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.

“What About Brands?” by Jeff Harbaugh via JH & A Market Watch Blog

by admin | Sep 4, 2025 | Industry, News, Opinion, Resources

Many years ago, I wrote a Market Watch column on branding.  I opined that the importance of brands might be declining in the action sports world as products became reliable and similar.  My friend and, at that time, editor Sean O’Brien at Transworld thought...

“Foot Locker shareholders approve Dick’s Sporting Goods acquisition” by Cara Salpini via Retail Dive

by admin | Aug 31, 2025 | Brick & Mortar, Footwear, Industry, News, Retail Economy, Retail Strategy

A Foot Locker store in Chicago. The proposed acquisition would combine Foot Locker’s 2,400 stores with Dick’s Sporting Goods’ 800 or so. Kaarin Moore/Retail Dive Dick’s Sporting Goods said Tuesday the deal has received all regulatory approvals and should close...

“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...

“Wholesale Isn’t Dead, It’s Revitalizing Growth” by Shelley E. Kohan via The Robin Report

by admin | Jul 19, 2025 | Brick & Mortar, DTC, Industry, News, Opinion, Retail Economy, Retail Strategy, Retail Technologies

The traditional wholesale model isn’t dying—it’s evolving into something far more strategic and profitable than many executives realize. The widespread belief that direct-to-consumer channels automatically deliver superior margins is a myth. Successful brands are...

“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...