For all their virtues, a common complaint about customer data platforms (CDPs) and CRM systems is the prolonged training times that these technologies require in order to realize their benefits. The most valuable capabilities on these platforms are in many cases only accessible to those technicians that have acquired hard-won skills and mastered their complexities.…
Working with multiple systems, the growing threat of fraud, and the lack of visibility into data are the top three challenges finance professionals face with business payments. That’s according to the Strategic Treasurer 2022 Global Payments Survey of over 230 treasury and payments professionals. These challenges aren't surprising. The pandemic put the push to digitization…
According to Mastercard SpendingPulse, in-store sales are anticipated to increase 7.9 percent this holiday shopping season, with an estimated 4.2 percent increase in online sales. A survey by Deloitte predicts an even stronger e-commerce increase of between 12.8 percent and 14.3 percent. This growth points to an expected increase in shoppers contacting retailers for different…
Holiday sales are expected to grow 4 percent to 6 percent this year. However, inflation continues to be of concern for consumers, with 84 percent of shoppers looking to save money. Recent Sense360 by Medallia research on consumer behavior and spending reveals that shoppers are buying fewer products. However, for those companies that they do…
In episode 378 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Nathan Sanders, CEO of Brook Furniture Rental, an industry leader in home and office furniture rentals. Sanders discusses Brook Furniture Rental's recent expansion from its core B-to-B business into direct-to-consumer selling (0:52), how both consumer and business customers can order from the company (4:13), and…
We're doing business in interesting times, with retailers navigating tidal wave and drought-like conditions. With the pandemic in the rear-view mirror, inflation underway, and the 2022 holiday season upon us, how are small and midsize business (SMB) retailers faring? According to Verizon Business’ Third Annual State of Small Business Survey, retailers remain upbeat regarding their…
While the metaverse may not be widespread in retail just yet, there’s clear excitement among industry marketers about the new business opportunities it presents. This sentiment was made clear during a panel discussion that took place at this year's Total Retail Tech event.
For decades, the topic of sustainability was on the back burner for brands and retailers across their business models, networks of manufacturers, and supply chains. But now, that’s starting to change. Retailers in every sector are boosting their commitment to sustainability. For some brands, being environmentally friendly has been a core element of their DNA…
Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a global collaborative initiative that aims to raise awareness and help organizations to protect their sensitive data from increasing cyberattacks. With retailers beginning to harness a data-driven approach to provide personalized experiences and omnichannel strategies to boost sales, the retail sector has become one of the tempting targets for hackers. Ahead…
The last three holiday seasons have each been unique as the pandemic first roiled consumer behavior and then unleashed pent-up demand, all the while playing havoc with the economy. This year, with inflation rising and discretionary spending squeezed, retailers are already preparing for a slower holiday shopping season, and a new set of challenging dilemmas.…
