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.

“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 17, 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...

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

by admin | Jun 13, 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...

“You can take something that was pure thought and you can make it reality (in Memoriam of Professional Skateboarder Marc Johnson: 1977-2026)” by Cole Nowicki via Simple Magic

by admin | Jun 6, 2026 | Industry, Legends, News, Opinion, Rest In Peace, Skateboard

Digital collage features screenshots from Transworld Skateboarding’s Modus Operandi Marc Johnson, a father, friend, mentor to many, and one of skateboarding’s most talented, creative, and influential practitioners, as well as one of its most unique and...

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

by admin | Jun 2, 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...

“BRA X Retail Smart Guys: Three Tweaks to Improve Cashlow Webinar” featuring Dan Jablons reposted via BRA YouTube Channel plus BRA Smart Retailer Scholarship opportunity extended

by admin | May 29, 2026 | Accounting and Business Services, Brick & Mortar, Data Driven Performance, Resources, Retail Strategy, Staffing

screenshot of Doug Works, Executive Director of BRA, and Dan Jablons, President of Retail Smart Guys Did you know that there are three small tweaks (just a 2% change) that you can make to significantly increase your bottom line? Watch this relevant and helpful webinar...