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.

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

by admin | Jun 10, 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...

“Why Specialty Retailers Are Adding The Beach Rooster To Their Shelves” by Maggie Raymond via TBR Blog

by Doug Works | Jun 8, 2026 | Associate Members, Brick & Mortar, News, Opinion, Product Reviews

A Sun Care Brand With Strong Shelf Appeal, Smart Repeat Sales Potential, And A Story Customers Connect With Not every sunscreen belongs in every store. Big-box SPF may work in a supermarket aisle, but independent surf, skate, wake, SUP, and outdoor retailers know...

“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...

“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 26, 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...

“Curate or Get Curated” by Rich Honiball via The Robin Report

by admin | May 21, 2026 | Apparel /Fashion, Brick & Mortar, Customer Experience, Merchandising, Opinion, Retail Strategy

We live in an age of abundance: more information, more options, more products, more channels, more noise. On the surface, this abundance appears to be a gift—greater access, freedom, and personalization. But beneath that promise lies a growing tension: complexity...

“How retailers can leverage their private label marketing advantage over national brands” by Erin Cabrey via Retail Boss

by admin | May 12, 2026 | Brick & Mortar, Customer Experience, Customer Loyalty, Private Label, Resources, Retail Strategy

Private label sales continue to grow, reaching a record $283 billion last year, with sales and unit volume growth outpacing those of national brands. While retailers are often selling private label products that are similar to, or even dupes of,...