Most online retailers recognize the importance of artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies. In fact, more than four-fifths of e-commerce businesses report that they're either exploring or already using AI solutions to increase business success. Whether these companies use AI to maximum effect, however, depends on exactly how they integrate AI into their operations. Leveraging…
Relevance has historically underpinned much of e-commerce search and product discovery strategy. The saying goes, “Reach the right people in the right place at the right time,” and relevance is typically believed to be at the foundation of that objective, guiding retailers and brands as they aim to surface the right product in the right…
The return of in-store shopping post-pandemic has reminded customers of the value of a relevant, personalized experience. This convenience is something which e-commerce has struggled to replicate over the years — but it is something that's possible by leveraging first-party data. While we're more accustomed to the use of data in the early to mid-stages of…
For the last few years, retailers have been bracing for the economy to take another downturn. With talks of a recession looming and layoffs permeating nearly every industry, it’s important for retailers to understand how to protect their businesses and persevere through financial uncertainty. Fortunately, even if inflation continues to rise and spending drops off, consumers will still…
Specialty arts and crafts retailer Michaels is getting into the online marketplace game, announcing Monday it would feature a curated selection of third-party sellers and increase its U.S. online assortment by 750,000 SKUs. "The launch of Michaels’ curated marketplace for arts, crafts and décor is the next phase of our ongoing digital transformation to be…
The past few years have thrust digital shopping into the spotlight and it’s a trend that’s here to stay. The 2022 holiday season was no different, as shoppers continued to purchase online goods and gift cards for their loved ones, providing valuable insights on the emerging ways consumers are approaching gifting across channels. Retailers looking…
During the early 2000s, while the retail industry was getting battered by e-commerce, grocery stores were seemingly safe. Twenty years — and a pandemic — later, much has changed; e-commerce and delivery services have transformed grocery retail. Today, when consumers visit a store, they enter with much higher expectations. A convenient and smooth, seamless shopping…
It's no secret that the retail market is ever-changing; six months ago, consumers had different interests and markets faced different headwinds. To better combat the turbulence, in everything from logistics to loyalty, retailers have been turning to automation and artificial intelligence (AI) to receive support in handling orders, managing market insights into customer demographics, and…
In episode 390 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Bryan Anastasi, vice president of customer care and business solutions at Raymour & Flanigan, the largest furniture and mattress retailer in the Northeast and seventh largest nationwide. Anastasi provides an overview of the Raymour & Flanigan business (1:00), his role with the organization (1:40), and to what he…
Marketers see the value of data-driven marketing. The first steps towards data-driven marketing are easily made, but the journey towards complete data maturity is way tougher. There are certainly some speed bumps on the road to data-driven marketing success. It is worth it though. A recent study from McKinsey showed that fast-growing companies drive up…
