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The retail landscape is swiftly gearing up for its busiest time of year, punctuated by Black Friday and Cyber Monday (BFCM). New research paints a picture of an industry feeling the pressure, grappling with economic hurdles, data inconsistencies, and rising costs. Amidst global supply chain disruptions, fluctuating consumer demands and spending, the urgency for brands…

With the popularity of online shopping, it's critical for retail brands to have a strong online presence and make their products easily accessible. However, many consumers still prefer an in-store shopping experience. A dual approach capturing all retail channels allows brands to reach the widest possible audience of consumers. For retail brands, the concept of…

Engagement ring spending in the United States rose 9.2 percent in 2022 year-over-year, according to the latest data from The Wedding Report, and another 2 million-plus weddings are likely for 2023. As a result, there are going to be lots of young couples walking into jewelry stores with that gleam in their eyes, ready to…

Physical and digital retail have largely remained separate, with purchases made either offline or online. But consumer behaviors are changing; we scan QR codes in physical stores to make payments or learn more about a certain product; we use mobile apps to redeem offline discounts on our frequent purchases. And now, brands are increasingly embracing…

In a crowded school supply marketplace where consumers shop in-store and online, brands are trying many approaches to stand out from the competition. The most successful brands recognize the potential of omnichannel experiences in maximizing back-to-school sales. By seamlessly integrating online and offline channels, these brands create a cohesive, personalized shopping journey that engages consumers…

Parents sending their kids back to school are in no mood for shopping shenanigans this year. Shoppers who might tolerate long lines, high prices, and crowded parking lots have no patience for retailers that advertise products they then don’t have in stock. That's why many retailers use modern inventory data management tools to help ensure…

It’s true: American consumers love shopping online. But are they ready to abandon in-store shopping? Not anytime soon. Data from the popular traffic and navigation app Waze shows visits to retail locations are up significantly in 2023. What consumers really want is the best of both worlds. They want to blend digital and physical shopping…

Direct-to-consumer (DTC) businesses have been put through the ringer in recent years with unpredictability abound. Between supply chain disruptions, the rising costs of goods and services, and shipping delays due to global events like the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine War, many businesses have been struggling to survive. To further complicate business operations, consumer spending…

A compelling and engaging omnichannel strategy is critical to garnering customer acquisition and loyalty — something most retailers and brands are well aware of by now. A consistent brand experience both in-store and online ensures strong digital and foot traffic, while promoting a brand reputation that’s reliable and consistent. There are plenty of examples of a…

Discerning consumers expect more from their online shopping experiences, especially during the busy holiday season when timely delivery, readily available products, and seamless checkout and return policies are more important than ever. In fact, the holiday season is often a “make or break” time for most retailers, particularly smaller ones eager to make a big…

The rise of e-commerce within the last two decades and — more recently — the COVID-19 pandemic has undeniably reshaped the retail landscape. However, contrary to the narrative of the death of brick-and-mortar stores, physical retail continues to play a significant role in the consumer market. The key to understanding this lies in the concept of…

With increasing pressure to move e-commerce goods faster while reducing costs, combined with strained labor markets, the allure of automation technology is clear — get more done with less pressure on your warehouse staff. Not all automation is created equal, however, these tools — from autonomous mobile robots and automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS)…

It’s no surprise that starting preparations for the upcoming peak season immediately after the last is the surest way for retailers to see peak season success. However, this is often easier said than done. Ongoing economic turmoil and supply chain pressures continue to force brands big and small to focus on the here and now, often leaving little room…

In today's artificial intelligence-driven era, AI has become the go-to buzzword across industries. Retail is no exception, with a growing list of AI-based applications promising to revolutionize the way retailers operate. ShopMate, for example, uses AI to generate customizable shopping suggestions for e-commerce, personalizing the shopping experience for each customer. Branchbob.ai, an AI-powered platform, enables…

Rather than make readers wait for the punchline, I want to lead with the fact that the 2023 back-to-school shopping experience will be omnichannel. According to data from Nielsen IQ, 41 percent of consumers are planning on an omnichannel shopping experience for back-to-school, while 35 percent will be buying in physical stores, and 25 percent…

Retail media networks (RMNs) are expanding rapidly, and retailers of all sizes are joining the race, offering ad placements on an ever-widening variety of channels. The opportunity here is enormous, as these ads are shown to people who are already looking to make purchases — which isn't necessarily the case when compared to ads on…

The term “omnichannel” became more than a buzzword in the retail space when the pandemic forced countless store owners to enable new avenues for customer interaction as quickly as possible. At first, the term simply entailed a retailer's ability to support a variety of purchasing channels, whether they be online, on social media, or in…

NAPCO Research, in conjunction with Blackhawk Network, conducted a comprehensive review of the state of merchants’ gift card programs in three markets: Australia, United Kingdom, United States. The 2023 review included an assessment of retailers’ e-commerce/digital, mobile, and in-store gift card offerings, providing an omnicommerce view into the consumer gift card purchase and recipient experience. After…

By the end of 2023, 20.8 percent of retail purchases are expected to occur online.  Experts predict that number will grow to 24 percent by 2026. On the logistics and supply chain management side, it means more customers will continue to expect top-notch service from click to doorstep. Efficiency is key to the success of any warehouse operation when it comes to order fulfilment. With the rapid advancement of technology globally, warehouses have access to a wide…

The recently released 2023 Merchant Gift Card Omnicommerce Evaluation, Australia Edition, a comprehensive report produced by NAPCO Research in conjunction with sponsor partner Blackhawk Network, features an assessment of retailers’ e-commerce/digital, mobile, and in-store gift card offerings. The report seeks to provide an omnicommerce view into the consumer gift card purchase and recipient experience. The full report can…