Today on Total Retail

Since great store design starts with customer experience, I’ll start there. I went into a popular electronics store for an Apple Watch. There were only two to see. Both were tethered to a “wrist loop” so you could “try them on” by slipping your wrist through the plastic loop that held the watch. So, I…

In this bonus episode of Total Retail Talks, Total Retail's Digital Content Director Kristina Stidham and Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan discuss the recently released 2023 Retail Technology Report. This annual report, which was produced in conjunction with retail point-of-sale and omnichannel platform KWI, features survey data from Total Retail’s audience of technology decision makers about their companies’ current…

Venmo users who regularly use the app to gift money can now do so with an accompanying physical Hallmark card, the two companies announced Wednesday. In a first-of-its-kind collaboration, the PayPal-owned digital payment platform Venmo and the greeting card company Hallmark are giving customers a new, unique way of giving gifts. Here's how it works:…

e.l.f. Beauty has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Naturium, a fast-growing, high performance skin care brand for $355 million in a combination of cash and stock, the company announced Tuesday. The deal is expected to double e.l.f. Beauty’s presence in skin care to approximately 18 percent of retail sales. The transaction, which is subject…

In the ever-evolving landscape of retail, one trend has resurfaced with undeniable force: the return of brick-and-mortar stores. In fact, this trend presents a unique opportunity for retailers to thrive in an increasingly digital world. The fusion of physical and online shopping experiences isn't just a renaissance for traditional retail; it's a dynamic and unprecedented…

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming various industries, and e-commerce is no exception. The advent of AI technologies is leading to a seismic shift in the way e-commerce businesses operate and engage with their customers. Early adopters stand to gain a significant competitive advantage, while those that lag behind risk losing market share. This article…

As environmental social governance (ESG) grows higher on the agenda for many organizations, fulfilling a moral obligation to consumers is fast becoming a necessity for brand success. And with greenwashing accusations now commonplace, businesses’ ESG programs must go beyond simply ensuring ethical supply chains and using sustainable materials. To avoid irreversible damage to reputation and consumer…

After a long, relaxing summer, it’s time for students around the U.S. to begin preparations for a return to school. While this time of the year may not be a favorite for students, it’s certainly enjoyed by online fraudsters who look to exploit the occasion for their own gains. That’s why "back to school" fraud…

Walmart announced last week that it's teaming up with Wing, an on-demand drone delivery provider powered by Google’s parent company, Alphabet, to offer drone delivery from two stores in the Dallas metro area in the coming months. The move will enable the retail giant to deliver products to an additional 60,000 homes in under 30…

In episode 416 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Deanna Hernandez, senior manager of digital offers and loyalty at McDonald's, the leading global foodservice retailer. Hernandez discusses her role and responsibilities (0:43), how McDonald's is evolving to match consumers' changing digital behaviors (1:40), and how digital engagement results in more loyal customers for…