshape the retail landscape, digital innovation, especially through artificial intelligence (AI), takes center stage. Its transformative power over store operations and customer experiences positions AI at the forefront of industry evolution, driving businesses to explore how these tools can refine efficiency, enhance personalization, and redefine the shopping experience. How can […]
AI Reshaping the Retail Industry One Personalized Experience at a Time
In the ever-evolving landscape of retail, the buzz around artificial intelligence (AI) is louder than ever. With the National Retail Federation (NRF) recently highlighting AI as a focal topic and its anticipated discussions at ShopTalk, it’s clear that AI is not just a trend but a transformative force reshaping the retail industry. This […]
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2024 Retail Refined
A Look Into MG2’s Sustainability Impact Report
When businesses invest in building strategies around a sustainability impact report, it’s a win-win for the environment, the company, and the community the business serves. The architecture and design industries face renewed pressure to innovate sustainably in an era marked by rapid environmental shifts and an escalating climate crisis. As businesses and individuals become […]
Unique In-Store Experiences Are Driving a Brick-And-Mortar Retail Resurgence
What’s behind the recent brick-and-mortar store resurgence? Could it be that big box stores recognize the one-of-a-kind shopping experiences that can occur in person? Finding unique ways to capitalize on those in-store experiences may lead to a brighter future for retail. Big box stores are reasserting the importance of their physical presence, continuing to […]
American Freight’s Open-Box Approach Sets a New Standard in Retail Where Quality and Affordability Go Hand-in-Hand
As consumers increasingly seek out sustainable and value-driven shopping options, American Freight stands out with its distinctive approach to the retail market. By capitalizing on the trend towards open-box purchases and the demand for high-quality products at lower prices, this retailer is leading the charge. American Freight’s model of selling recertified returns at steep […]
Loyalty in Retail: Mastercard is Shaping the Future of Retail by Creating Meaningful Connections with Customers
The retail space is heating up with innovation. Consumers are increasingly seeking personalized experiences and brands are harnessing the powers of new technologies and data to fulfill these demands like never before. In today’s episode of Retail Refined, host Melissa Gonzalez has partnered with Mastercard, a global leader in the solutions at the forefront […]
2024 Retail Refined
Stepping into the Future at Shoptalk 2024: Creating a Flagship Brand Experience with APL
The customers of today are no longer satisfied with mere products; they crave brands that provide immersive, distinctive, and tailored brand experiences. Athletic Propulsion Labs (APL) epitomizes this shift, setting a new standard in the luxury performance market with its innovative athletic footwear. APL’s newly opened flagship boutique in Soho, with its artisan plaster walls […]
Domino’s Leads the Pack in Digital Innovation by Embracing AI Across All Operations for Unmatched Efficiency
As technology continues to reshape the retail landscape, digital innovation, especially through artificial intelligence (AI), takes center stage. Its transformative power over store operations and customer experiences positions AI at the forefront of industry evolution, driving businesses to explore how these tools can refine efficiency, enhance personalization, and redefine the shopping experience. How can […]
AI Reshaping the Retail Industry One Personalized Experience at a Time
In the ever-evolving landscape of retail, the buzz around artificial intelligence (AI) is louder than ever. With the National Retail Federation (NRF) recently highlighting AI as a focal topic and its anticipated discussions at ShopTalk, it’s clear that AI is not just a trend but a transformative force reshaping the retail industry. This […]
Brand Trust and Authenticity: Two Essentials that Will Make AI a Valued Resource in the Unified Retail Experience
AI is quickly becoming a leading player in building a unified retail experience. However, that success hinges on retailers’ ability to use the technology to generate brand trust and authenticity. Without those elements, it’s just AI. On the latest episode of Retail Refined, host Melissa Gonzalez chats with Krystina Gustafson, Senior Vice President of […]
2024 Retail Refined
Unpacking the Future of Wellness and Retail in 2024
In the latest episode of Retail Refined, host Melissa Gonzalez peers inside the evolving world of wellness and retail in 2024. Joined by Jennifer Walsh, founder of Walk with Walsh, this episode offers a unique perspective on how wellness trends are reshaping the retail landscape. This episode of Retail Refined features an insightful discussion […]
Touchless Instant Checkout Perfectly Aligns with Consumer Desires, Offering the Ultimate Convenience and Seamless Shopping Experience
As retail evolves to meet modern consumer demands, Melissa Gonzalez, host of Retail Refined takes a deep dive into the game-changing impact of touchless instant checkout on traditional brick-and-mortar stores. This insightful discussion sheds light on the intersection of consumer preferences and innovative retail technology.
