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.

“Smart Tariff Navigation: 5 Customer-Focused Tips for Retailers” by Joy Taylor via Total Retail

by admin | May 20, 2025 | Brick & Mortar, Governmental Affairs, News, Predictions, Retail Economy, Retail Strategy, Tariffs

Credit: Getty Images by MoMo Productions Retail is experiencing a spending surge as consumers shop ahead of the looming tariff enactment dates. While this provides a welcome sales boost, retailers need to prepare for potential spending slowdowns that will occur should...

“75 Things Retail Employees Can Do When They’re Not Busy” by Bob Phibbs via The Retail Doctor Blog

by admin | May 12, 2025 | Brick & Mortar, HR, Resources, Retail Strategy, Sales Training

Your payroll is still running even when the floor is empty. Here’s how to make every minute count. Originally, I shared just 50 of these ideas. The response was so strong, I decided recently to expand it. Now there are 75 ways your employees can stay sharp,...

“Opinion: Surf Shop Day Highlights Importance of Shops in Surf Culture” by Vipe Desai and Mike Vavak via Shop Eat Surf X Outdoor

by admin | May 10, 2025 | BRA Community Partners, Brick & Mortar, Community, Industry, News, Opinion, Surf

Retailers showing support for the upcoming Surf Shop Day on May 17. Photos courtesy of SIMA. Surf Shop Day came from a casual chat between Mike Vavak, founder of Building The Revolution, and a friend. The two started brainstorming about a surf alternative to...

“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...

“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...