In-Store Technology

Mobile First for 2019: Insights and Predictions From Retail's Big Show
April 4, 2019 at 9:59 am

Let’s be real: the state of brick-and-mortar retail in 2019 is equally exciting and terrifying. Amid widespread closures, uncertainty and the ever-present behemoth that is Amazon.com, there's an amazing wave of innovation in mobility that has the potential to transform — and yes, save — the retail experience for a new generation of consumers used…

How Analytics is Reinvigorating Retail
April 3, 2019 at 12:13 pm

Since the mid 1990s when Jeff Bezos founded Amazon.com to sell books online, and Pierre Omidyar created eBay — enabling everyone to sell everything — new business models have threatened to destroy the traditional retail economy. To remain successful, brick-and-mortar retailers must offer personalized and deeper online and in-store customer buying experiences. How? By harnessing…

Touchscreens Bring Endless Aisle to California Closets’ Showrooms
April 1, 2019 at 11:52 am

In episode 189 of Total Retail Talks, Executive Editor Joe Keenan interviews Lisa Gold, director of showroom design at California Closets, a global custom storage manufacturer and retailer. Listen in as they discuss California Closets work with partner Elo to bring digital signage to its showrooms, how these touchscreens have helped customers access California Closet’s endless…

3 Innovations From Nordstrom to Inspire Your 2019 Retail Strategy
March 20, 2019 at 12:52 pm

This past year, Lord & Taylor announced it would close its flagship store in New York City, as well as 10 of its other retail locations through 2019. While many long-established retailers have struggled to keep up in an increasingly omnichannel retail environment, the announcement still came as a surprise for many people as the…

3 Tips for Creating Effective Experiential Retail
March 19, 2019 at 10:24 am

Recently, we’ve witnessed many retailers respond to a decrease in foot traffic with attempts to make their brick-and-mortar shops more flashy and fun. A good idea on the surface, unfortunately, plenty of them miss the mark when it comes to brand authenticity. The most popular fad of 2018, Instagram selfie backdrops, may have made a…

The Power of Experiential Retail Marketing
March 13, 2019 at 12:00 pm

Contrary to naysayers, I think it’s safe to say that we’re beyond the hotly debated and anticipated "retail apocalypse." However, tech-resistant brands that refuse to innovate still have the potential to be left behind. Those poised to survive (and thrive) in today’s retail marketplace are the retailers that embrace innovation and continuously engage customers in…

3 Ways Malls and Retailers Can Win With Diverse Shopping Experiences
February 27, 2019 at 9:22 am

Mall tenants stand at a turning point in the retail industry: evolve and thrive, or stand to be replaced with a quicker shopping experience online. While The Wall Street Journal reports that 9.1 percent of malls stand vacant — a seven-year high — Class A malls that are transforming are thriving. Culturally, younger generations are…

Shelf-Scanning Robot Improves In-Store Operations for Schnucks Markets
February 25, 2019 at 2:45 pm

In episode 184 of Total Retail Talks, Executive Editor Joe Keenan interviews Dave Steck, vice president of IT — infrastructure and application development at Schnucks Markets, a Missouri-based supermarket chain. Listen in as Steck discusses the grocer's partnership with Simbe Robotics and its use of autonomous shelf-scanning robot, Tally, to improve in-store operations and inventory management.