Technology

A Retail Executive's Guide to Optimizing Inventory in an Era of Volatility
April 21, 2025 at 8:51 am

In today's volatile and uncertain business environment, retail supply chain executives face numerous challenges in optimizing inventory and making intelligent supply chain decisions. The ever-changing supply chain management landscape requires agility, strategic planning, and the integration of advanced technologies to stay competitive and meet evolving consumer expectations. Define Your Supply Chain Aspirations Identifying your supply…

The Transformative Impact of Automated Scheduling
April 14, 2025 at 9:52 am

Are we still leaving hourly workers behind? According to recent research, workplace dissatisfaction is on the rise among the hourly workforce and, unsurprisingly, inflexible scheduling is a primary contributing factor. The same survey found that while 81 percent of salaried workers are satisfied with their flexible work options, just 67 percent of hourly employees report…

Transforming Lead Time Management With Machine Learning
April 14, 2025 at 8:37 am

The impact of lead time variability on supply chain management is a critical factor impacting operational efficiency, cost management and service delivery. Lead time is used in inventory management, production scheduling, order fulfillment and supplier management. It also involves decisions that determine optimal inventory levels, when to place orders and how much to order, stocking policy,…

The Advancements of Retail Tech in 2025
March 10, 2025 at 11:46 am

Technology has been helping to shape the retail sector for years. However, in 2025 we’ll see that impact soar as developments become more advanced and arrive faster than ever. The most significant changes will stem from the need to streamline basic processes, like tracking point-of-sale (POS) activations, along with a desire to harness new technology…

How EX, CX and AI Are Joining Forces to Redefine Shopping Experiences
March 5, 2025 at 6:58 pm

The average U.S. household currently spends $9,343 a year on groceries — 27 percent more than in 2020. With costs rising, it’s no surprise that consumers are rethinking the value equation, and grocers are facing mounting pressure to deliver better customer experiences while managing slim profit margins. The result is a keener focus on driving…

The New Role of the CIO
February 24, 2025 at 8:20 pm

Over the last two decades, the channels where commerce occurs have expanded and blurred as consumer expectations have soared. Along the way, retailers that once only needed to build and maintain software for manufacturing and inventory management have found themselves responsible for building consumer-facing technologies to support e-commerce, marketing, mobile, loyalty, fulfillment, real-time inventory tracking,…

Transforming In-Store Experiences With Modern Queue Management
February 24, 2025 at 5:05 pm

The retail industry is undergoing a major shift. As consumers return to physical stores, they bring expectations shaped by e-commerce’s speed and convenience. Brick-and-mortar stores are no longer just for transactions; they’re now key spaces for brand loyalty, customer engagement, and personalized experiences. However, one pain point remains: waiting in line. A 2023 PwC study…

Digital Innovation is Core to Mondelēz's Growth Strategy
February 17, 2025 at 5:08 pm

In episode 475 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Kostas Georgakopoulos, chief technology officer and chief information security officer at Mondelēz International, one of the largest snack companies in the world offering iconic global and local brands in over 150 countries. Listen in as Georgakopoulos describes the Mondelēz organization and his role (1:40),…