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.


“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

“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 | 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...
“You can take something that was pure thought and you can make it reality (in Memoriam of Professional Skateboarder Marc Johnson: 1977-2026)” by Cole Nowicki via Simple Magic

“You can take something that was pure thought and you can make it reality (in Memoriam of Professional Skateboarder Marc Johnson: 1977-2026)” by Cole Nowicki via Simple Magic

by | May 29, 2026 | Industry, Legends, News, Opinion, Rest In Peace, Skateboard

Digital collage features screenshots from Transworld Skateboarding’s Modus Operandi Marc Johnson, a father, friend, mentor to many, and one of skateboarding’s most talented, creative, and influential practitioners, as well as one of its most unique and...
“Gen Alpha loves brick-and-mortar retail. Here’s what they want when they shop.” by Erin Cabrey via Retail Brew

“Gen Alpha loves brick-and-mortar retail. Here’s what they want when they shop.” by Erin Cabrey via Retail Brew

by | May 8, 2026 | Brick & Mortar, Customer Experience, Generations, News, Opinion, Predictions, Retail Strategy

Fly View Productions/Getty Images The generation craves in-person retail experiences much like Gen Z, but their experience growing up in virtual worlds have created unique expectations for in-store shopping. Just when it felt like we finally had a firm grip on what...