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.

“A SIT DOWN WITH DOUG WORKS (BRA Executive Director) at CARV EXPO” by Berto via Frank 151

by admin | Jun 16, 2026 | Brick & Mortar, Industry, News, Opinion, Resources, Retail Strategy, Trade Shows

Trade shows are an integral part of the industry. Any industry. At their core, they are about brands meeting and greeting retailers in a structured environment. That’s what it’s all about, isn’t it? The problem, especially in this decade, has been the disconnect...

“The State of Stores” by RB Staff via Retail Brew

by admin | Jun 13, 2026 | Brick & Mortar, Customer Experience, News, Opinion, Predictions, Retail Economy

The death of the physical store was exaggerated. Nearly 78% of retailers report moderate or significant in-store investment, and with more than 5,000 store openings forecast for 2026 (Coresight Research), this isn’t a boom. It’s a recalibration. What’s...

“5 Visual Merchandising Tactics That Lift Conversion” by Bob Phibbs via The Retail Doctor Blog

by admin | Jun 10, 2026 | Brick & Mortar, Customer Experience, Merchandising, Opinion, Resources, Story Telling

Brazil’s biggest retailer built an AI avatar from scratch and put her on the cover of Vogue Brasil.Her name is Lu. She started as a mascot for Magazine Luiza, grew into 30 million followers, and has since worked with Adidas, Samsung, and McDonald’s. Magalu...

“CARV Expo Returns Bigger in Year Two” by Evan Shoda via CE Blog

by admin | Jun 8, 2026 | Brick & Mortar, Industry, News, Resources, Skateboard, Surf, Trade Shows

More brands on the floor and more buyers in the room as the West Coast’s only surf, action sports, outdoor adventure, and coastal lifestyle trade show builds on its San Diego debut. ALPHARETTA, GA — June 4, 2026 — CARV Expo wrapped its second edition at the San Diego...

“Retailers’ Ace in the Hole Was Product Knowledge – in the 1950s. Here’s What It Has to Be in 2026.” by Bob Phibbs via The Retail Doctor blog

by admin | Jun 1, 2026 | Brick & Mortar, Customer Experience, Industry, News, Opinion, Resources, Sales Training

Product knowledge was a legitimate competitive edge when customers had no other way to get it. That world ended decades ago. Today’s customer walks in already researched. The retailers winning in 2026 aren’t the ones with the most knowledgeable associates...