By Navigating Sustainability and Responsible Retail, Businesses Can Reach Better Ethical and Profit Achievements
The world is in an era where sustainability and responsible retail business practices are increasingly crucial. For the latest episode of “What Just Happened,” host Christine Russo further explored the hows and whys of this pressing issue by interviewing Cara Smyth, Global Senior Managing Director for ESG and Responsible Retail at Accenture, and Chair […]
GNC’s Omni-Channel Evolution From Brick and Mortar to Commerce Hub
The transformation from a traditional brick-and-mortar store to an integrated commerce hub is crucial in the fast-evolving retail landscape. GNC’s omni-channel evolution epitomizes this shift, blending in-person and digital experiences to meet the contemporary consumer’s demands. But what does this mean for the future of retail? “Retail Refined,” hosted by Melissa Gonzalez, welcomes Nate […]
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Staying Competitive in Retail: Future Success Tied to Adoption of Innovative Tech
In the rapidly evolving retail industry, a wide array of innovative tech is reshaping the landscape, marking a significant transformation in both the shopping experience and the operational aspects of businesses. This video from Datascan, explores a range of innovative technologies transforming the retail industry. It delves into the use of RFID for efficient […]
Closing the Loop: Our Sustainable Commitment to Circular Economy
This video focuses on EcoLOK4, a groundbreaking product by CONTROLTEK that exemplifies innovation in sustainability. It highlights the process of transforming landfill waste into new deposit bags, with 90% of each bag’s material being repurposed trash. This initiative not only reduces waste but also closes the sustainability loop, demonstrating CONTROLTEK’s commitment to environmentally friendly […]
CONTROLTEK’s Design Thinking Workshop with Rite Aid
The video showcases a dynamic workshop titled “CONTROLTEK Method of Design Thinking at Rite Aid,” highlighting the collaborative and innovative efforts between CONTROLTEK and Rite Aid teams. It features scenes of brainstorming, prototype development, and group discussions, emphasizing CONTROLTEK’s customer-centric approach to problem-solving and innovation in retail solutions. The workshop demonstrates how cross-functional teams […]
CONTROLTEK Design Thinking Workshop for Burlington Stores
The video captures highlights from the CONTROLTEK Design Thinking Workshop specifically tailored for Burlington Stores. It shows interactive sessions, engaging group activities, and innovative brainstorming, emphasizing CONTROLTEK’s commitment to developing customized retail solutions in collaboration with the Burlington Stores team.
Controltek
Enhancing Customer Value Through Innovation: The CONTROLTEK and Davis Bancorp Partnership
The collaboration between Davis Bancorp and CONTROLTEK is a shining example of how shared values and commitment can significantly enhance customer interests. This partnership is rooted in a strong foundation of similarities, with both entities being family-owned businesses that prioritize their people, property, and client service quality. CONTROLTEK’s approach is notably innovative and forward-looking. […]
NRF 2023
How Retailers are Revolutionizing Customer Experience with Cutting-Edge Holographic Technology
Retailers Need to Enhance Omnichannel Consumer Experience to Benefit
According to the National Retail Federation, almost 200 million consumers were shopping over Thanksgiving weekend. The NRF reports that “the total number of shoppers grew by nearly 17 million from 2021 and is the highest figure since NRF first started tracking this data in 2017”, this growth being in large part to the record-breaking […]
