In this episode of Retail Right Now, Total Retail's Joe Keenan and Kristina Stidham discuss a recently released report from NAPCO Research and Blackhawk Network, 2024 Digital Gift Card Leaders, U.S. Edition. This seventh annual report is the market-leading resource on the gift card industry. The comprehensive benchmark study offers readers a thorough assessment of…

Retail sales grew modestly from the month before in April, but a shift in the timing of Easter appeared to be behind a slight year-over-year decline, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor, powered by Affinity Solutions, released today by the National Retail Federation (NRF). Total retail sales, excluding automobiles and gasoline, were up 0.26 percent seasonally…

Keeping up with nanosecond social media trends is a never-ending challenge for retail brands and shoppers. In addition to responding to these fast-paced microtrends, merchandisers face increased pressure to incorporate cutting-edge personalization techniques that drive authentic shopping experiences and cultivate brand loyalty. So, what’s the answer to remaining innovative and on-trend in 2024? According to…

As the retail industry has increasingly shifted to digital technology, transitioning from traditional brick-and-mortar stores to online platforms, consumers have changed both where and how they shop. Augmented reality apps allow customers to visualize products in their homes before purchasing, and retailers use artificial intelligence-driven recommendations to tailor suggestions to individual tastes. The integration of…

Let’s be honest: Who doesn’t love snagging a new coat for 25 percent off? Consumers expect promotions from retailers — it’s a market reality exacerbated by the current economy. However, brands trying to maintain reputations and margins can’t pin their entire sales strategy on promotions. In addition to cutting into margins, perpetual sales promotions negatively…