Below you will find helpful and relevant articles that we carefully curate for the benefit of our B.R.A. Retail Members almost every day. Be sure to scroll through the most recent article or use the Search/Lookup feature to find topics and keywords related to articles that may help you to lower costs, increase margins or create more remarkable customer experiences.

“What About Brands?” by Jeff Harbaugh via JH & A Market Watch Blog

by admin | Sep 4, 2025 | Industry, News, Opinion, Resources

Many years ago, I wrote a Market Watch column on branding.  I opined that the importance of brands might be declining in the action sports world as products became reliable and similar.  My friend and, at that time, editor Sean O’Brien at Transworld thought...

“Foot Locker shareholders approve Dick’s Sporting Goods acquisition” by Cara Salpini via Retail Dive

by admin | Aug 31, 2025 | Brick & Mortar, Footwear, Industry, News, Retail Economy, Retail Strategy

A Foot Locker store in Chicago. The proposed acquisition would combine Foot Locker’s 2,400 stores with Dick’s Sporting Goods’ 800 or so. Kaarin Moore/Retail Dive Dick’s Sporting Goods said Tuesday the deal has received all regulatory approvals and should close...

“Retailers: In-Store Surveys Lie. Mystery Shops Don’t.” by Bob Phibbs via The Retail Doctor

by admin | Aug 27, 2025 | Brick & Mortar, Customer Experience, Customer Service, News, Resources, Retail Strategy, Sales Training

Your customer surveys are lying to you. I know that’s harsh, but it’s true. Those QR codes and website URLs printed on every receipt? The feedback they generate is about as reliable as asking your mother if she likes your cooking. Receipt surveys attract...

“Dale Webster, The Man Who Surfed For 14,641 Consecutive Days, Has Passed Away” by Cooper Gegan via The Inertia

by admin | Aug 14, 2025 | Community, Legends, News, Surf

In the history of the sport, there are few who have matched Dale Webster’s dedication to surfing. Known as “Daily Wavester” or “Everyday Dale,” he lived his life with a singular purpose: to maintain the longest streak of consecutive days surfed – a feat...

“Retailing and Partnering With Nonprofits: How to Start a Fundraising Program and Make a Difference” by Jon Biedermann via TR plus a list of BRA Community Partners (we suggest collaborating with at least one annually)

by admin | Aug 11, 2025 | BRA Community Partners, Community, Customer Experience, Customer Loyalty, Industry

How to Start a Fundraising Program and Make a Difference | Credit: Getty Images by Peter Dazeley In today’s world, retail companies are faced with intense competition and are constantly seeking ways to differentiate themselves from their competitors. One...