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.

“HOW WILL TARIFFS AFFECT THE SKATE INDUSTRY?” by Ian Michna via Jenkem Mag

by admin | May 6, 2025 | Brick & Mortar, Industry, News, Retail Economy, Skateboard, Tariffs

There’s been a lot of speculation about the exact effects of the latest tariff (145%) on Chinese goods. And while we’re sure every at-home economist likely has a few valid points, we wanted to hear directly from the people actually making and selling skateboards about...

“Tariffs Threaten the American Dream (The Impact of Tariffs on Small Businesses and Consumers) via National Retail Federation (NRF) Blog

by admin | May 4, 2025 | Brick & Mortar, Governmental Affairs, News, Predictions, Retail Strategy, Shipping, Tariffs

Small businesses, which make up 98% of retailers and support more than 13 million American jobs, are particularly vulnerable. Owning a small business embodies the ideals of freedom and opportunity that are central to the American Dream. However, tariffs jeopardize the...

“From Family Legacy to Modern Success: The Island Water Sports Story” by Cheyne Cottrell (Co-Owner of Island Water Sports) via Trackfly blog

by admin | May 2, 2025 | Brick & Mortar, Community, News, Retail Strategy, Retail Technologies, Surf

Hi, I’m Cheyne Cottrell, General Manager and Co-Owner of Island Water Sports. My family has been riding the waves of the surf retail industry since 1977. This is my short story of how we navigated decades of challenges and expanded into new opportunities. I’ve also...

“7 Critical Service Failures Driving Customers Away (And How Training Solves Them)” by Bob Phibbs via The Retail Doctor blog

by admin | Apr 28, 2025 | Brick & Mortar, Customer Experience, Customer Service, HR, Opinion, Resources, Retail Strategy, Sales Training

The scene plays out in one of America’s most prestigious department stores: A customer looking to purchase a high-end coat walks the sales floor for 15 minutes. During that time, not a single employee acknowledges him. Some are busy with their phones; others are...

“How to Level the Technology Playing Field for Brick-and-Mortar Retail” by Kal Amin via Total Retail

by admin | Apr 20, 2025 | Artificial Intelligence / CHAT GPT, Brick & Mortar, News, Resources, Retail Strategy, Retail Technologies, Reviews

Credit: Getty Images by MoMo Productions Competing in the tech-saturated business landscape is easier than you might think Industries are rapidly adopting artificial intelligence. Today, 83 percent of companies are prioritizing AI in their business plans,...

“Why industry data is important for specialty retailers plus insightful interview with George Leichtweis (BRA Chairman and Owner of Modern Skate & Surf)” via Trackfly blog

by admin | Apr 16, 2025 | Brick & Mortar, Distinguished Retail Members, Legends, Resources, Retail History, Retail Strategy, Retail Technologies

Push play to listen to this insightful interview of George The begining of Modern Skate and Surf MARK‍‍George, could you tell me a little bit about the history of Modern Skate and Surf, you’ve been around since 1979 is that right? GEORGEThat’s correct. I...