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.

“Why small businesses must go narrow (extremely narrow) to survive – The path to success runs through radical specialization” by Faisel Hoque via Fast Company

by admin | Dec 15, 2025 | Customer Experience, Customer Loyalty, News, Opinion, Resources, Retail Strategy

A few blocks from my home sits a small Japanese grocery store that has been in the neighborhood for years. It’s the kind of place that once felt irreplaceable—carefully sourced ingredients, shelves stocked with items I couldn’t find in mainstream supermarkets, and an...

“Your Best Customers Are Forgetting You (While You Send More Emails)” by Bob Phibbs via The Retail Doctor Blog

by admin | Sep 23, 2025 | Customer Experience, Customer Loyalty, Customer Service, Direct Mail, Resources, Retail Strategy, Sales Training

Customer acquisition costs are up 38%, while retention rates keep sliding. Your marketing budget is working harder and delivering less. Your best customer hasn’t walked through the door in three months. Meanwhile, you’re on your 17th email blast… and they forgot about...

“Retailing and Partnering With Nonprofits: How to Start a Fundraising Program and Make a Difference” by Jon Biedermann via TR plus a list of BRA Community Partners (we suggest collaborating with at least one annually)

by admin | Aug 11, 2025 | BRA Community Partners, Community, Customer Experience, Customer Loyalty, Industry

How to Start a Fundraising Program and Make a Difference | Credit: Getty Images by Peter Dazeley In today’s world, retail companies are faced with intense competition and are constantly seeking ways to differentiate themselves from their competitors. One...

“Can You Read a Customer in 30 Seconds? – take the quiz” by Bob Phibbs via The Retail Doctor blog

by admin | Jun 23, 2025 | Brick & Mortar, Consumer Behavior, Customer Experience, Customer Loyalty, HR, Opinion, Resources, Sales Training

Take our Retail Personality Styles Quiz to discover how you show up—and how to flex your style to sell more. Why This Quiz Matters Some associates connect instantly. Others lose the sale before “hello.”The difference? Knowing how to read personalities—and...

“3 Ways Retailers Can Capitalize on Holiday Sales” by Amber Hovious via Total Retail

by admin | Dec 11, 2024 | Brick & Mortar, Customer Experience, Customer Loyalty, Customer Service, Data Driven Performance, Holiday, Omnichannel, Resources, Retail Strategy, Retail Technologies

Credit: Getty Images by zeljkosantrac It’s that time of the year when sales take on new horizons and retailers have the opportunity to capitalize on fresh consumer enthusiasm during the holiday season. The festive period is here, and retailers must prepare and refine...

“Rising Retail Pricing Pressures Mandate an Elevated Emphasis on Cost Reduction Strategies” by Ryan Swiderski via Total Retail

by admin | Aug 14, 2024 | Brick & Mortar, Customer Experience, Customer Loyalty, Data Driven Performance, E-Commerce, Opinion, Retail Economy, Retail Strategy

Credit: Getty Images by vittaya25 Despite recent progress in reducing inflation, prices are still high and consumers remain under pressure. Excess savings accumulated during the pandemic have been depleted for a substantial part of the population and credit card...